Donner Party Historical Tour: Experience Western Migration Hardships
4.6
9 Ratings
Reno
Experience the hardships of the Donner Party and the rich historical importance of the western migration. Relive the trials and struggles of early pioneers on this immersive historical tour.
Duration: 5 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Sierra Adventures - A Scenic Tour through the Riverwalk District, including Historical Buildings, Shops and Historic Markers.
  • Nevada Historical Society - An introduction of the origin of Reno, Ghost Towns, The Sierra Mountains, Donner Pass, The Donner Party, The Transcontinental Rail Road and Lake Tahoe.
What's Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off included for your convenience
  • Stay hydrated with complimentary bottled water
  • Enjoy snacks on the go
  • Knowledgeable driver/guide to enhance your tour experience
  • Includes any landing and/or facility fees
  • Selection of beverages to quench your thirst
  • Comfortable journey in a private vehicle
  • Alcoholic beverages available
Additional Information

The westward migration is most notably marred by the notorious Donner Party tragedy. Plunge into the narrative, experiencing firsthand the ill-starred endeavors of the Donner Party and their historical significance in this region. Relive the struggles and challenges confronted by the early settlers as they forged the path westward to California during the Gold Rush of 1849 and the Silver Comstock Load of 1859. Trace their journey westward via the Immigrant Trail, the Transcontinental Railroad, and the Lincoln Hwy, all of which traversed through the Nevada Territory, Reno, and the Sierras.

  • A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Location
Sierra Adventures
11 N Sierra St, Suite 101
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(9 Ratings)
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Theresa_v
Mar 22, 2024
Great Tour - Our guide was very informative, he stopped along the way for photos. He was an excellent driver, we felt comfortable with him.
Review provided by Viator
Wanda
Sep 17, 2023
Great Day Trip - Great day trip! Our guide really knew the area and was very personable. We would recommend this to everyone. Beautiful scenery and history of the area was interesting.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michelle
Mar 7, 2020
What a great tour! - We thoroughly enjoyed this tour. Our tour guide, Jim, was so friendly and extremely informative. He literally knew everything and was able to answer any question we'r threw his way. The scenery throughout was absolutely breathtaking. Awesome experience all the way around.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cawooagee
Jan 17, 2020
Great tour even in a white-out snowstorm - Jim was our tour guide and he did a great job showing off the towns we visited and added history and interesting tales that even entertained my 15 year-old son. He also politely obliged two old ladies who wanted to continue to go sightseeing in the storm while the snow was coming down heavy and fast from Donner Pass to Squaw valley to Tahoe. Will happily do the tour again when weather is picture perfect . Jim is a great driver and knew all the best stopping points.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alibug
Aug 4, 2019
Incredibly Informative - Jim was our guide and he was incredibly informative of the trail. My husband and I were the only ones taking the tour this day. Jim provided snacks and beverages. We drove along the trail getting the best idea of what a horrific journey this must have been for these folks. We also tour through the museum and then around Lake Tahoe stopping a couple of times to enjoy this gorgeous lake surrounded by those majestic mountains. We had a pinch in our time and Jim was very accommodating with our schedule and we were very appreciative. I highly recommend this tour. It's rich in history, the scenery is unbelievable, and it's a great way to take in just a bit of America's incredible making.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mick-glasgowky
Jul 3, 2019
Beautiful Scenery, Historically Accurate - Bill did an excellent job from start to finish. We got a nice city tour of Reno before we proceeded to the route of the ill fated Donner party trail. Then on to the Lake Tahoe area. We made several stops to take in the magnificent views and there was a stop at the Donner Memorial State Park and monument. There is a small museum there where we learned more about the Donner party. All in all I would recommend this tour to anyone. Thanks Bill
Review provided by Tripadvisor
William_h
Aug 13, 2020
Informative - The driver needs to use a headset com to communicate with the passengers. We missed part of the information
Review provided by Viator
Barbara
Mar 16, 2022
Tedious “tour” - The tour consisted of sitting in a cramped suv and driving around to various locations and true guide attempting to point things out through back windows which don’t go down all the way and need cleaned. Sooooo much time driving in silence. He stopped 4 places. The Donner party state site; he had to stay with his vehicle so we walked around alone. One part of Lake Tahoe (he again stayed with his car) and luckily a passerby took a photo. At Donner Lake and another part of Lake Tahoe he got out and took our photo with my phone (nothing particularly impressive.) The 3rd row in the suv had no idea what he was pointing to and he couldn’t hear any of their questions. For $1000 I expected a tour bus, a guide that actually interacted the entire time, and a memorable experience. Instead we sat in the back of his suv and my kids played on their phones. Major disappointment.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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minimum 2 guests
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2 Adult
May 2024
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