THE SNAKE RIVER STERNWHEELER ASSOCIATION IS BRINGING A PADDLE BOAT TO HUNTINGTON, OREGON

The Snake River Rose, LLC, along with the Snake River Sternwheeler Association have purchased the future Li'l Millie and are planning to provide family tours into the southern entrance of scenic Hells Canyon at Huntington, Oregon. The boat will arrive by truck, coming all the way from Wisconsin!

Date Released: 05/16/2010

The Snake River Rose LLC, and the Snake River Sternwheeler Association have BOUGHT THE BOAT! After a year long search, the purchase of a paddle boat to operate out of Huntington, Oregon, on the Snake River at the entrance to Hells Canyon near Farewell Bend on the western edge of Boise's Treasure Valley fulfills a visionary dream of Bill Burley and his community to replicate the history of the nineteenth century operation of stern wheel boats in the area. The Name of the boat is currently the General Lee and is located in Marshall, Wisconsin, at a very nice family amusement park called Little-A Merrick-A, named after its owner Lee Merrick. The new owners will be changing the boat's name back to its original "Li'l Millie". She was built in Hamburg N.Y in 1995 by a man named Mr. Whitte then aged 76. The boat was christened Li'l Millie after Whittie's wife, Mildred, whom everyone called Millie. Mr. Whittie sold the boat to Captain Jason Lenox in 1997 and he provided family friendly tours on the east coast's Ocean City's Assawoman Bay. The boat was Coast Guard Approved and had a capacity for 43 passengers and 2 crew members. In 1997 it was proclaimed as the only true paddle boat operating in the Mid-Atlantic region. In 2003, Lee Merrick purchased the boat for his theme park and restoration work began, but stopped after a tragic fire burned down one of his barns that held exotic animals. 91 year old Lee Merrick is now concentrating his efforts in rebuilding the very large barn. In 2010, the Snake River Rose LLC along with the Snake River Sternwheeler Association have purchased the future Li'l Millie and are planning to provide family tours into the southern entrance of scenic Hells Canyon at Huntington, Oregon. Volunteers and donations will rebuild Li'l Millie so the date of her first trip will be decided by regional participation. Li'l Millie is to be an attraction to promote the tourism industry of Eastern Oregon and Southwestern Idaho. Given that tourism is a leading industry in Oregon, Bill Burley of the group promoting the Li'l Millie says he is encouraged by a quote from Duncan Wise, President of the Oregon Business Council. In 2009, at the Tourism Hospitality Consortium he stated, "Tourism is a job creator on its own but it's also essentially the front door to the rest of the economy." The stated goal of the Snake River Sternwheeler Association is to create an environment conducive for economic growth while preserving the rich and diverse history of Huntington, Oregon, and the region. "Li'l Millie is our pebble of prosperity in the economic pond of Eastern Oregon and Southwestern Idaho. Together we will drop her in and allow the ripples to be shared by all." Bill Burley. The boat certainly will provide a unique experience for travelers to Eastern Oregon where "Our History is Your Story" Contacts: Bill M. Burley Snake River Sternwheeler Association "Opportunity through Unity" 208-249-5179

Sumpter Valley Dredge

The Sumpter Valley Dredge is nestled at the base of the majestic granite peaks of the Elkhorn Mountain Range. The Powder River is born deep within the range and picks up speed as it spills down the Sumpter Valley, traveling through the park before reaching Phillips Reservoir.

This waterway was the vein of life during the boom days of the gold rush. The landscape still bears the scars. Miles of tailings line the banks of the river, a remembrance from the prosperous days of mining. The Sumpter Valley Dredge—the centerpiece of our park—left much of the rocky footprint that you'll see on your trek along Highway 7. The dredge is an important link to Oregon's pioneering past and development. It is one of the largest and most accessible gold dredges in the U.S.

A half a century after the last dripping bucket load was lifted, the dredge stands silent. If you listen carefully, you can almost hear whispers of the hope, sweat and dreams of the people who worked on it. After visiting the dredge you may continue on the Elkhorn Scenic Byway to continue your trip into history.

Carnegie Crossroads Art Center in Baker City

Stroll through Baker City’s historic downtown for a glimpse through history; over 100 buildings on the National Register reflect the opulence of the gold rush days and the rich heritage of the cattle and timber industries of the American West.

Known as”Queen City of the Inland Empire” at the turn of the century, Baker City became a cultural oasis, boasting a population larger than Boise or Spokane at the time. Explore Baker City’s rich past while enjoying our twenty-first century downtown culture: Rub shoulders with the locals and artists at the First Friday Gallery Walk, annual art shows, and artist receptions. Try your hand at painting, pottery, dance, or fencing classes at the Crossroads Carnegie Art Center - http://www.crossroads-arts.org/

Enjoy Thursday Art Night movies and live storytelling, Second Friday Literary Night, and Eastern Oregon’s Regional Theater productions. Catch the live music around town in this budding art community.

The Oregon Trail - Baker County

The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center offers exhibits, interpretive programs, living history demonstrations, special events, and workshops.

The 500 acre historic site has over four miles of hiking trails, including an easy access path to original ruts of the Oregon Trail carved by pioneer wagons migrating to Oregon 150 years ago. The hilltop facility offers stunning views, and includes permanent exhibits, a full scale wagon train diorama, and a special interest gift shop.

The Leo Adler Theater hosts lectures, films, music and dramatic presentations. There is a replica gold stamp mill and gold panning demonstration area. Ample parking, picnic area, easy access from the interstate.

A range of both self-guided and facilitated activities offer something for the entire family and all ages. Group tours are welcome. 22267 Highway 86, five miles east of I-84 exit 302 from Baker City.

On the Hell’s Canyon Scenic Byway, and part of the National Landscape Conservation System. Open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Managed by USDI Bureau of Land Management and Trail Tenders, Incorporated. Federal recreation fee is charged; federal recreation passes accepted.

Monthly calendar of programs, events and workshops can be found at oregontrail.blm.gov. 541-523-1843 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 541-523-1843 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

Hells Canyon Motorcycle Rally - Baker County

Discover, as thousands have, the pristine riding areas that Eastern Oregon has to offer. The U.S. Government has named Hells Canyon a National Wilderness Area, protecting this area well into the future.

But the real essence of this area is in it’s Native American past. As home to the Nez Perce for hundreds of years this ground holds the ancestors of a proud people. Their spirits continue to be the real owners of this wonderful land. As you ride into Hells Canyon on the Devil’s Tail and then take Road Rash Pass to Wallowa Lake, have an imaginative mind and an open heart, as the presence of these Native American spirits may reveal themselves to you.

It is an awesome experience – let the spirit be with you! Check out the Hells Canyon Motorcycle Rally at the Hells Canyon Motorcycle Rally website.