The Willamette Valley has been the cultural and political heart of Oregon since the Oregon Trail. Immerse yourself in Oregon lore in the state’s capital city, where cultural and historical experiences abound. Whether it’s enjoying modern art, museum hopping or learning about native heritage, choose from Salem’s many offerings.

	Opportunities to enjoy music, drama, dance and the visual arts abound in Salem.

Marvel at the magnificently restored 1926 Tudor Gothic movie palace, the Historic Elsinore Theatre, while enjoying artistic performances including concerts, musicals and classic silent movies.

Appreciate a new point of view through historical and contemporary art at the Hallie Ford Museum of Art.

Go back in time at the historic Mission Mill Museum, where western Oregon’s settlement and early industry is highlighted by 1840s Mission-style houses and a 19th century woolen mill.

Absorb beautiful manicured gardens, nature trails, exquisite stained glass and golden oak woodwork at the Historic Deepwood Estate.

Stop by the Bush House Museum. The renovated historic building now houses two contemporary exhibition galleries courtesy of the Salem Art Association.

Meander through galleries, retail stores, multi-cultural exhibits and events in Historic Downtown Salem.

Tour beautiful rolling hills in Salem’s countryside and indulge in some of the region’s finest vintages at Redhawk Winery.

Browse the Antique Powerland Museum featuring steam-powered equipment and antique farm machinery preserved by a diverse set of heritage clubs and museums.

Celebrate the award-winning Oktoberfest in the historic village of Mt. Angel with music, dance and food.

Walk or bike along the Willamette River and catch a glimpse of wildlife at the Champoeg State Heritage Area park.

Witness a real Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Pow Wow for an unforgettable cultural experience.

MORE CULTURE TRIPS

Stroll Through First Friday Artwalk – Newberg
Explore the works of Yamhill Valley’s growing artist colony at First Friday Artwalk on the first Friday of each month from 5 – 9 p.m.

	Learn about opportunities to appreciate the arts in Eugene. Click to view.

Honor the Brave and Proud – Wilsonville
Visit the Oregon Korean War Memorial and pay tribute to the 60,000 Oregonians who fought and the 298 who gave their lives overseas from 1950-1953.

Go ‘Round Again – Albany
Be entertained as community volunteers carve a menagerie of animals to ride on a historic Gustave Dentzel carousel found at the Historic Carousel and Museum.

Get Crafty – Eugene Area
Take an adventure on a variety of self-guided tours of artists’ studios and galleries in the southern Willamette Valley with Oregon Crafted.

Feed you Inner Connoisseur in Eugene
Here’s another option for a captivating cultural experience. Oregon’s second largest city draws visual and performing artists from all over the world, which makes the Eugene area an ideal culture-seeking vacation destination.

Check out this inspired itinerary for experience arts, heritage and culture in Eugene.

Learn about other vacation experiences >>