8 Most Historic Small Towns to Visit in Oregon
The state of Oregon in the US is bounded by Washington on the north, California and Nevada on the south, Idaho on the east, and the Pacific Ocean on the west. The capital of Oregon is Salem, and the state has a diverse landscape that ranges from fertile valleys and mountains to moist rainforests. It is also home to some of the oldest and most historic towns in the country, including Astoria, which dates back to 1811, and Jacksonville, a National Historic Landmark, which is known for its stunning Victorian architecture. Find out more about the most historic small towns in Oregon!
Ashland
Ashland is known as the cultural hub of Oregon and is listed among “The 100 Best Small Art Towns in America.” Its history dates back to 1889, and it is the ideal holiday destination for art lovers. In Ashland, one can explore several award-winning galleries, theaters, and restaurants. It is also the official venue for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
History buffs will have the best experience walking around and exploring museums and galleries, which can be found between the Historic Railroad District and the campus of Southern Oregon University. These are home to contemporary and representational paintings, hand-blown glass, sculpture, ceramics and pottery, jewelry, and Native American art.
Popular museums and galleries worth visiting in Ashland include the Schneider Museum of Art and Ashland Gallery Association, and nearby Crater Rock Museum and Southern Oregon Historical Society. The Schneider Museum of Art remains open all year round and showcases exhibits that focus on modern and past outlooks of artwork created by renowned local and international artists.
Joseph
Joseph is a mesmerizing small town in Oregon nestled in the Wallowa Mountains. It was earlier known as Silver Lake and Lake City, and its official incorporation took place in the 1880s. Joseph was constructed around lumberjacking and farming and got its first railroad track in 1908. This further helped boost the farming and lumber businesses.
The town of Joseph is known for its history, agriculture, and fun outdoor adventures. One experience that shouldn’t be missed is Joseph’s Art Walk, held on Main Street. This is an opportunity to rediscover the age-old wax method used for crafting impressive bronze sculptures. Galleries on the street also showcase some of the most celebrated sculptors in America.
Located in the northeastern part of the state, Joseph is often referred to as the “Little Switzerland of America.” It is surrounded by wilderness areas, including Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Eagle Cap Wilderness Area, and Hells Canyon National Scenic Area.
Baker City
Baker City is a mesmerizing small town in Oregon, sheltered between the striking Elkhorn Ridge (Blue Mountains) and the charming Wallowa Mountains. One of the most historical places to visit in Baker City (besides the old downtown district) is the Baker Heritage Museum, which preserves, shares, and interprets the archives and historic objects of Baker County. Visitors should not miss some of the powerful and robust exhibits held at the museum, which represent the county's diverse cultural heritage.
A fun family activity in Baker City is spinning around a famous reservoir called the Phillips Lake Reservoir in the Elkhorn Mountains. This recreational site is only 15 miles away and offers opportunities to fish, boat, hike, and even camp in the wilderness.
Tourists also like to explore the original Victorian business quarter, which is also where the renowned Geiser Grand Hotel is located.
Astoria
With a population of nearly 10,000, Astoria is a small, quaint town on the beautiful Columbia River, close to the Pacific Ocean.
In Astoria, one should definitely take a tour of the world-famous Columbia River Maritime Museum and learn about the town's maritime history, from ancient sailships to dugout canoes. Other sites to visit in this town include The Astoria Column (a tower constructed in 1925 within Astor Park) and Flavel House Museum, which was built in the 1800s and allows tourists to view beautiful and unique elements of Victorian-style architecture.
Some of the hotels to check out for one’s stay in Astoria include Cannery Pier Hotel, Hotel Elliott, and Columbia Inn, among others. When hungry, discover local eateries, like Fort George Brewery + Public House, the baby of brew masters Jack and Chris.
Florence
Often referred to as "Oregon's Coastal Playground," Florence is a town with miles of beautiful beaches, sand dunes, and the quaint Historic Old Town Florence, among other things.
