The ghost towns you see dotting the map of Oregon were once thriving communities, filled with people who followed their dreams here.

Now they remain as a window to another time, full of places to ponder and history to discover. Fuel up, bring extra snacks, a paper map and plenty of good road trip music when you head out to explore these remote areas.

There’s a distinct charm to a covered bridge.

The sound of rushing water echoes off the walls, sunlight slants in through the windows and the traditional Howe’s truss construction draws your eye to the pitched roof. Today, 50 of Oregon’s historic covered bridges remain — the largest concentration in the West.

All of Oregon is a stage for performing arts.

Whether you’re a fan of Shakespeare, avant-garde or slam poetry, get to know our artistic spirit through our many dance, film, performance and music venues. Oregon’s vibrant theatre scene offers unforgettable performances year-round, from world-class productions at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland to innovative local shows in Portland’s thriving arts district.

Sometimes you just want to swim laps, play water basketball and zip down a twisty waterslide.

And when you do, Oregon’s water parks and aquatic centers have you covered for day of fun at the pool.

Explore art, history, science, and culture across Oregon’s innovative museums.

From world-class art galleries to quirky local collections, Oregon’s museums offer something for every curious traveler. Whether you’re exploring Portland’s modern exhibits, diving into Oregon’s pioneer history, or uncovering Native American heritage, each museum tells a unique story of the state’s rich culture, creativity, and natural beauty. Plan your visit today and experience the places where learning comes to life across Oregon’s seven diverse regions.

A few must-see exhibits

• You’ll find more than 150 aircraft, spacecraft and exhibits that tell the story of flight and space exploration, including American aviation icon the Spruce Goose at the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in museum. 
• You can touch real dinosaur bones in Eastern Oregon at the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center within the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Visitors can observe paleontologists working on fossils in real-time and view ancient bones dating back over 40 million years.
• There’s a museum dedicated to trees and logging because we love our forests. The World Forestry Center in Portland offers insights into Oregon’s timber industry history, featuring exhibits on forestry practices and a display of a vintage Shay steam locomotive named “Peggy,” which was used in early 20th-century logging operations .
• The North American Bigfoot Center in Boring, Oregon, is dedicated to the legend of Sasquatch, featuring exhibits with footprint casts, hair samples, and interactive displays for enthusiasts and skeptics alike.
• Astoria’s Oregon Film Museum celebrates many of the films shot in Oregon, like The Goonies, Kindergarten Cop, Free Willy, Twilight and more. The museum is housed in the former county jail where scenes from The Goonies were filmed.

If you’re feeling lucky, you can roll the dice at one of Oregon’s tribal casinos, owned and operated by eight of nine of Oregon’s federally recognized tribes.

These family-friendly destinations offer a host of exciting opportunities for entertainment, lodging and fun in all corners of the state. They’re also crucial drivers for state, local and tribal economies, supporting community services, healthcare, education and housing. Set against some of the state’s most scenic landscapes, Oregon’s casino resorts blend entertainment, culture and hospitality in a way that matches the spirit of the Pacific Northwest. These properties are not only places to play your favorite slot machines or table games, they’re also destinations for live music, fine dining, resort-style spas and RV-friendly lodging. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a fun night out, these resorts offer a relaxing, welcoming atmosphere with something for everyone.

From the scenic Oregon Coast to high-desert retreats, explore the fun, excitement and cultural richness of casino gaming — Oregon style.

Our animal and sea-life attractions bring you into a wilder world.

Find finned and feathered fun at Oregon’s aquariums, zoos and animal parks. Feel the prickle of the starfish or a sea anemone, or find yourself eye-to-eye with a sea lion, an otter or a baby elephant.

Oregon’s amusement parks bring out the kid in everyone.

Whether you’re six or 60, the thrill of the zip line never gets old, and neither does the charm of the Ferris wheel.