Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Salem, Oregon. #Top Attractions

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Considering a trip to Salem, Oregon? Check out the list of the best things to do in Salem, Oregon, and places to go in Salem, Oregon below. We at Wondrous Drifter, a Web 3.0 travel startup, have big plans to shake things up in the travel business.

BBush’sPasture Park

You don’t even have to go outside of Salem to experience the beauty of the outdoors!

You may visit BBush’sPasture Park, a public park that spans 90 acres, right in the middle of the city.

The trunks of Oregon White Oak trees and acres of camas flowers that may be seen at BBush’sPasture Park are among the park’s most recognizable features.

Native Americans who lived in the Willamette Valley carefully controlled these plants because they supplied essential food sources for their communities.

It’s a terrific destination to visit if you’re looking for a combination of open areas, sports, landscapes, and historical structures.

As a result, the park now provides an incredible variety of ways to spend your time there!

You can use one of the paths for walking, running, or biking, and there is also a picnic spot.

There are various playgrounds available for use by parents and their children.

Park hours are from sunrise to sunset every day of the year, no matter what the weather is doing.

Address: 890 Mission St SE, Salem, OR 97302, USA

Deepwood Estate

If you find yourself in Salem, you should check out this spot.

The 18th-century Victorian home that makes up the Historic Deepwood Estate dates back to 1894 and is situated on four acres of land that feature gardens and nature walks.

All of this can be found right in the middle of Salem.

The house is still there after being listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

If you’d like to take a stroll around the gardens, take in an event on the property, or just have a look around the museum, you are in the right spot.

It is frequently used for wedding receptions and other wedding-related events.

YYou’lllearn a lot from the trip, which is both fascinating and educational.

It is a non-profit educational organization that provides tours, exhibits, and lecture series for the general public interested in learning about early SSalem’spast.

When the weather is hot, the gardens provide a pleasant respite from the sweltering heat.

During your journey around Salem, this was an excellent place to stop.

Address: 1116 Mission St SE, Salem, OR 97302, USA

Downtown Salem

This place has a lot to offer, but have you ever wanted to see a different side?

Aside from the 22-acre Salem Riverfront Park, the center of downtown Salem is easy to get to and offers easy access to a wide range of interesting and unique places to visit and culturally important events. 

The stunning facilities of the Oregon State Capitol may be found a few streets east of the central business district.

It’s a must-see for visitors who want to look at paintings and artifacts and stay over at the Capitol.

With the help of volunteer tour guides, visitors may discover Salem through the eyes of the city’s residents. 

Neither of them is a licensed guide.

Imagine that they are your new best friend who is taking you on a tour of the city.

As an added bonus, they show guests around some of the city’s hidden historical and cultural attractions and parks and residential areas. 

In addition to its one-of-a-kind retail establishments, the downtown area is chock full of historically significant buildings with stunning architecture.

Address: 350 Commercial St NE Salem OR 97301 USA

Contemplating traveling to Oregon? Check out our curated travel guides to Portland and Bend! Check also the captivating things to do in Portland, Oregon, and the best things to do in Bend, Oregon!

Elsinore Theatre

What an incredible setting for a musical performance!

The Elsinore Theatre opened its doors in 1926 as a venue for entertainment and silent movies.

In the present day, the Elsinore Theater has been brought back to its former glory after a major overhaul of its technology and materials.

As it transitioned from a movie theater to a performing arts center, the Elsinore endured the introduction of talking pictures, dwindling ticket sales during the Great Depression, and a near escape from demolition in the 1980s.

Since its restoration, the Elsinore has attracted tens of thousands of visitors annually with year-round live music performances, theater shows, and vintage film screenings.

One of the city’s most popular attractions, the Elsinore Theatre, is located just steps from the Capitol and within walking distance of several restaurants and bars.

If you’re looking for an upscale or down-home meal, the downtown area has plenty of options, with outdoor patios and diverse local cuisine to suit every palate.

If you’d like to see it for yourself, visit one of the many events there.