One would regret visiting Florence and not exploring the Old Town, which is known for its amazing galleries, numerous eateries, and quaint shops. There is also a booming antique district nearby and museums like the Oregon Coast Military Museum and Siuslaw Pioneer Museum that house Florence’s glorious past. Other sites to visit in Florence include the Siuslaw River Bridge (an iconic heritage bridge), Heceta Head Lighthouse, and St Mary Catholic Church, Our Lady of the Dunes.
The Sea Lion Caves are among the most popular tourist spots, located just 10 minutes away from Florence. Here, one can witness several hundred harbor seals and sea lions barking and frolicking about. To the south of Florence is the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, where one can find North America’s largest waterside sand dunes.
Jacksonville
Famed for its well-preserved architecture, vibrant arts scene, and rich history, Jacksonville is located in the Rogue Valley and has approximately 3,000 residents. It is surrounded by abundant natural scenery, such as the Rogue River, the Siskiyou Mountains, and the Applegate River.
Tourists are highly recommended to catch a glimpse of the Victorian family lifestyle at the CC Beekman House Museum, opened by Historic Jacksonville, Inc., for short 30-minute tours. Another great site to visit in the town is the Historic Jackson County Courthouse.
There is a vast network of trails and parks in Jacksonville, catering to all kinds of outdoor recreational interests. Some of the popular parks include Britt Gardens, the Jacksonville Woodlands, and Nunan Square. These are great spots to enjoy a picnic, walk along the scenic trails and just relax in the lap of nature.
Wine lovers must explore the famous Jacksonville-Applegate Valley Wine Trail, which features several vineyards and wineries.
Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is a picturesque town in Oregon with a lot of character. A key landmark is Haystack Rock, a highly steep rock formation with adjoining stone “needles” that adorn the Oregon coast.
The Cannon Beach History Center and Museum provides information about all the landmarks one can find in Cannon Beach's downtown area. Among other things, tourists can explore the ancient roller skating rink that was ultimately converted into a theater. Arch Cape Carronade Replica and Ecola Point Site are other historical sites in Cannon Beach that are well worth visiting.
When in Cannon Beach, don’t miss the chance to see glassblowers in action. The sight of them transforming liquified glass into spectacular art pieces is absolutely surreal. Icefire Glassworks is a glassblowing studio located in Midtown Cannon Beach.
McMinnville
Located in the center of the state’s wine country, McMinnville is a warm, friendly, and inviting destination, perfect for a relaxed holiday. This town offers its visitors a plethora of experiences: history, wine tasting, farm-to-table restaurants, arts and culture, shopping, and much more.
The town has preserved multiple sites. The McMinnville Downtown Historic District includes several of the most popular historic buildings. History buffs would love a tour of Pioneer Hall, which dates back to 1883 and is a spectacular Italian-style villa located within Linfield University. Other interesting sites in McMinnville include the Schilling Building, Samuel Cozine House, and the First Presbyterian Church.
Families would love to spend a day at the four-acre Chegwyn Farms Neighborhood Park, which is known for its “farm theme.” This park celebrates the agricultural past of McMinnville by giving children a chance to experience climbing through an actual barn, sitting on a tractor, and riding a chicken! Besides this, the park also has a picnic shelter, park pathways, swing sets and a basketball court
Other attractions to enjoy in McMinnville include a visit to Alchemist’s Jam, an artisanal jam store, Buchanan Cellers, Ed Grenfell Park, Gallery Theater, and Forage Nature’s Pantry.
With a plethora of historical sites to visit in each of these Oregon towns, one can expect to revisit the past and learn several interesting facts about how the state developed over the centuries. While there are folks who can’t imagine living without the big city amenities, and the constant hustle and bustle, there are others who wish to retreat to the smaller towns, such as those found in the scenic state of Oregon. Slow down and find peace amidst nature, history, art, and culture.
