By Cris Alarcon, InEDC Writer. (April 17, 2025)
PLACERVILLE, Calif. (April 17, 2025) — The Highway 50 Association is set to host the 76th Annual Wagon Train from May 31 through June 7, 2025. This historic reenactment commemorates the westward migration of pioneers during the Gold Rush era, tracing a route from Round Hill, Nevada, to Placerville, California.
The event kicks off with a Western Days celebration on Saturday, May 31, inviting the community to engage with living history before the wagon train embarks on its weeklong journey. Carol Spreckelsen Foster, a longtime participant, encourages public involvement, stating, “It’s a wonderful experience… Highlight of my life on many levels” .
Participants are required to don period-appropriate attire from the 1840s to 1870s, and all wagons must be authentic replicas without modern modifications. Registration fees vary, with full-trip rates at $110 for horseback riders and $240 for wagon passengers who are association members. Daily participation is also available .
The wagon train serves as both an educational and cultural event, offering a tangible connection to the region’s pioneering history. Evening campfires and storytelling sessions provide additional opportunities for community engagement and historical reflection.
For more information or to register, visit the Highway 50 Association’s official website at www.hwy50wagontrain.com.
