Welcome to Singing Creek Educational Center
Children Learn What They LiveOur Mission
To inspire children and families toward an appreciation of local history through hands-on learning.
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Life on the Early Homestead: Authentic Experiences
Go back in time and have an experience you will never forget. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a homesteader in Oregon in the 1800’s? Have you been yearning to get outside and learn about nature and experience the river side in a green park? Wanted to know more about First Peoples (Native Americans,) Lewis & Clark, and early settlers of Oregon?
Our interactive history programs for children and families include school field trips, classes, historical summer camps, and several special events throughout the year. We also offer monthly homeschool classes for your group from September through May. Some of our favorite activities include butter churning, grain grinding, sewing, making puppets, learning pioneer games and songs, washing clothes, gardening, herbal walks and trading with the trapper. Summer camps include visits from costumed interpreters like the medicine woman, the spinners, the trapper, “grandma” and more. If your family enjoys reading about life on the prairie, or watching the T.V. shows, your kids will love living the experience.
We are located at the historic Snapp House in Cottage Grove. See More>
Frontier Heritage Fair coming in Feb!
Frontier Heritage Fair Fur Trade ~ Old West ~ Civil War We are pleased to announce that we will have a booth for children,...
Coming Up Next: Homeschool Now Enrolling
We have spots open in both our homeschool classes, which are for boys and girls aged 6 -10 years. Learn pioneer homesteading skills and all about the history of Oregon with hands-on activities, games, crafts and stories. Learn more here
Girl Scouts Days
Are you a Girl Scout? Several times a year we offer special historically themed days just for you to earn a badge! Check out Events page to see when they are…
Field Trips for Your Classroom or Group
Classroom field trips are now available for 3rd- 5th graders (and even homeschoolers or scout groups!) The Travel in Time field trip includes learning about the Kalapuya First Peoples of Oregon, the mountain man trappers, and the pioneer settlers with hands on experiences, crafts, and a guided nature walk around the park by the river. The Lewis & Clark field trip features learning about the Corp of Discovery journey to the Pacific Ocean, including First Peoples and nature discovery.
See our Field Trips page for more info.
Our Location: The Historic Dr. Snapp House
Singing Creek Educational Center is located in the historic Dr. Snapp House in Cottage Grove, OR at 360 River Road. The house is located along the Coast Fork of the Willamette River greenway. It is also adjacent to a large city park so there is plenty of room for outside activities as well as our inside programs in this cozy home built in 1886.
The house bears the name of one of Cottage Grove’s first physicians, Dr. G.O. Snapp. The doctor built the house to serve as his residence and office. The home has ornate exterior gingerbread features and a tall spire called a “witch’s hat” atop the front entrance. It’s a one-story house with 12.5 foot high ceilings throughout its interior and is decorated in period style. See More>
Your Donation Makes A Difference!
Please support our work — bringing history to life. Your financial contribution makes it possible for us to bring high-quality educational experiences to kids in under served communities in Lane County. Click the Donate button above and be a part of the magic!
Watch Our YouTube Channel!
The pioneers have so many lessons to teach us, about the value of hard work, respecting the land, teamwork, and perseverance. The videos on our channel show the many engaging, hands-on activities the children participate in during Singing Creek’s programs and workshops, where they learn honest pioneer values.