Spread the love!

Pendleton, Oregon: Where the Fun Never Stops! Best Places to Visit and Things to Do

Pendleton costs you very little until you go underground or into the casino. The Umatilla National Forest opens out over the Blue Mountains for nothing at all. The McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge runs fishing and hiking at no charge either. Downtown Pendleton is a free walk past bars that have stood there since 1905. And the Pendleton Woolen Mills lets you watch the weaving without buying a thing.

Looking for a getaway in Oregon? Try Pendleton. This small city runs an unusual mix of history, culture and the outdoors that works for visitors of all ages. The Native American heritage of the area, the rodeo culture, or just the scenery: Pendleton has a version of each.

One of the high points of Pendleton is its history, which shows in the museums, historic landmarks and cultural institutions here. The Tamástslikt Cultural Institute opens up the lives and traditions of the Native American tribes of the area, while the Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon Hall of Fame covers the rodeo culture of the city. There is plenty of chance to pick up the past of Pendleton.

Pendleton also works for outdoor people. Sitting near the Blue Mountains and the Umatilla River, it runs plenty of hiking, fishing and other outdoor activity. And when you want to slow down, there is a working culinary scene, unusual shops and boutiques, and a show at one of the many entertainment venues.

A Glimpse into Pendleton’s Past

History people should be in Pendleton. With its history and cultural heritage, there are plenty of museums and exhibits to work through. Here are a few places to start:

Heritage Station Museum

Take a trip back at the Heritage Station Museum. In the historic train depot, the museum is packed with artifacts and exhibits covering the past of Pendleton. Farm implements and Native American artifacts through to saddles and wagons, you get what life in the Old West looked like. And take the teepee and the dioramas while you are there.

Pendleton Air Museum

If aviation history interests you, do not miss the Pendleton Air Museum. The cultural museum preserves the history of aviation in Eastern Oregon. There are vintage aircraft, photographs and other artifacts telling the story of flight in the region. And you can climb into the cockpit of a World War II-era plane.

Chinese Immigrants’ Influence

Chinese immigrants played a significant part in the history of Pendleton. You can pick that up at the Heritage Station Museum. There are exhibits covering the lives of Chinese immigrants in the area, including their contributions to the railroad and agriculture industries. And they cover the challenges those people faced and the discrimination they endured.

History buff or just after a good afternoon, the museums and exhibits in Pendleton will hold you. So put on the walking shoes and take a trip back.

Ride ‘Em Cowboy: Pendleton’s Rodeo Culture

For old-fashioned cowboy fun, you have come to the right place. Pendleton holds one of the better-known rodeos in the world, the Pendleton Round-Up. But the rodeo culture here runs beyond one event. Here is what you should know about the rodeo culture of Pendleton.

Pendleton Round-Up

The Pendleton Round-Up is a week-long event that runs every September. Cowboys and cowgirls come from all over the world to compete in bull riding, bronc riding, steer wrestling and barrel racing. But the Round-Up is more than a rodeo. It is a celebration of Western culture, with parades, concerts and a carnival attached.

One of the busier events at the Round-Up is the Westward Ho Parade. This is a traditional parade where no motorized vehicles are allowed. Instead there are horses, Native Americans, cowboys, marching bands and motorized floats. It gives you the Old West properly.

Happy Canyon Hall of Fame

To pick up more of the rodeo culture in Pendleton, take the Happy Canyon Hall of Fame. The museum preserves the history of the Pendleton Round-Up and the Happy Canyon Pageant, which is another event running through Round-Up week.

The Happy Canyon Pageant is a theatrical performance telling the story of the settling of the West. It runs live animals, horses, buffalo and even a train among them. It is the one to catch if you are in town during Round-Up week.

The Happy Canyon Hall of Fame is full of artifacts and exhibits telling the story of the Round-Up and the Pageant. There are old photographs, costumes and a collection of cowboy hats in there. It opens up the history of rodeo in Pendleton.

Cowboy or just someone who follows Western culture, the rodeo culture in Pendleton will hold up. The Pendleton Round-Up through to the Happy Canyon Hall of Fame, there is a version of each. So grab the hat and the boots and head down.

Art and Craft in Pendleton

Are you an art person? Do you follow craftsmanship? Then you are in luck. Pendleton runs a working art and craft scene. Here are the places to find:

Pendleton Center for the Arts

The Pendleton Center for the Arts is the creative hub in the heart of Pendleton. In a carefully renovated 1916 Carnegie building, the center runs galleries, classrooms and performance spaces. There is art across the range on display, paintings through to sculptures and ceramics. And they run classes and workshops for all skill levels, so you can make something yourself.

Fine Print Studio

If printmaking is your thing, do not miss the Fine Print Studio. The small studio works in traditional printmaking techniques like etching, lithography and letterpress. There is also a gallery space showing work by local and national artists. And they run classes and workshops if it leaves you inspired.