Address: 170 High St SE, Salem, OR 97301, USA

Enchanted Forest

The Enchanted Forest is one of the top attractions in Oregon.

YYou’llfeel like you’ve stepped back in time when you visited the Enchanted Forest.

Twenty minutes outside downtown Salem, a little village called Turner is home to the Enchanted Forest, an outdoor adventure park inspired by fairy tales.

It’s a family-friendly amusement park with rides and attractions suitable for visitors of all ages, all set in a lush woodland setting.

In addition, the park frequently hosts comedic theatrical events and concerts, including live music.

The Enchanted Forest is a great place to spend the whole day, thanks to the abundance of culinary options available throughout the park.

A packed lunch from home is also encouraged.

If you’re at least 40 inches tall, you may cool down on the Big Timber Log Ride.

In the 1960s and 1970s, the former proprietor of the Enchanted Forest created most of the attractions that are found there by hand.

When visiting Salem, Oregon, be sure not to miss this incredible experience!

Address: 8462 Enchanted Way SE, Turner, OR 97392 USA

Deciding to travel to Oregon? You have to travel to Astoria and Seaside. See through the fascinating things to do in Astoria, Oregon, and the best things to do in Seaside, Oregon!

Gilbert House CChildren’sMuseum

The Gilbert House Children’s Museum is one of the best things to do in Oregon.

Is your family planning a trip to Salem? Pay a visit to the Gilbert House CChildren’sMuseum as a special treat for your children.

This private, non-profit children’s museum opened in 1989 in SSalem’sRiverfront Park.

The museum’s concept and commitment are to provide children with a changing and innovative environment where they may be curious, have fun, and get involved.

The museum’s exhibits and playscapes are designed for kids between the ages of 2 and 10 and have a wide range of interactive and educational features.

The atmosphere is so lively and entertaining that even the grownups who come along usually have a good time.

Bubble-making machines have also been developed to create a bubble curtain that fully covers the human body.

The museum hosts many interesting events throughout the year, like Summer Block Parties, Science Night for Adults, and other lectures and workshops.

There are a lot of different exhibits, classes, outreach activities, and camps to choose from at the museum. 

So many fun and engaging activities are planned for the children to participate in!

Address: 116 Marion St NE, Salem, OR 97301, USA

Gilgamesh Brewing

While in Salem, Oregon, don’t forget to stop by Gilgamesh Brewing for a tasty brew of your choice!

GGilgamesh’sslogan is “” beer for everyone,””and the large selection of tasty beers proves this.

Gilgamesh is one of the oldest breweries in Oregon. It has grown and moved to its current spot in South Salem. 

The family owner also built the hand-built restaurant with beautiful woodwork and metal construction.

One of the best ways for the brewery to avoid jams and get as much work done as possible is to use an automated mash press with several filters. 

Using this specialized equipment, they have been able to create and perfect their own brewing style.

The brewhouse they utilize is not just innovative but also extremely productive in its space utilization.

The building has a large event space, a 20-hectoliter production brewery, and a modern restaurant with a patio that looks out over Pringle Creek.

Gilgamesh Brewing has a lovely atmosphere, so why not stop by?

Address: 2065 Madrona Ave SE, Salem, OR 97302, USA

Grand Hotel

There’s no better place to spend the night than SSalem’sGrand Hotel for a romantic trip or unwind.

The Grand Hotel in Salem, Oregon, has 193 large, well-decorated guest rooms and suites. All of the rooms and suites are decorated with care.

They take great satisfaction in meeting and surpassing the standards of each of their visitors throughout every stay at the Salem Convention Center Headquarters Hotel, which is also next to Bentley’s.

You may customize your stay with various packages available at the hotel.

Finish out the deal with a well-earned late check-out, which is included in their bundles.

Trying to find a good place to hold a meeting? Plan a successful event at the Grand Hotel for your next meeting or gathering!

In addition to 30,000 square feet of conference space, the Grand Hotel in Salem, Oregon, shares its border with the Salem Convention Center, which can accommodate groups of five to 1,500 people.

