65 Results

Founded in 1882, Mount Angel Abbey is a Benedictine Monastery. Visitors may join the Monks in prayer, stroll the grounds, and visit the Alvar Aalto Library and modest museum. More

Alvar Aalto’s Library was completed in 1970, and contains three stories and a mezzanine. The entire library except for the bottom floor is covered in natural light, and can seat 200 patrons. More

This Benedictine Abbey, founded by Swiss monks in 1882, is on a wooded hilltop that overlooks the town of Mt. Angel. On a summer hike along the paved Abbey walk you are likely to be greeted by Western Wood-Pewee, Swainson’s Thrush, and Bullock’s Oriole, with a good variety of warblers in migration. Open oak woodland habitats preserve native wildflowers along with Chipping Sparrow, Lazuli Bunting, and Western Bluebird. White-breasted Nuthatch, Downy Woodpecker and Brown Creeper are here year-round. Visit website for information on visiting for... More

Covered bridges are one of Oregon’s little secrets. I’m a fifth-generation native Oregonian, and I grew up with graceful old Weddle Covered Bridge in my hometown of Sweet Home. However, I didn’t realize until recently that Oregon’s abundance of covered bridges is a rarity. Turns out, not every kid grows up playing on a covered… More

Is it time for you to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday city life? Perhaps to unwind on a backcountry byway that will take you into a chapter of Oregon history? I am a big fan of Oregon's little roads; you know, the ones without numbers. Linn County has a few and sometimes these… More

Many of Scio’s early settlers were of Czech ancestry and came to the "New World" to escape the repressions of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The brotherhood formed by Czech settlers was much like granges formed by early English settlers, and the name in Czech is: Zapadni Czesko Bratrska Jednota (ZCBJ). The ZCBJ Hall was completed in 1922 and became the center of social activities. Polka dances drew people from miles around and filled the air with lively uplifting music. Czech dumplings and sausage dinners filled many... More

Andrew J. Baker, who arrived in the Oregon Territory in 1843 as part of the Great Migration, planted the black walnut in 1870 next to his house, built in 1852. The house, which still stands at this site, was used as a stage coach stop in the late 1800s. The property was purchased by William S. Russell and is still owned by Russell’s heirs. Located on private property seven miles west of McMinnville.  Tree can be viewed from Oldsville Road. More

This summer celebrates the state's rich tradition of rodeo, including the iconic Pendleton Round-Up. Parade, dance, watch bronc riding and horse races, or even try your hand at wrangling a calf. There's no shortage of exciting things to do and see at these family-friendly heritage events. You just need a cowboy hat, a friendly smile… More

Take a step back from the high-tech world to appreciate the engineering marvels of the past — wooden airplanes, hand-cranked automobiles and steam powered engines. A tour of Oregon’s aviation and rail museums might turn you into a 19th- and 20th-century transportation buff. Hood River’s WAAAM (Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum) has one of the nation’s largest… More

Albany is a history and architecture lover’s destination. The city’s four historic districts include styles from the 1840s through the late 1920s. In fact, Albany has one of the most varied collections in Oregon. There are more than 700 historic buildings in three of the districts all located within an area of approximately 100 square blocks. Tour them on your own, or visit for seasonal celebrations such as the Interior Home tour in July and Christmas Parlour tour in December.  Please visit Albany Visitors Association to... More

Albany’s Historic Downtown District is the civic, commercial and social center of Albany. Many of the buildings and businesses pictured in fading old photographs still exist as evidence of the downtown’s continuing vitality and charm. In today’s downtown, you’ll find a mix of antique shops, high-end boutiques, art galleries, restaurants and museums housed in diverse architectural styles including Queen Anne, American Renaissance and Commercial Brick. More

Nestled in the trees north of Corvallis, the historic Soap Creek Schoolhouse stands as a reminder of the time when one room was enough to make a school. Built in 1935 during the depression. More

Small event or meeting space overlooking Champoeg State Heritage Area. Maximum occupancy 50. Outdoor garden space suitable for family gatherings for up to 100 guests. More

This black cottonwood is prominent in photographs taken in 1900 and 1901 to document where the vote for a Provisional Government in Oregon took place. Francis X. Matthieu, the last living participant of the 1843 vote, is shown setting the location of this site in 1900 and unveiling the monument here in the ceremony of 1901. The area around the monument is believed to be the first land purchased by the State for a public park and was originally called Provisional Government Park. Located in... More

