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The Strawberry Mountain Wilderness is located South of Prairie City, Oregon, in the Malheur National Forest. The area includes approximately 68,700 acres and encompasses the headwaters of Pine, Indian, Strawberry, Canyon, Bear, Lake, Wall, Roberts, and Big Creek. The area is dominated by the Strawberry Mountain Range with the highest point being Strawberry Mountain. This area has extremely diverse ecological makeup. Five of the seven major life zones in North America can be found here. It also supports native population of Rocky Mountain Elk, Mountain Goats, and other wildlife. The additions including the Canyon Creek Research Natural Area have improved both the quantity and the quality of the wilderness experience.

The hills get their name from the delicately colored stratifications in the soil and the yellows, golds, blacks and reds of the Painted Hills are best seen in the late afternoon. Tones and hue may appear to change from one visit to another, as the claystones differ with ever-changing light and moisture levels. Once you see them for yourself, it’s pretty easy to understand why the Painted Hills are one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon. The Painted Hills are approximately a one and a half hours drive from due west of Prairie City.

In 2005, the state of the art Thomas Condon Visitor Center opened to the public. Named after the prominent 19th-century Oregon scientist who first recognized the significance of the fossil beds and did the first scientific collection and study of specimens, the 11,000 square foot center greatly improved the monument's ability to serve both the public and the scientific community. Performing a dual purpose, the Thomas Condon Visitor Center is dedicated to the study and public understanding of the paleontological resources of the John Day region. Colorful murals, fossil displays, and a fishbowl paleontology laboratory are some of the main features for visitors to enjoy.

The Kam Wah Chung or “Golden Flower of Prosperity” – was a general store and herbal medicine shop that operated for more than half a century – including a time when more than Chinese laborers worked in the region. What comes into clear view inside this tiny, dim-lit shop was a big business that once flourished on the western frontier beginning in 1887 when two young immigrants, Ing Hay and Lung An, bought the Kam Wah Chung.

The first Grant County Fair was held in October 1909 in John Day, Oregon on land that was donated by the Trowbridge family to the Agricultural Society for the purpose of holding a fair and race meet annually. The fair is now the longest-running annual county fair in the state and is held annually on the fourth weekend in August.

The Grant County Rodeo is held in conjunction with the Grant County Fair. If Rodeo is your thing you will enjoy this small town rodeo! If you want to learn more about Rodeo, John Day, Oregon offers a rodeo museum. Check it out here: Grant County Ranch and Rodeo Museum

Bend is Central Oregon's largest city, with a population of 99,178 at the time of the 2020 U.S. Census, [8] up from 76,693 at the time of the 2010 U.S. Census, [9] and 52,029 at the 2000 census. The Bend metro population was 198,253 as of the 2020 census. It is the fifth-largest metropolitan area in Oregon. Bend offers a multitude of recreational opportunities including Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort. Bend is only a three-hour drive west of Prairie City.

Boise is the capital of Idaho and is only a three-hour drive East of Prairie City. There is a multitude of things to do in the Boise area including outdoor recreation and shopping.

Anthony Lakes Ski Resort is a two-hour drive from Prairie City. The resort offers both Nordic and Downhill Skiing.

The Prairie City Fiber Fest happens every year during the last weekend of July. Our 5th annual event will take place July 29-30, 2023, with workshops starting on the 28th, and vendors showing their wares on the 29th and 30th. Come join us for another fun-filled weekend of all things fiber!