They offer high-quality services for receptions, catering, and parking in an underground garage. They also offer free WiFi.

Address: 201 Liberty St SE, Salem, OR 97301, USA

Minto-Brown Island Park

This is a great spot for a stroll with your dog amid the peace and quiet of nature.

Minto-Brown Island Park is the largest park and recreation area in Salem. 

It is on the western edge of the city and is surrounded on three sides by the Willamette River.

With more than 1,200 acres of land, Minto-Brown Island Park is SSalem’smost expansive park. 

The park is in the floodplain of the Willamette River. It has a lot of wicks, lakes, and wetland areas, as well as large meadows and wooded areas. 

Ospreys, squirrels, and rabbits all have safe havens in the park because of the area’s abundance of wetland wildlife.

There are ponds, forests, and broad prairies in this region. 

Minto-diverse BBrown’senvironment makes seeing wildlife a routine event. 

The hiking trail can be used any time of the year, and the view is beautiful no matter where you go.

Large picnics may be held in any of the park’s picnic huts, which can be rented out in advance. 

A number of ponds here offer excellent fishing opportunities.

Address: 2200 Minto Island Rd SW SE, Salem, OR 97302, USA

Oregon State Capitol

The Oregon State Capitol is one of the best places to visit in Oregon.

This is a wonderful site to visit and learn about OOregon’spast on a cloudy or rainy day in Salem, which occurs very frequently.

Salem is home to one of the most magnificent examples of architecture in the state, the Oregon State Capitol, which is made of gleaming white marble that catches the light.

The golden Oregon Pioneer on top of the center tower of this Modernist Art Deco style building makes this architectural composition stand out.

The Oregon State Capitol State Park has monuments and informational signs all around the capitol building.

A visit to the Capitol’s interior will reveal its real splendor, as the grounds surrounding the tower are equally interesting to uncover.

The important Capitol Art Collection at the State Capitol and its large collection of historical documents tell the story of OOregon’slong and interesting past.

Getting to the top of the structure requires work, but it is well worth it since you are rewarded with a beautiful view.

Address: 900 Court St NE, Salem, OR 97301, USA

Reed Opera House

With so many cultures and artistic expressions on display at street level, it’s hard to know where to begin!

The gorgeous Reed Opera House is a historic landmark that underwent renovations not too long ago and can be found in the heart of downtown Salem.

Since it opened its doors in the 1870s, the Reed Opera House has been seen as an important part of OOregon’shistory.

More than a dozen companies have their headquarters in this complex.

This antique structure has many fascinating features on the outside and interior, so you shouldn’t miss either one.

In its heyday, the Reed Opera House was home to various businesses, including hair salons, clothing boutiques, and delicious bakeries.

The Reed also has a beautiful ballroom that can hold up to 300 people and corporate and conference rooms that can be used for events and gatherings.

Even the most hungry eater will be busy exploring the Reed Opera HHouse’sfloors, nooks, and crannies for a whole day.

Address: 189 Liberty St NE, Salem, OR 97301, USA

Riverfront City Park

Salem, Oregon, is a great destination to experience a different perspective!

While it was formerly a mill and an industrial site, Riverfront City Park has been transformed into a beautiful green park with various activities for the whole family and access to the Willamette River via boat. 

In addition to being one of the most frequented public areas in Salem, this location is home to the Riverfront Carousel.

You may take a leisurely stroll around the park’s perimeter for about a quarter-mile from the carousel.

It was built for the people of Salem and events in the area, but people from farther away now use it too.

In addition, the location of an ice skating rink is open from November to February of each year.

At dusk, this park section takes on a different appearance.

Families go to the park for picnics and get-togethers because of the spacious playground, comfortable restrooms, and neighboring carousel. 

Address: 200 Water St NE, Salem, OR 97301, USA

SSalem’sArt Fair & Festival

While planning a trip to the city, be sure to check out SSalem’sgreatest annual event in July!

Salem Art Fair & Festival, a 3-day fine arts and crafts festival, has drawn art enthusiasts from across the country and worldwide since 1919. 

