Donner Memorial State Park

Donner Memorial State Park is a California state park on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada near Truckee, established to commemorate the 1846-47 Donner Party disaster. It preserves sites related to the emigrant crossing and the historic Donner Party tragedy.

The park contains a monument and interpretive displays about the Donner Party, a small museum area with exhibits, developed picnic areas and a campground, plus short trails that follow the lake shore and nearby forest. Recreational opportunities are focused on interpretive history, day hiking and seasonal camping rather than large-scale outdoor recreation.

The site commemorates the 1846-47 Donner Party and interprets the broader history of westward emigration across the Sierra Nevada. Memorials and exhibits present archaeological and documentary material about the emigrants and the rescue efforts.

The park sits on the shore of Donner Lake at Donner Pass, adjacent to Interstate 80 and near the town of Truckee in northeastern California. It occupies a mountain pass location in the northern Sierra Nevada.

• Donner Memorial: Houses a prominent monument and interpretive exhibits that explain the 1846-47 Donner Party tragedy and the broader history of emigrant travel through the Sierra Nevada.
• Access: Located immediately adjacent to Interstate 80 at Donner Pass, offering direct highway access and proximity to the town of Truckee.

What to See #

• Museum and interpretive center: Houses interpretive exhibits and displays that focus on the 1846-47 Donner Party and the region's early emigrant history.
• Campground and picnic facilities: Provides developed campsites, picnic areas, and easy shoreline access along Donner Lake for day use and overnight stays.
• Trails and shoreline access: Contains a small network of day hiking trails and shoreline paths that offer views of Donner Lake and Donner Pass.