Donner Summit Auto Tour
Along with its wealth of outdoor adventure, the Sierra Nevada is home to an abundance of rich history. Donner Summit takes center stage, showcasing how these mountains posed a formidable challenge to cross. They not only offered access to wealth to emigrants from the eastern U.S., but they also played a pivotal role in the birth of conservation. Fully immerse yourself in the Sierra Nevada’s fascinating history by embarking on an auto tour along ‘Old Highway 40’ and discovering the 20 Mile Outdoor Museum.
What is the 20 Mile Outdoor Museum?
While many museums are housed within buildings, the 20 Mile Outdoor Museum offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the actual locations where the history unfolded. Positioned along one of the nation’s most scenic byways, this museum comprises dozens of interpretive signs — originally along twenty miles of Donner Pass Road, but now much more.
Photo by Andrew Sterling
What To Expect
Before interstates crisscrossed America, the historic Lincoln Highway — inaugurated in 1913 — was the first automobile road to stretch across the entire width of the United States. The 20 Mile Outdoor Museum now extends from downtown Truckee to Auburn along that route. It is widely regarded as one of the most scenic drives not only in California but in the entire country.
Along the route, each 20 Mile Outdoor Museum sign tells a story from Donner Summit’s colorful history such as:
- Harvesting some of the finest ice in the West
- The Transcontinental Railroad
- Pioneers And Wagon Trains
- The history of skiing on Donner Summit
And much more!
Photo by Jeremy Stewart
Where To Start
Tap into a treasure trove of regional information provided by the Donner Summit Historical Society. Get a head start on the 20 Mile Outdoor Museum by printing the DSHS 2 page guide. The guide highlights each of the stops in the 20 Mile Museum. It provides information on local history that you can read along the way. For an immersive experience, consider dividing your visit over two days. This will allow you more time to appreciate both the scenic beauty and rich history Donner Summit has to offer. For more information about the history of the region you can dive deeper into the Donner Summit Historical Society.
How To Finish
Once you’re finished, reward yourself with a slice of homemade pie from Donner Ski Ranch’s Old 40 Bar & Grill. Or indulge in a scoop of premium ice cream from the Little Truckee Creamery. While the Sierra Nevada offers a myriad of adventures like the Judah Loop and Castle Peak, don’t miss the chance to delve into its unique and fascinating past.
Header image by Yannick Van der Auwera