Even though it's a town that is often overlooked in comparison to the larger-known cities of
Eugene and Portland, Salem, Oregon, the state's capital is still well worth a visit!
In addition to its stately white marble Capitol building which is brimming with history and
features distinctive architecture, Salem is home to a number of excellent museums, parks,
and other must-see attractions.
Located along the banks of the Willamette River, this laidback college town is surrounded
on all sides by enormous expanses of farmland and forest.
The region is often touted for its fantastic vineyards and wineries, and you could easily
spend an entire day touring their grounds and sampling their wares.
One of Salem's biggest draws, however, is the wonderful Silver Falls State Park.
If you're a lover of the great outdoors and are searching for the perfect place to go
hiking, kayaking, or cycling, there is no better place in the greater Salem area for
you to indulge in all of your favorite outdoor sports.
If you're planning an upcoming trip to Salem or are simply curious to see what kinds of
sights and attractions this charming Oregon town has to offer, keep watching.
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Minto-Brown Island Park
As the largest recreational space in the city of Salem, Minto-Brown Island Park is an outdoor
enthusiast's dream come true.
Its woods are bursting at the seams with life, and its wetlands are perfect for a bit of
bird watching.
The park is just a five-minute drive from downtown and is located along the majestic
Willamette River.
Various trails twist and wind around tranquil meadows and forests.
In addition to walking, jogging, and cycling, you are also free to fish along the river's
banks or by renting a paddle boat for the day.
Several observation platforms are scattered throughout the park where birders can spot
waterfowl, hummingbirds, and other species amongst its virginal scenery.
Playgrounds and picnic areas are available as well, making this park the perfect destination
for visitors of all ages and walks of life.
Plus, if you're traveling with your four-legged companions, you'll be pleased to know that
they are welcome as well, as long as they are kept on a leash.
Riverfront City Park
Once an industrial site and working mill, Riverfront City Park has now been converted
into a remarkable open space perfect for hiking, biking, and fishing.
The park, which features several playgrounds, also offers unparalleled views of the Willamette
River.
Home to the Riverfront Carousel, this park is one of the most popular and visited public
spaces in town.
It spans 26 acres and does an incredible job of connecting the cityscape with its natural
roots.
One of the most photo-worthy attractions at the park is the Eco-Earth Globe Sculpture.
It can be found near the pedestrian bridge that connects the park to our previously discussed
destination Minto-Brown Island Park.
This part of the park is especially beautiful at sunset.
Every 4th of July, the park hosts the annual World Beat Festival.
Several other popular events are held here throughout the year as well.
A schedule of these events can be found on the park's website and social media pages.
Oregon State Capitol Building
As one of the most architecturally spectacular sights in town, the Oregon State Capitol was
constructed out of glistening white marble that shimmers in the sunlight.
What really makes it so eye-catching, however, is its Modernist Art Deco design.
High atop its central tower sits a golden statue known as the Oregon Pioneer, which
has been faithfully overlooking Salem for well over a century.
The surrounding grounds include the Oregon State Capitol Park, a well-maintained and
manicured public space that features a variety of statues and informative plaques.
And while the gorgeous grounds are lovely to explore, the best way to enjoy this historically
significant building is by taking a guided tour of its interior.
Guests can also take a self-guided tour of the facility if they so desire during regular
operating hours.
Guided tours are available every weekday between 10:30 am and 2:30 pm.
Some of our favorite parts of the tour included seeing the Capital Rotunda, the Governor's
Portrait hallway, and the Senate history room.
Additionally, a Tower Tour is also available for visitors during the summer months which
will allow you to ascend a long flight of stairs to visit the Oregon Pioneer.
High up on the central tower, you will be treated to some of the best views of the city.
Deepwood Museum
One of the most unique museums in Salem, the historic Deepwood estate boasts incredible
architecture and is situated among beautiful grounds and gardens.
It's only a five-minute drive from the center of the town, which means you won't have to
go far out of your way to experience its aesthetically pleasing nature and views.
There is also a fantastic amount of history packed into this property.
It was originally built in 1894.
