Summary
The round barn was built in 1884 by cattle baron Pete French and is one of the few remaining round barns in the United States. It was used to train horses and store hay, and its impressive size and construction have made it a popular tourist attraction.
Aside from the round barn, there are other interesting points of interest at the site. Visitors can explore the nearby Frenchglen Hotel, which was built in 1916 and still operates today as a guesthouse. There are also hiking trails nearby, including the Steens Mountain Wilderness Area, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
One interesting fact about the area is that it was once the site of a bitter conflict between Pete French and neighboring ranchers. French was accused of stealing cattle and was eventually killed in a shootout in 1897. The story of this conflict is part of the area's rich history and is worth learning about when visiting.
The best time of year to visit the Pete French Round Barn State Heritage Site is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the area is at its most beautiful. However, visitors should be prepared for hot and dry conditions, as the area is located in the high desert.
Overall, the Pete French Round Barn State Heritage Site is a fascinating and unique destination that offers a glimpse into the history of the American West. Visitors can explore the round barn, learn about the area's past, and enjoy the natural beauty of southeastern Oregon.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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