Marion and Polk counties, which include the areas in and around Salem in the heart of the Willamette Valley, are best known for spectacular vineyards, hiking trails and more. Locals know that this Mid-Valley region is also a prime spot for off-the-beaten-path museums with distinctive collections featuring one-of-a-kind treasures — everything from movie props to an eight-legged calf. Here are three fascinating spots to inspire your own visit.
1. Independence: Native History and Wildlife
A short drive southwest of Salem, the historic town of Independence was once considered to be the hops capital of the world. The city also has a rich history beyond its vital role in the Oregon craft-beer industry. A visit to Independence’s Heritage Museum offers an interactive tour of the town’s legacy, complete with artifacts from the Kalapuya Tribe, military uniforms, 1940s medical equipment and more. Kids love to visit the museum’s post office, where visitors can write a letter on a working typewriter. The museum’s rotating exhibition room is another must-visit, where guests can learn about everything from the history of the region’s local airport to Oregon’s trailblazing Black athletes. The museum is free to enter.
With the Heritage Museum’s prime location in the center of town, it’s an easy 15-minute walk to Divine Distillers, the town’s craft-distillery tasting room where revelers sample brandy and amaro made with local produce. Wine aficionados can take a quick drive to Elysium Botanicals Wine & Vineyards to enjoy lovely blancs and rosés of pinot noir. Or, stroll through the Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge to catch glimpses of egrets, dusky Canada geese and pintails among the marshlands and forests. When hunger strikes, try a hand-tossed pizza at Gilgamesh Brewing’s The River followed by a decadent Belgian chocolate truffle or soft serve ice cream cone from Melting Pot Candy.
2. Salem: A Classic Film Set and Local Art
Many Oregonians know this famous Salem building was the filming location of Ken Kesey’s “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” directed by Miloš Forman. However, the Oregon State Hospital is far more than a set. Its Oregon State Hospital Museum of Mental Health is one of a handful of worldwide museums dedicated to sharing stories of mental-health treatment from the late 1800s through the mid-1900s. Visitors can listen to firsthand accounts of hospital residents via vintage telephones, get a deep look into the methods and machinery of treatment over the last two centuries and explore a 1920s or ’30s replica of a patient’s room. Plus, movie buffs can check out props, set details and Oregon Film Trail plaques from the filming of the Academy Award-winning picture.
Afterward, turn your trip into a museum marathon and pop by the Forest History Center, an archive of historic documents, tools and materials related to the state’s forestry-preservation efforts, located within the Oregon Department of Forestry in Salem. (The center is open to the public on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and by appointment.) Next stroll through the Hallie Ford Museum of Art on the Willamette University campus, which offers an impressive collection of pieces by Indigenous artists local to the Willamette Valley. For more fine art, Salem on the Edge art gallery curates an exceptional selection of pieces by Pacific Northwest artists. For lunch or dinner, the restaurants in downtown Salem will serve nicely, particularly Taproot Lounge & Café for veggie-packed bowls and salads, Bentley’s for expertly seared steaks and fresh seafood, or DaVinci Ristorante for decadent Italian classics prepared with local, farm-quality ingredients.
3. Mount Angel: Eclectic Finds and a Monastic Brewery
For a truly eclectic mix of artifacts, seek out the Mount Angel Abbey Museum, which is tucked away in Mt. Angel’s serene Benedictine monastery. The museum is home to an extensive assortment of taxidermy, including an eight-legged stuffed calf, as well as an array of mid-century dishware and glassware. Those exploring the exhibits will also spot some beautiful Samoan, Latin American and African art, provided by students of the seminary. The museum is free to visit, with the option to donate to the monastery.
The Mount Angel Abbey is a site to behold in its own right, so visitors should leave time to stroll the rest of the grounds. A beer at Benedictine Brewery, which is operated by the monastery, is a fun finale for any visit. The Bavarian-style town of Mt. Angel is also a worthy spot to refuel. Locals love to hit up Mt. Angel Sausage Co. for a brat or European-inspired dishes as well as Lou’s Kitchen for modern and fresh American dishes. Extend the evening with a post-dinner drink at Bierhaus, which has more than 32 beers on draft and an impressive menu of house-smoked meats.