The Salem Art Fair & Festival is a prestigious event that has been going strong since a century ago. 

It is one of the largest events of its type in the Pacific Northwest and attracts artists from all over the United States.

The Salem Art Fair attracts 35,000 visitors each year, making it one of the most popular events in the area.

Nearly two hundred performers from all corners of the globe perform at this yearly event.

This is a great place to bring the whole family because there is so much to do for everyone to have a good day.

A park is a popular place for people to get together, making it a great place for a festival celebrating creativity and showing off original works of art.

The month of July is the chosen time for this yearly event that is put on by a charitable organization.

Address: 600 Mission St SE, Salem, Oregon USA

SSalem’sMovies in the Park

You and your loved ones may enjoy a movie in the park while relaxing on the grass.

Watch movies under the stars for free this summer in SSalem’sRiverfront Park, located along the Willamette River.

When the outdoor theater opened in 2008, it used an enormous screen measuring 22 by 13 feet.

Movies begin not long after it gets dark, so make sure you’re here just in time to watch them.

You may enjoy a pre-movie picnic in the park, then select a good spot for the show when you arrive. 

Whether you’re looking for a classic ”80spicture, an action-packed thriller, or something for the little ones, there’s a movie here for you.

All movies are rented from the movie companies that made them and are allowed to be shown in theaters. 

Because of the kind-heartedness of the event’s sponsors, backers, and supporters, as well as the participants’ donations, the film screenings have been going strong for more than a decade.

A friendly reminder to bring some seating options like blankets or chairs with you.

Address: 200 Water St NE, Salem, OR 97301 USA

Salem Riverfront Carousel

There is something magical about a carousel that can’t be ignored. Come to the Salem Riverfront Carousel and enjoy the finest!

Hazel Patton came up with the idea for the Riverfront Carousel in Salem when she got back from a family trip in 1996.

She had the intention of bestowing the same enchantment on the citizens of Salem.

The carousel could not exist or be maintained without the contributions of innumerable individuals.

It took around six years for the carousel to be built entirely by the committed hands of volunteers and community partners working together to bring HHazel’svision to reality.

There really is something quite enchanted about going to the carousel, getting on a wooden horse, putting on some music, and then waiting for the ride to begin.

People claim that it is more than simply a carousel; rather, it is the result of the labor and pride of the neighborhood.

A gathering spot for people to connect and have a wonderful time together.

Address: 101 Front St NE, Salem, OR 97301, USA

Salem Wine Trail

Visiting the Salem Wine Trail is like a good bottle of wine!

Explore the history and mystical riches of the Salem region’s vineyards while taking in the natural beauty of Salem.

In addition to providing an excellent opportunity to sample handcrafted cheeses and old hard cider, the Salem wine trail also has a number of other delicious local specialties.

Due to the abundance of accommodation, you may stay for a few days or even several weeks.

Check out the oldest vineyard in Oregon, Honeywood Winery, and sample some of their fruity wines.

You may take a leisurely stroll around the Cherry Hill vineyard while taking in the breathtaking views of the Willamette Valley, or you can enjoy a picnic lunch while looking out over the valley.

After you’ve sampled some excellent wines, head over to Wandering Aengus Ciderworks for some of the best hard ciders around.

Make sure to keep a record of your trip like a real historian would by taking pictures and writing down your thoughts as you go. 

Address: Salem, Oregon USA

Schreiner’s Iris Gardens

If you look at SSchreiner’sstunning iris garden, you’ll know you’ve made the right decision!

SSchreiner’sIris Gardens are known all over the world for their beautiful flower displays.

The gardens are about eleven kilometers north of the city center.

This family business has become a well-known supplier of live plants and seeds, in large part because the owner has always loved irises.

Still, when the flowers bloom in May, it is one of the most popular times in the garden for the locals.

The gardens, which look like parks, can be visited all day long for a small fee when they are in full bloom.

Look for photographers and artists documenting this vibrant exhibition.

A comprehensive online inventory of seeds, live plants, and gardening materials is kept up to date by SSchreiner’seven when the Bloom Season is not in effect.