Today it showcases period-appropriate furniture, artwork, and décor amidst its Queen-Anne-Style
architecture.
Immaculate gables and turrets are on display alongside antique stained glass windows.
Guided tours are offered, but exploring its grounds is every bit as delightful as strolling
through its interior.
Mt.
Angel
About a half-hour drive northeast of the city center, you'll discover this quaint little
town.
The best time of year to visit is when Mt.
Angel is holding their yearly Oktoberfest celebration seeing as how the town is extremely
proud of its German heritage.
Germanic influence can be found everywhere around town, from its churches to its clock
tower to its many restaurants.
Settled in 1850, Mt.
Angel is nestled in the Cascades Mountain region of Oregon.
The town was originally inhabited by a large number of Bavarian immigrants.
Today, it still has a pleasing Old World feel.
Besides taking in the ambiance, you should also enjoy some delectable German food and
beers at any of Mt.
Angel's restaurants and pubs.
Schreiner's Iris Gardens About seven miles north of the city center,
Schreiner's Iris Gardens have celebrated the world over for their beautiful displays of
flowers.
This family business has been transformed into a popular retailer where locals can buy
live plants, cuttings, and seeds.
Their most popular attraction, however, happens every May during the blooming season.
Throughout May, Schreiner's 10-acre show garden opens up for the public to appreciate.
For a nominal fee, you can spend the entire day at the gardens taking in the beauty.
During this vibrantly colorful natural show, you can be sure to see photographers and artists
using the scene as inspiration for their respective crafts.
Enchanted Forest
Twenty minutes from downtown, you'll find the small town of Turner, Oregon.
Here you will find the Enchanted Forest, a place where fairy tales come alive.
This family-friendly theme park features fun for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
Not only is the surrounding natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest breathtaking, but
you'll be able to take the sights in while exploring an environment that will make you
feel like you just stepped inside of someplace straight out of Alice's Wonderland.
The park is divided up into several areas, including Storybook Lane, Tofteville Western
Town, and Fantasy Fountains.
In addition to rides and explorable areas, the park also offers live entertainment such
as comedy theater and musical performances.
Gilbert House Children's Museum
Just north of Riverfront City Park, this incredible children's museum offers a truly immersive
experience deep into the world of creativity.
The museum is geared towards kids aged 2 to 10 and showcases a wide variety of hands-on
and educational exhibits and play spaces.
Adult visitors will enjoy their time here as well, thanks to the museum's whimsically
fun energy.
There are several different areas for visitors to explore, including an Outdoor Discovery
area which features an enormous Erector Set Tower.
Special events are often held at the museum as well ranging from Block Parties in the
summertime to Science Nights for Adults.
Wine Country Tours
The Willamette Valley is known for being one of the top wine-producing regions on the planet.
As such, a trip to Salem wouldn't be complete without trying some of the area's world-famous
wines.
There are more than five hundred vineyards in the surrounding region, so it's definitely
worth your time visiting at least a couple of these wineries.
Some of the most renowned varietals produced in the valley include Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris,
Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Viognier.
Tours of the wineries in the Willamette Valley are plentiful.
With so many different wines to choose from and with such beautiful scenery to take in,
a wine tour is an absolute must when visiting Salem.
The Oregon Garden
About a half-hour northeast of Salem, you'll find a place that feels almost too stupendously
beautiful to be real.
The Oregon Garden is located near the town of Silverton.
There are over 20 scenic sections of the gardens to explore, featuring plant life of all shapes,
sizes, and colors.
The garden opened in 1999, although it was first envisioned in the 1940s.
Its various exhibits showcase the flora of the Willamette valley and PNW.
The gardens are both pet and child-friendly as well.
While you visit, be sure to check out the Frank Lloyd Wright-built house as well as
the garden's resort hotel.
Tram tours are also available.
Throughout the year, numerous events, workshops, and public talks also take place here.
So, what do you think?
Are you ready to book your tickets to Salem?
If so, what are some of the Salem-area attractions that you are most excited to see?
And if you've already visited Salem, Oregon before, what are some of your favorite spots
in town that we didn't already cover?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.
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