Artists in Residence Program

The Artists in Residence Program is an unusual chance for artists to live and work in Pendleton. Each year the program selects a handful of artists from around the world to come and make work in the community. You can visit their studios, attend exhibitions, and join workshops and classes. It is a good way to meet artists from different backgrounds and pick up how they work.

Seasoned art connoisseur or just after something to do, the art and craft scene in Pendleton has a version of it. Galleries through to studios and artist residencies, something here will start you off. So what are you waiting for? Get out there.

The Great Outdoors of Pendleton

If the outdoors is your thing, Pendleton, Oregon suits you. With its natural setting and its wildlife, the days fill themselves. Here are the places to work through in the outdoors around Pendleton.

Umatilla National Forest

In the heart of Eastern Oregon, the Umatilla National Forest opens out over the Blue Mountains and the Umatilla River. Seasoned hiker or just starting out, there are plenty of trails to work. And there is fishing, biking and camping in this forest besides.

Blue Mountain Wildlife Refuge

Wildlife people should not miss the Blue Mountain Wildlife Refuge. The refuge holds a range of animals, Chinook salmon and steelheads among them. You can take a guided tour for the wildlife in the area, or simply work it yourself.

McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge

The other spot for wildlife people is the McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge holds a range of birds, waterfowl and raptors among them. And there is fishing and hiking in this area too.

Whichever of these outdoor spots you take, it will stay with you. So pack the bags, grab the gear, and go and see the natural side of Pendleton, Oregon.

Native American Heritage

If Native American culture interests you, you are in luck. Pendleton carries a deep Native American heritage you can work through. Here are the places to find:

Umatilla Indian Reservation

The Umatilla Indian Reservation is home to the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, which takes in the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla tribes. You can visit the reservation to pick up the history and culture of these tribes. Take a guided tour, attend a powwow, or visit the Wildhorse Resort & Casino, which is owned and operated by the Confederated Tribes.

Tamástslikt Cultural Institute

The Tamástslikt Cultural Institute is a museum covering the history and culture of the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla tribes. It is the only tribal-run Native American museum along the Oregon Trail, and it is one to see for anyone interested in Native American heritage. The museum runs interactive exhibits, artifacts and artwork telling the story of the history and culture of the tribes.

While you are at the museum, take the gift shop, which carries Native American-made crafts and souvenirs. And you can attend one of the cultural events, a traditional dance performance or a storytelling session among them.

Whether you take the Umatilla Indian Reservation or the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute, you come away with a deeper sense of the history and culture of the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla tribes.

The walking here is easy above ground and a good deal less so underneath it. The Pendleton Underground Tours cover a fair distance through the tunnels below. Wear comfortable shoes for that one, because it involves a lot of walking. The Umatilla National Forest then runs trails for seasoned hikers and beginners alike. And downtown Pendleton itself is flat and takes an easy hour on foot.

Pendleton’s Culinary Scene

Pendleton, Oregon suits anyone who eats and drinks well. Farm-to-table cooking through to classic Western food, the scene here runs on quality, creativity and a bit of invention.

Local Distilleries

Pendleton holds several local distilleries producing some of the finer whiskey and vodka in the region. Pendleton Whisky is the one to try for any whiskey drinker. Made with glacier-fed spring water and Canadian grain, it is smooth, rich and full of flavor. The other local favorite is the Oregon Grain Growers Brand Distillery, which produces strong vodka in the Pacific Northwest. Theirs is made with locally grown barley and pure mountain water, which gives it a clean, crisp taste for sipping or mixing.

Food and Dining

On food, Pendleton has a version of most things. A steak, fresh seafood or a burger, it is all here. For traditional Western cooking, take Hamley Steakhouse. The restaurant has been serving steaks and other hearty food since 1905. And for something more upscale, take Prodigal Son Brewery and Pub, which runs craft beer and creative dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.

Pendleton also holds several tea and restaurant spots where you can take a cup of tea or coffee over a board game with friends. The Great Pacific Wine and Coffee Co. is the popular one for tea drinkers, with a long selection of loose-leaf teas and good baked goods. And for something stronger, take the Prodigal Son Brewery and Pub for a pint of their craft beer.

The culinary scene in Pendleton runs varied and creative. Local distilleries through to trendy restaurants and tea spots, there is a version for every taste. So grab a fork, raise a glass, and get on with it.

Entertainment and Nightlife in Pendleton

Looking for entertainment in Pendleton? You are in luck. This small town runs plenty of options for a night out. A casino, a movie theater, or just a good celebration: Pendleton covers each.

Wildhorse Resort and Casino

If you are feeling lucky, go to the Wildhorse Resort and Casino. The place runs slot machines, table games and a poker room. And there are dining options across the range, a buffet, a steakhouse and a sports bar among them. And if you want to stay the night, the Wildhorse runs a hotel with over 300 rooms.

Downtown Pendleton

Downtown Pendleton is where the night happens. There are bars and restaurants across the range, each with its own character. Take a drink at Hamley Steakhouse, a historic bar that has been open since 1905. Or take the Prodigal Son Brewery and Pub for craft beer and live music. And if you are in town over summer, do not miss the Pendleton Round-Up, a week-long celebration of the western heritage of the town.