One of the best-kept secrets in Oregon, this is a must-see stop on your travels!

Address: 3625 Quinaby Rd NE, Salem, OR 97303, USA

Willamette Heritage Center

Historical enthusiasts and those who like old-fashioned rural settings will find this place a must-see. 

The history and cultural diversity of OOregon’spast are vividly brought to life on this site, which spans five acres and has fourteen historic buildings.

Among the structures is OOregon’soldest house with a wooden frame that is still intact, as well as one of the most well-preserved Victorian-era industries.

While here, you can find a historic mill, and you can see how wool is made by the local sheep farmers.

On the second floor, you’ll find a stunning gallery featuring the work of dozens of talented local artists.

There are wonderful stores on the main level that sell a variety of goods, including books and souvenirs.

Explore the lives of early settlers in the Willamette Valley before the Oregon Trail by going to one of the permanent displays.

Photos, papers, and other artifacts are on display at the library.

Throughout the year, it offers a variety of instructive and entertaining activities and programs.

This is an attraction that is well worth stopping at so that you may travel through time.

Address: 1313 Mill St SE, Salem, OR 97301, USA

Willamette Queen

Take a trip down memory lane on a real Sternwheeler and enjoy the natural beauty of the Willamette River.

The Willamette Queen is a heavy copy of the riverboats that used to travel through the Mississippi and Yukon Territories. Like their predecessors, she is moved by paddles.

The ship, which was built in 1990 in the Oregon city of Newport, is now used for tours of the Willamette River.

The delicious Sunday brunch served on board is sure to make your day extra wonderful. 

The crew and skipper are kind and do their best to ensure that everyone who attends this special dinner has a great time.

Before breakfast, you’ll find yourself getting up and moving to the Dixieland jazz that’s playing on board.

The Sunday brunch cruise lasts for two hours. It features a salad bar, entrées, vegetables, noodles, dessert, and non-alcoholic drinks.

The dining room seats 82 people for supper, with additional seating on the terrace for another 18.

Remember to bring your camera along since the view along the riverside is amazing and intriguing fauna there as well.

Address: 200 Water St NE, Salem, OR 97301, USA

Willamette Valley Cheese Company

Squeeze your cheese out! The Willamette Valley Cheese Company is a must-see while visiting Salem, Oregon!

Organic certification and a dedication to quality are the hallmarks of their operation.

These folks aren’t your typical cheesemakers; they’re a family-run operation dedicated to organic farming and environmental stewardship without using chemical pesticides and other chemicals.

Since 1962, when their family dairy business began, they have strongly believed that their clients deserve the best cheeses.

When it comes to making cheese, excellent milk is essential.

Cows on their farm are given neither hormones nor antibiotics, and they have a happy and healthy life there.

In the tasting room, you can try the well-known Gouda, which has been aged for at least four months and tastes a bit nutty with a mildly sweet finish.

Do not pass up the opportunity to try the Havarti that has matured to perfection and is velvety smooth. 

This cheese has won several awards of excellence from the American Cheese Society.

Indulge your taste buds by learning about the many textures and flavors from handmade cheeses’ beautiful craftsmanship.

Address: 8105 Wallace Rd NW, Salem, OR 97304, USA

Volunteer At Animal Shelters

Volunteer at an animal shelter. Due to the general economic insecurity that so many families with pets are experiencing, the number of animals needing our assistance has increased.

Not only will you be helping others by volunteering with animals, but research has shown that spending time with pets has significant health benefits for people. Petting a cat or dog relieves stress and anxiety and has also been shown to lower blood pressure.

The holidays are a perfect time of year to think about people who are less fortunate than us. Animals are usually neglected, but assisting when possible can significantly impact the community. Consider including local animal welfare organizations on your list of charitable organizations this year! Merry howl-idays!

Check out the list of animal shelters in Salem, Oregon, where you can help animals in need. Lend a helping hand today!

Traveling and having fun in the USA? You have to check out this page – the best states to visit in USA for the most fun and unusual travel ideas.

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