The Best College Town In Oregon
If you’ve ever wondered what a great college town really looks like, you might want to check out Corvallis. This picturesque community south of Portland ticks all the right boxes. Academic excellence? It’s home to Oregon State University (OSU), so that’s a big yes. Strong ties between university and community? Yes again. And what about a thriving cultural scene and an economy that’s enriched by faculty and students? That’s a yes on both counts.
Corvallis also stands out as a shining example of the Pacific Northwest’s rapid evolution from frontier country to the educational and economic powerhouse the region is today. Founded in 1851 and named after the Latin for "heart of the valley" for its location in the Willamette Valley, early settlers to Corvallis were quick to recognize the area’s fertile land and strategic location along the Willamette River. A focal point for commerce and governance in Oregon’s formative years, this fast-growing town even served as the state capital for a brief period in 1855 before the seat was moved to Salem 30 miles to the north.
OSU History And Acclaim
Established in 1868 as Corvallis College, Oregon State University began with just a handful of students. The Morrill Act of 1862, which provided land grants for institutions to teach agriculture and mechanical arts, played a pivotal role in its founding, with Corvallis being chosen for its central location in the Willamette Valley, as well as strong community support.
Today, OSU is ranked one of the world’s best seats of learning, making it onto lists of the top universities as recently as 2023. Now home to more than 33,000 students, with additional student bodies located in satellite sites in Newport, Portland, and Bend, OSU has also earned a spot in the top 10 American universities for its online bachelor's programs. OSU is especially well-regarded for its programs in engineering, forestry, marine sciences, and agricultural sciences, with its research output being particularly noteworthy.
Notable alumni include Linus Pauling, a two-time Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry and Peace, as well as Douglas Engelbart, inventor of the computer mouse. It’s also the alma mater of the legendary Dick Fosbury, an Olympic gold medalist known for revolutionizing the high jump with his famous “Fosbury Flop.”
OSU’s Impact On Corvallis
Known to locals and students alike as "Beaver Nation," a nod to Oregon’s early beaver fur trade and to its college mascot, OSU’s central location within Corvallis makes it an integral part of daily life. Campus buildings and green spaces seem to flow quite naturally into the town, mirroring the university’s profound economic impact on Corvallis. The largest employer in the region, recent estimates suggest OSU generates more than $2.3 billion annually in local economic activity, supporting everything from small businesses to the housing market and public services.
OSU has also been a major cultural influencer, too, with its over 34,000 students adding to an already dynamic atmosphere to this city of 61,000 residents. Numerous community events are in fact tied directly to the university, including the annual Homecoming celebrations, lectures from distinguished scholars, and art exhibits. OSU’s diverse student body also contributes to the town’s rich cultural mosaic, with international festivals, food fairs, and academic symposiums adding to the town’s global outlook.
Locals also enthusiastically support the OSU Beavers during football games at Reser Stadium, while LaSells Stewart Center hosts concerts, conferences, and cultural events on campus that are open to the general public. The university also undertakes many collaborations with the city through outreach programs, sustainability initiatives, and public service projects, all of which reinforce the bond between campus and community.
One of the most successful of these, the Advantage Accelerator, has certainly invigorated Corvallis’ entrepreneurial spirit. This forward-thinking OCU initiative supports local start-ups and tech ventures, fostering a culture of innovation that attracts businesses and professionals to the area, enhancing job opportunities and economic growth.
Campus Attractions And Landmarks
Visitors to Corvallis should definitely allocate time to wander lore OSU’s picturesque campus. Begin your campus adventure at the OSU National Historic District, an area that has been listed on the National Register for its many significant old buildings. The only such academic institution to receive this distinction in Oregon and one of only a handful in the country (others include the magnificent University of Virginia in Charlottesville), it’s home to original campus designs created by landscape architect John Charles Olmsted in 1906.
Highlights of the historic architecture you’ll see here include the majestic Memorial Union, built in 1928 and still very much at the heart of student activity with its grand ballroom, lounges, and the popular MU Commons. The even older wooden Fairbanks Hall was built in 1892 as a men’s dormitory and is now home to the first-rate Fairbanks Gallery which features rotating art exhibits.
Other campus landmarks include the OSU Library, officially known as The Valley Library and boasting panoramic views from its upper floors (check out its special collections related to Oregon’s history), and the Hinsdale Wave Research Lab, one of the world’s leading research facilities for ocean engineering (fascinating public tours are available). Up for a stroll? Peavy Arboretum and the McDonald-Dunn Forest, part of the university’s College of Forestry, provide opportunities for hiking and nature observation.
Things To Do In Corvallis
An easy 15-minute walk from campus, there are many great reasons to want to visit Downtown Corvallis. The Corvallis Farmers Market, held along the Willamette Riverfront from April through November, features local vendors selling produce and artisanal goods on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It’s located near the attractive Avery Park, a 75-acre urban oasis with rose and rhododendron gardens, as well as a fun play area for kids that includes an old train engine.
Enjoy the great outdoors? You might want to explore the Willamette River, a popular spot for kayaking, fishing, and hiking along its riverside trails. Nearby Bald Hill Natural Area offers hiking and biking trails with views of the surrounding valley, while Marys Peak Scenic Botanical Special Interest Area, the highest point in the Coast Range, provides panoramic views and diverse plant life, all just a short drive from Corvallis.
If you do visit Corvallis, consider making a weekend getaway out of it. Popular places to stay within walking distance of campus include the Hilton Garden Inn Corvallis, while The Hotel Corvallis’ downtown location provides easy access to shops and restaurants. Speaking of which, great places to dine include Block 15 Brewing Southtown Tap Room for casual bites and beer, while Interzone and Coffee Culture serve expertly brewed beverages and sweet treats in cozy settings and are popular with both students and faculty.
The Final Word
As you can see, Corvallis certainly exemplifies the very essence of a great American college town. And Oregon State University (OSU) is so much more than just another institution within the city. It is, in fact, the heart and soul of Corvallis, influencing everything from its economy and culture to its very identity. From its historic roots to its role as a hub of research and learning, Corvallis stands out as Oregon’s best college town.
