Explore Alton Baker Park
Alton Baker Park is a gorgeous green space located right in the center of Eugene. The park, spanning over 400 acres, provides opportunities for picnicking, hiking, biking, bird watching, and more. There is also a playground, a dog park, and several gardens located within the park. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Willamette River and Mt. Pisgah from various points throughout the park.
History
The origins of the park date back to the early 1900s, when the Eugene park district was established. The district purchased the first piece of land for the park in 1912, and additional parcels were added over the years. The park was officially dedicated in 1961 and has been enjoyed by locals and visitors alike ever since.
Check Out the Lane County Saturday Market
The Lane County Saturday Market is a weekly outdoor market located in downtown Eugene. It features over 200 vendors selling a variety of goods, including fresh produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, and more. The market is open every Saturday from April through November, from 9am to 4pm. Admission is free, and parking is available in nearby garages. The market is a great place to find locally made products and fresh produce, and it’s a fun activity if you’re searching for things to do in Eugen, Oregon, for the whole family.
Explore the Willamette Valley
The Willamette Valley runs along the Willamette River, and is known for its lush landscape. The area was originally inhabited by the Kalapuya people, and in the early 1800s, it became an important agricultural region. Today, the valley is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the country, and its wine industry is especially renowned. The valley is home to a number of wineries and breweries, as well as some of the best outdoor recreation in the state: visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and fishing. There are also a number of charming small towns and picturesque farmsteads in the valley, making it a popular destination for visitors and locals alike.
Visit The Cascades Raptor Center
The Cascades Raptor Center is a great place to learn about raptors and see some of these amazing creatures up close. The Cascade Raptor Center is located along the Willamette River in Eugene, Oregon. The center is home to injured and orphaned birds of prey, and offers educational programs to the public. Visitors can view the birds up close and learn about their ecology and conservation. The center also works to rehabilitate injured raptors and release them back into the wild. If you want, you can even “adopt” a raptor by making a donation. The center is open every day from 9am to 5pm.
Go to Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art
The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art (JSMA) is an art museum located on the University of Oregon campus. It is the largest art museum in the Pacific Northwest region and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The JSMA’s collection includes more than 12,000 objects from around the world, spanning from ancient to contemporary times. The JSMA is free and open to the public Tuesday through Sunday. The museum offers a variety of rotating exhibits and educational programs for all ages, including school tours, family days, and lectures. The museum also has a Museum Shop, which sells books, jewelry, and other gift items.
Did You Know?
The museum is named for Jordan D. Schnitzer, a prominent Oregon businessman and arts patron who donated $10 million to the university in 2007 to support the construction of a new art museum building. The JSMA was founded in 1970 as the University Art Museum (UAM), and opened its doors to the public in 1971. The UAM was originally housed in the university’s Clark Honors College building. In 2007, the museum relocated to its current facility, which was designed by famed architect Steven Holl.
Watch the Bard’s Works at the Hendricks Park
This public park features hiking trails, a playground, andpicnic areas. Hendricks Park is also the site of the world-renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival. The festival is held every summer and features performances of Shakespeare’s plays. The festival is held in the Angus Bowmer Theatre, an outdoor amphitheater that seats nearly 1,000 people, and was built specifically for the festival in 1935. If you’re an avid theater-goer looking for things to do in Eugene, Oregone, consider paying a visit to Hendricks Park.
Hult Center for the Performing Arts
The Hult Center for the Performing Arts is a world-class performing arts venue. The center features two main theaters, the 1,500-seat Silva Concert Hall and the intimate 350-seat Soreng Theater. The Hult Center hosts a wide variety of musical and theatrical events throughout the year, ranging from classical concerts to Broadway shows. The Hult Center also hosts the Eugene Symphony, Oregon Bach Festival, and Oregon Mozart Players. You can find a calendar of upcoming events on the center’s website.
Mount Pisgah Arboretum
Though it is only 541 feet tall, its location near the Willamette River and downtown Eugene make Mount Pisgah a popular hiking destination and home to Mount Pisgah Arboretum, a 1,300-acre living museum. The arboretum features more than 12 miles of hiking trails through forests, meadows, and wetlands. The trail system is open to the public for free year-round. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking, birdwatching, and fishing in the park’s many ponds. The arboretum is also home to a variety of plant species, including conifers, rhododendrons, and azaleas. A number of events are hosted at Mount Pisgah Arboretum throughout the year, including the Spring Plant Sale and the Fall Harvest Festival.
Watch a Game at the Autzen Stadium
If you’re a football fan, you’ll find things to do in Euegene, Oregon, too. With a capacity of 54,000, it is the smallest stadium in the Pac-12 Conference. Nevertheless, it is known for its loud and enthusiastic fans, who often set the record for the loudest stadium in college football. The venue is also notable for its unique design, which features a seating bowl that is open on one end. This allows fans to enter and exit the stadium without having to go through security checkpoints. The stadium also has a number of unique features, including a statue of former Oregon duck football player Bill Baer, which is located in the north end zone. The venue is also home to the Heisman Trophy, which is awarded to the most outstanding college football player each year.
Unwind at the Skinner Butte Park
The Skinner Butte Park provides visitors with a variety of activities and amenities. The park features a playground, a basketball court, a tennis court, a softball field, and a picnic area. The park also has a nature trail that winds through the forested hillsides around the butte. Visitors can also enjoy the views of the Willamette Valley and the Cascade Mountains from the top of Skinner Butte. The park is a fantastic thing to do in Eugene, Oregon when you’re on a budget.
Things to Do in Eugene, Oregon: Honorable Mentions
As you can already tell, there is a myriad of things to do in Eugene, Oregon. Some other tourist attractions include Oregon Air and Space Museum, Eugene Science Center, and Owen Rose Garden. We hope you enjoy your trip!
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