The Historic Dundee Community Center was built from 1914 to 1915, and in 1986, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The local Yamhill County Historical Society recognizes the building for its contribution to the community and for its uniqueness. The American movement bungalow/Craftsman structure was financed by a small group of determined Dundee women who wanted the local citizens to have a gathering place for their social, recreational and cultural activities. Owned by the Dundee Woman’s Club, the Historic Dundee Community Center... More

Twenty-three shops, many in historic buildings, including some of America’s best antiques and vintage stores, galleries, eateries, candy factory and garden shop. Visit the Old Aurora Colony Museum for a self-guided tour in this five-building mid-19th century complex with herb garden & furnished houses surrounded by a white picket fence. More

The Oregon story is filled with distinct chapters about people seeking freedom and a fresh start in a new territory. We are a state of immigrants and it has been that way since the state’s earliest days. Oregon has always drawn folks seeking a better life. You can tell a lot about an Oregon town… More

This black walnut was planted c. 1884 by the Zimmerman family who were prominent members of the Aurora Colony. Early Aurora settlers were talented and industrious. Their products gained a wide reputation for excellence during the early days of Willamette Valley settlement. As a carpenter, Christian Zimmerman helped build the village and likely planted the tree and others like it for the valuable hardwood. Located at the corner of Liberty Street at 3rd Street, Aurora More

The Mark Prairie School is nestled in a lovely oak grove in an area of Canby Oregon known as Mark Prairie. The Mark Prairie School is significant as an excellent example of a turn-of-the-century Vernacular school and for its association with the Mark family who were Oregon Pioneers and the Mark Prairie Community. In 1847 the John Mark family arrived in Oregon City, after crossing the plains by ox team via the Oregon Trail from Jackson County, Missouri.  John Mark traded a yoke of oxen... More

This Winter Nelis pear tree, planted in 1879, is associated with the boyhood years of President Herbert Hoover. When the 11-year-old Hoover arrived here from Iowa in 1885 to live with his uncle John Minthorn and family, he joined his aunt and cousins in the task of making pear butter. Hoover later wrote that after the ill effects of an almost exclusive pear diet for two days, he could not eat pears again for many years. Located at the Hoover-Minthorn House Museum, 115 South River... More

Ewing Young, a former fur trapper and trader, settled in the Chehalem Valley in 1834 and died there in 1841. His death directly led to the Champoeg Meeting and the beginning of the organization of the Provisional Government in 1843. On May 6, 1846 an acorn was planted here on his grave near his cabin by Miranda Bayley and Sidney Smith. Located 1/4 mile north of Highway 240, 3 miles west of Newberg. The tree is on private property and can be viewed from Highway... More

Aloft on its pedestal is the most recognized helicopter type in the world – the Bell UH-1, better known as the `Huey.` Thousands of lives were literally saved because of the dependability of the Huey and bravery of her crews. It stands as a humanitarian symbol that brought compassion and lifesaving during this time in our history. The center plaza of the park forms the `Shou` symbol meaning `long life` or `longevity` in Asian culture. In the middle of the `Shou` symbol, as on the... More

This Gothic cottage was originally built for Charles Gaylord, owner of the first sash and door factory in this region. Established in 1857, the house may be the oldest existing house in Corvallis. More

One of the more interesting tours that Corvallis Tourism offers during summer (Saturdays only) is the Free Historic Homes Trolley Tours. These trolley tours are a fun and interesting way to see the city’s many historical homes. More

This narrated MP3 walking tour gives narrated information regarding the founding of Corvallis. It is not a home tour but a history tour going from the founding Kalapuya people through the bawdy gold rush and stern-wheeler era into the 20th century. More

Corvallis has a wealth of history including many historic buildings and homes. Enjoy a relaxing walk through our neighborhoods while taking in a bit of history. More

Open daily 6:45am-9:15pm. Cross more than the Willamette on this historic ferry – cross the years as well. One of only 3 operating vehicle ferries left in Oregon. If more information is needed after calling the 24 hour number, call 503-557-6391. More

Benton County Courthouse was completed in 1888. This four-story building is the oldest Oregon courthouse still used for its original purpose. Topped by a clock tower housing both a bell and a carillon. More

Within the confines of William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge, the Fiechter House is one of Oregon’s remaining examples of Classical Revival architecture (1850 – 1860). The house reflects the remoteness of early settlements. More

When most other Douglas fir was logged to create farmland, this fir remained as a landmark on the 640-acre Donation Land Claim of Robert Valentine Short. A land surveyor, R.V. Short surveyed claims throughout the northern Willamette Valley, and in 1850 created the first plat of Portland. He was a member of the first Oregon Constitutional Convention, the first Yamhill County surveyor, and a state legislator. Located in Merryfield City Park, Wilsonville More