THE WILLIE HANDCART TREK EXPERIENCE
In the saga of the American West, few events can compare to the pioneer handcart companies. Put your shoulder to the wheel and discover first hand the trials and triumphs of the American Handcart Trek Pioneer. AWHC is a non-profit organization. Now scheduling for 2023-2024 seasons.
New– 1 DAY TREK
Call For Pricing – Minimum 50 people
3 DAYS/2 NIGHTS/15 MILES
Call For Pricing – Minimum 50 people
4 DAYS/3 NIGHTS/15 MILES
Call For Pricing – Minimum 50 people
Four-day treks include a one-day historical experience at AWHC
Ask about adding catering to your trek experience.
Includes fantastic meals prepared by Iron Gate Catering.
Special diets accommodated.
ALL TREKS INCLUDE:
- Program orientation and planning coordinators
- Logistics and support coordinators
- On-site Trek Master and assistants who will help guide you on your trek
- Replicas of authentic handcarts used by the pioneers
- Portable restrooms
- Potable water
- A horse-drawn wagon rescue experience
- Extensive medical support training
- Highly cost effective
Now scheduling for 2023-2024 seasons.
To book your trek or to learn more, contact American West Heritage Center at 435-245-6050 • heritagecenter@awhc.org
“As trek captains for our stake, we want to thank The American West Heritage Center for doing an extraordinary job helping us along the way with a group of almost 400 people. From beginning to end, they were there to make sure our needs were met and that we had a good and safe experience for everyone. Camping amongst the trees next to the running river was beautiful, and made for a great place to have activities with our youth, and rest after a day of trekking. The trek experience was physical, spiritual, emotional and a great team building opportunity. We highly recommend this experience to anyone planning a trek in the future. And now that you have carts to accommodate those with special needs, I couldn’t imagine going anywhere else for this experience. The Mendon Stake will be back in a few years to do it again. Keep up the good work!”
~ Ethan & Shannon Poppleton / Mendon Stake Captains
“I could feel that the Spirit was there so much, and that this was the right thing to come out and do.”
~ Easton Robinson (14 yr old)
While most handcart pioneers traveled more quickly and safely than their ox-drawn wagon counterparts, a few handcart companies experienced great tragedy, demonstrating courage and fortitude beyond description. Many in the West feel that these experiences are sacred and demonstrate the consummate example of faith, bravery, and perseverance.In conjunction with Captain James G. Willie’s family descendants, the American West Heritage Center offers 1-5 day handcart treks that allow participants to gain experiences that tap into this monumental and sacred exemplar.
Handcart Treks are a challenging yet rewarding way for tourists, youth groups, church groups, family reunions, leadership retreats and other groups to gain valuable experiences, build camaraderie, and lasting friendships. They develop appreciation for heritage, explore morals and lessons in authentic ways. Learn about the pioneers that trekked westward, while enjoying some of the most dynamic scenery in the West.
As part of your journey, you can visit the American West Heritage Center to experience living history activities, and to see what Utah was like prior to the arrival of the pioneers. See what they saw when they arrived, and experience what kind of lives they built.
Learn the history of the handcart treks: what pioneers were able to take along, what they had to leave behind. Explore a history of westward expansion and pioneer migration.
Experience the hardships, joys, and triumphs that pioneers went through by participating in activities such as the women’s pull, proxy pioneering, and more.
Meet historical figures such as Orrin Porter Rockwell and the Pony Express. This program is highly customizable. We’ll do as little or as much program planning as you want, while maintaining a safe, challenging atmosphere. Designed to reduce the amount of time commitment from the individual group leaders, all will enjoy the experience to the fullest.
We’re located only 45 minutes from Logan and 90 minutes from Salt Lake City. The American West Heritage Center is a non-profit organization.