Donner Memorial State Park and Emigrant Trail Museum commemorate a pivotal moment in American pioneering history. The site features a prominent stone pedestal dedicated to the Donner Party, who faced a tragic fate during the harsh Sierra Nevada winter of 1846-47. Originally comprising 89 members, the party was on their way to California when a severe snowstorm struck. Ultimately, only 49 pioneers survived, with many resorting to cannibalism to endure. The 22-foot tall stone marker, located near the Emigrant Trail Museum, serves as a reminder of the immense snowfall that winter, drawing attention to the challenges faced by early travelers in Lake Tahoe.
