Just east of Eugene, Springfield is well worth a trip. You’ll find outdoor adventures in all four seasons, a cozy stretch of Main Street lined with appetizing eateries, easy access to fun on the McKenzie River and a vibrant art scene — including murals of Springfield’s favorite television cartoon characters. Start planning your time in the Willamette Valley city with these ideas for a memorable road trip to Springfield.
Experience Murals, Galleries and Living History
Immerse yourself in the artworks that line buildings and fill galleries throughout downtown Springfield. Take a self-guided mural tour of downtown, and see nearly three dozen colorful creations that pay tribute to beloved characters from “The Simpsons,” Oregon literary legend Ken Kesey and Oregon history. Take a selfie with Springfield’s most famous family in front of “The Official Simpsons Mural” on the side of the Emerald Art Center, then step inside to see paintings, sculptures, photography and other works from local and regional artists.
If the timing works on your visit, see what’s new and exciting at the Downtown Springfield Second Friday Art Walk. Bounce between roughly a dozen galleries, eateries and museums to mingle with artists, see their newest pieces and check out fun, community-minded activities like coloring and journal making.
Experience Springfield’s history at Dorris Ranch, a 268-acre park and commercial hazelnut orchard just south of downtown. Serving as the nation’s oldest hazelnut orchard — or filberts, as the locals call the nuts — the ranch dates back to 1892. See it up close as you stroll a mix of dirt, gravel and paved paths. Visitors can also walk around an on-site historical village for a glimpse of several re-created buildings such as an emigrant homestead and a tribal plankhouse.
Head Outdoors for Forest Views and River Fun
Just south of town, take a stroll through towering forests and sweeping meadows at Mount Pisgah Arboretum. Hike past colorful wildflower blooms in spring, watch for wildlife in summer and savor dazzling foliage displays every autumn. Choose the distance that’s suited to your crew via a network of interconnected trails, and reserve an all-terrain electric wheelchair to navigate uneven paths.
Right in Springfield, enjoy nonstop Willamette River views from along the 12-mile Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path System. Hop on at several access points along the paved, wheelchair-accessible path, and keep an eye out for ospreys and other birds.
If you’d like to get on the Willamette River, get started through Oregon River Runners. The local outfitter offers kayak, canoe and gear rentals at the Island Park boat launch, as well as river tube rentals and shuttles for a two- to four-hour float. For indoor aquatic adventures, bring your bathing suit to Splash at Lively Park. The year-round indoor water park hosts a wave pool, a waterslide and other fun features for swimmers of all ages.
The McKenzie River empties into the Willamette River just northwest of Springfield, and the community serves as an idyllic gateway for outdoor recreation on the crystal-clear river. Bring your kayak or stand-up paddleboard to Trail Bridge Reservoir, which reopened after construction in 2026, and take a hike on the Clear Lake Loop at the McKenzie’s headwaters. For a more fast-paced adventure, take a summertime guided whitewater-rafting trip through a local outfitter like Horse Creek Lodge or Helfrich McKenzie Rafting.
Where to Eat, Drink and Stay in Springfield
Along the bustling Main Street corridor in the heart of town, enjoy gluten-free quiche and pastries at Estelle, or sit down for breakfast sandwiches made with seasonal ingredients at Lovely All Day Cafe nearby. Grab lunch and a flight of local craft beers on the patio at Plank Town Brewing Company, enjoy a classic steakhouse experience with locally sourced meats at George + Violet’s, and pair your seasonally inspired pub grub with elegant cocktails and mocktails at the upscale Tavern on Main.
Just a block north of Main Street, while away a few hours at PublicHouse — home to a beer hall inside a converted church; a whiskey bar with spirits from around the world; and a handful of food vendors slinging burgers, barbecue, Mediterranean fare and other cuisines. Afterward, sample the colorful cocktails at The Monkey’s Paw, a popular tiki bar.
When you’re ready to call it a night, retire to your room at McKenzie Orchards Bed and Breakfast Inn just north of Springfield. Savor McKenzie River views from four of the B&B’s five rooms, sample pours from local wineries and relax with luxurious bedding. Just northwest of Springfield, spend a night along the Willamette River at the recently renovated Valley River Inn. Kick back on private patios and balconies, gather around the 1970s-vintage sunken lounging area with a fireplace and savor Pacific Northwest cuisine at the on-site restaurant.
