History:

In 2009 Oregon, Illinois faced the possibility of the closure of two of the state parks located on the outskirts of our community. Fearing that Oregon would lose two of its major tourism draws a small group of concerned citizens created the Oregon Trail Days Festival.

The festival is intended as a means to raise awareness of Oregon as a tourism destination and to celebrate the Native American and Western Heritage of our community. Additionally, the event will commemorate the creation of the statue Chief Black Hawk which was designed by artist Lorado Taft in 1910 and completed and dedicated in 1911. This 48 foot statue is the second tallest monolith in the country and has recently been placed on the Historic Preservation National Register.

The Festival Committee invites you to attend this unique and exciting celebration of Oregon's heritage, enjoying Native American dancing, drumming, a cowboy medicine show, country music entertainment and much more. We are sure that you and your family will have rip-roaring, foot stomping, knee slapping gosh darn good time.