So what are you waiting for? Get out and take a night in Pendleton.

Shopping in Pendleton

If you shop, Pendleton is the place. Unusual boutiques through to familiar chain stores, there is a version of each. Here are two areas you should not miss:

Pendleton Woolen Mills

You cannot come to Pendleton without the Pendleton Woolen Mills. The historic mill has been producing woolen goods since 1909. There is everything from blankets and clothing to bags and accessories. And you can watch the weaving process happening in front of you. So take the credit card and buy something warm.

Main Street Shops

For a more eclectic afternoon, take Main Street. The street is lined with unusual shops, galleries and restaurants. There is everything from vintage clothing to handmade jewelry. And stop at the antique stores, because you never know what turns up.

But shopping in Pendleton is not only about buying. It is also about the afternoon. Take your time, work the shelves, and talk to the locals. You never know what stories come out of it. And with luck you get a discount. So put on the walking shoes and go.

Family Fun in Pendleton

Looking for family time in Pendleton? Here are two options that will keep the little ones going:

Pendleton Underground Tours

Work through the underground tunnels of Pendleton with the Pendleton Underground Tours. The tour takes you through the history of the city, the Chinese tunnels, the speakeasies and the brothels included. It is an unusual and educational few hours that the whole family will take something from.

Wear comfortable shoes, because the tour involves a lot of walking. And bring a camera, because you will want the sights and sounds of the underground.

Children’s Museum

For something hands-on, take the Children’s Museum in Pendleton. With interactive exhibits like the Construction Room and the Firehouse, the little ones get science, technology, engineering and math without noticing.

The museum also runs special events and workshops through the year, so check the schedule before you go. And there is no need to pack a lunch, because the museum keeps a snack area for refuelling.

The underground tunnels or a tower in the Construction Room, there is plenty of family time in Pendleton.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the round-up about in Pendleton, OR?

Well, partner, the Pendleton Round-Up is a world-famous rodeo that runs every September. It has been going since 1910 and it draws cowboys and cowgirls from all over the world. There is bull riding, barrel racing and steer roping. It is a rootin’ tootin’ good time, so do not miss it.

Where can I find the best steak in Pendleton, OR?

You are in luck, pardner. Pendleton holds some of the stronger steakhouses in the West. For a dressier dinner, take Hamley Steakhouse. For something more casual, try The Prodigal Son Brewery & Pub or Virgil’s at Cimmiyotti’s. Your taste buds will thank you.

What’s the most popular attraction in Pendleton, OR?

The Tamástslikt Cultural Institute is the attraction to see in Pendleton. The museum covers the history and culture of the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla tribes. You get the traditions, the art and the language of these tribes. It is a genuinely educational few hours.

What are some family-friendly activities in Pendleton, OR?

If you are travelling with kids, there is plenty to do in Pendleton. Take the Children’s Museum of Eastern Oregon, where kids can build things and work through a firehouse. The Pendleton Aquatic Center is the other option on a hot day. And there is the Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon Hall of Fame for the history of the rodeo.

Where’s the best place to stay in Pendleton, OR?

There are plenty of good places to stay in Pendleton, depending on budget and taste. For something luxurious, try the Oxford Suites Pendleton. On a budget, take the Rainbow Motel or the Rugged Country Lodge. And for something unusual, take the Working Girls Hotel, which used to be a brothel.

What makes Pendleton, OR a historic destination?

Pendleton carries a history going back to the 1800s. It was a major center for wool production and it held a working Chinese community. You can pick that up at the Pendleton Underground Tours, which take you through the tunnels once used for illegal activities. And take the Umatilla County Historical Society Museum for the history of the region. Pendleton is a place where the past is still visible.

Frequently asked questions about Pendleton, Oregon

Which Pendleton museum tour shows the side nobody advertises?

The Pendleton Underground Tours, without question. They take you through the tunnels beneath the city, the Chinese tunnels, the speakeasies and the brothels among them, which is a version of this town the street above never gives you. The Working Girls Hotel then takes the very same theme. That building itself used to be a brothel back then. Wear comfortable shoes down there, because the tour involves a great deal of walking.

Which Pendleton museum carries the deepest heritage?

The Tamástslikt Cultural Institute. It is the only tribal-run Native American museum along the Oregon Trail, and it covers the history and culture of the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla tribes through interactive exhibits, artifacts and artwork. The Heritage Station Museum then holds the whole Old West side of it. That one sits inside the historic train depot instead. Give the cultural institute much the longer half of your day.

Which Pendleton museum mill is worth the visit on its own?

The Pendleton Woolen Mills, comfortably. The historic mill has been producing woolen goods since 1909, running everything from blankets and clothing to bags and accessories, and you can watch the weaving happening in front of you. The Fine Print Studio then handles the printmaking instead of that. That one works in etching, lithography and in letterpress. Watch the weaving first, because the shop itself reads differently afterwards.

Spread the love!