Take a walk through history!
Dorris Ranch is located two miles east of Interstate 5 at the intersection of South 2nd and Dorris Streets, in Springfield, Oregon.
From Pioneer Parkway West in Springfield, go south past Main Street and South A Street. Pioneer Parkway West becomes South 2nd Street. Continue south to the intersection with Dorris Street. Go straight ahead on the gravel road to the Ranch.
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Dorris Ranch has been offering educational field trips to Lane County students since 1988. Costumed interpreters lead students through a historical adventure around the Ranch, emphasizing relationships between people, the environment, and history. There are currently three tour themes to choose from.
Enlist your students in the Corps of Discovery and embrace
the challenges of life in 1805. Explore the woods, sketch scientific finds,
and learn from the Clatsop Indians. We provide a journal and compass to
all new recruits.
Who lived in the Willamette Valley before us? During this educational tour, students experience the lives of Kalapuya Indians, Hudson's Bay Company Trappers, and Oregon Trail Pioneers. Learn the traditional hunting methods of the Kalapuya. Visit the HBC trading post and examine furs. Lend a hand with chores at the pioneer cabin.
Experience the life of a Oregon Trail immigrant at the Masterson homestead. Step back in time to 1852 when William, Eliza, and their five young children settled their donation land claim on what was to become Dorris Ranch. Visit their log cabin, help tend to the crops, grind grain, bake corn bread, split firewood, pump water, and more. We provide poke bonnets and straw hats to the children.
• A packet for teachers full of pre- and post-trip activities, name tags, and a class resource list.
• A visit to your classroom by a Dorris Ranch staff member who will show slides, answer questions, and provide important pre-trip information.
• School bus transportation for Springfield school students is paid by Willamalane.
• Classes are invited to bring a sack lunch to eat at the Ranch, after the program.
• We can accommodate up to 30 students each day.
$2 per Springfield student.
$2.50 per student for all other areas.
Adult chaperones/teachers are free.
Click here to go to the DORRIS RANCH WEB SITE