Bates State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bates State Park |
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| Type | Public, state |
| Location | Grant County, Oregon, USA |
| Nearest city | Prairie City |
| Area | 131 acres (53 ha) |
| Operated by | Oregon Parks and Recreation Department |
| Open | May to October (weather permitting) |
Bates State Park is a cool place to visit in Grant County, Oregon, USA. It's a state park that covers about 131-acre (53 ha) of land. You can find it close to a town called Prairie City.
This park is great for outdoor adventures! It has trails for hiking and biking. You can also find places to camp with tents or RVs. There's even a special area for people just visiting for the day.
Contents
Park History: From Mill Town to Park
Bates State Park is located along the Middle Fork John Day River. This area used to be home to a big lumber mill. A lumber mill is a factory that cuts down trees and turns them into wood for building.
The Old Mill Town of Bates
There was once a small town here called Bates. About 400 people lived there! They all worked at the lumber mill. But the mill closed down in 1975. After that, most people moved away, and the town slowly disappeared.
One important part of the old mill is still there: the mill pond. This pond was used by the mill, and now it's a main feature of the park. It's a reminder of the area's past.
Creating the Park
In 2008, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department bought the land. They spent money to get the park ready for visitors. They also received special grants to help develop and take care of the park. Bates State Park officially opened its doors in September 2011.
What to Do at Bates State Park
Bates State Park is located in the beautiful Blue Mountains. It sits high up, at about 4,070 feet (1,240 m) above sea level. This makes for some amazing views!
Camping and Day Use Areas
The park has 28 campsites where you can set up a tent or park your RV. If you're just visiting for the day, there's a special area for you. It's perfect for picnics and relaxing.
Trails for Hikers and Bikers
You can explore several miles of hiking trails at the park. Many bicyclists also use the park as part of the TransAmerica bicycle trail. This is a very long bike route that crosses the United States!
Learning About the Past
As you walk around, you'll see special signs called interpretive panels. These signs tell you all about the history of the old town and the lumber mill. It's a great way to learn while you explore.
The park is usually open from May to October, depending on the weather.
