The 20 best things to do around Salem, Oregon’s capital and day trip destination

There’s a false but frequent sentiment I hear on a regular basis amongst Portlanders: There’s simply nothing to do in Salem. How shortsighted is that?

Actually, there’s a lot to do in and round Oregon’s capital, that you just would possibly as effectively e-book some lodging and spend a full weekend exploring all you possibly can. Even then, you’ll in all probability wind up driving again there for extra.

The state Capitol constructing is probably the best-known landmark in Salem, topped by the bronze “Oregon Pioneer” statue, however don’t let it distract you from all the opposite points of interest within the metropolis: locations like lovely Riverfront Metropolis Park, the numerous manicured gardens that bloom each spring or the meals carts and eating places that make up a vibrant eating scene round city.

Develop your field of regard to the encircling cities simply outdoors of Salem and also you’ll discover much more: unimaginable waterfalls, riverside trails, mountain views and top-of-the-line wine areas within the Pacific Northwest.

There’s greater than sufficient to pack right into a single day journey — particularly when you benefit from lengthy spring and summer season days — however do your self a favor and spend a number of days round city.

You would possibly say there’s merely an excessive amount of to do round Salem. Listed below are the 20 finest locations to go to whilst you’re there.

OUTDOORS

Silver Falls

Thought of the crown jewel of Oregon’s state park system, Silver Falls State Park actually is a magical place. Whether or not you cease by to see towering South Falls or hike your entire Trail of Ten Falls, it’s a must-visit park for among the finest pure magnificence in Oregon.

Open daybreak to nightfall day by day; situated off Oregon 214 in Silverton, about 23 miles east of Salem; 503-873-8681.

Riverfront Metropolis Park

A sprawling city park in downtown Salem, Riverfront City Park options riverside paths, massive grassy areas, a sternwheeler, a carousel, play areas and the Eco-Earth Globe sculpture. Beside the globe you’ll discover a phenomenal pedestrian bridge that leads throughout the Willamette Slough to Minto-Brown Island Park.

Open daybreak to nightfall day by day; 200 Water St. N.E.; 503-588-6261.

Minto-Brown Island Park

The 1,200-acre Minto-Brown Island Park options 29 miles of trails and bike paths that wind by means of forests, previous open meadows and alongside the Willamette River. The park additionally contains a 30-acre canine park and a reservable picnic shelter. Conveniently, the bike paths join on to Riverfront Metropolis Park and downtown Salem.

Open daybreak to nightfall day by day; 2100 Minto Island Street S.E.; 503-588-6261.

Bush’s Pasture Park

What was once land owned by the Asahel Bush household is now Bush’s Pasture Park, a 90.5-acre metropolis park with strolling paths, playgrounds, sports activities fields and the attractive manicured gardens that encompass the unique Bush household home, now working as a museum (the inside of the museum is presently closed because of the pandemic).

Open daybreak to nightfall day by day; 600 Mission St. S.E.; 503-588-6261.

Willamette Mission State Park

The location of a former Methodist mission established in 1834, Willamette Mission State Park is now a scenic nature park alongside the Willamette River with mountaineering trails, bike paths and a disc golf course. It’s additionally standard amongst boaters and fishers.

Open daybreak to nightfall day by day; situated off Wheatland Street Northeast in Gervais, about 9 miles north of Salem; 503-393-1172.

Ankeny and Baskett Slough nationwide wildlife refuges

A pair of nationwide wildlife refuges simply outdoors Salem provide good alternatives for chicken watching or a quiet nature stroll. Ankeny is discovered south of city, and options miles of dust path with boardwalks and chicken blinds. Baskett Slough is west of city and offers habitat to dusky Canada geese.

Ankeny Nationwide Wildlife Refuge is open daybreak to nightfall day by day; situated on Ankeny Hill Street Southeast, about eight miles south of Salem; 541-757-7236.

Baskett Slough Nationwide Wildlife Refuge is open daybreak to nightfall day by day, some trails closed Oct. 1-March 31; situated on Coville Street, about 13 miles west of Salem; 541-757-7236.

Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway

The 134-mile Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway is a well-liked vacation spot for long-distance bike rides, following the Willamette River by means of Salem and past. The bikeway begins at Champoeg State Heritage Space in Wilsonville and ends at Armitage Park in Eugene. Discover a route map and different sources at traveloregon.com.

ATTRACTIONS

Oregon State Capitol

The within of the Oregon State Capitol is closed to the general public because of the coronavirus pandemic, however the Capitol grounds (formally State Capitol State Park) are price a go to on their very own. Stroll among the many gardens, go to the varied monuments and get a superb glimpse of the well-known “Oregon Pioneer” statue atop the constructing.

Oregon State Capitol State Park is open daybreak to nightfall day by day; 155 Waverly St. N.E.; 800-552-6949.

Salem gardens

Salem is the garden capital of Oregon, full of public gardens, personal gardens and backyard areas at space nurseries that each one come alive every spring. Cease by Deepwood Museum & Gardens, Gaiety Hollow, Schreiner’s Iris Garden or any of the opposite lovely areas round city.

Oregon Backyard

An 80-acre botanical backyard in close by Silverton, the Oregon Garden is likely one of the finest backyard areas within the area, with greater than 20 specialty gardens exhibiting off the wonderful rising potential within the verdant Willamette Valley. The backyard is designed to permit guests to find one thing lovely any time of 12 months.

Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m., day by day (hours differ in fall and winter); 879 W. Foremost St., Silverton; admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $9 for college students and $6 for teenagers; 503-874-4294.

Oregon State Hospital

A hospital might appear to be an odd attraction, however the Oregon State Hospital is price a cease. The Museum of Mental Health (presently closed because of the coronavirus pandemic) homes an interesting, albeit troubling, assortment of artifacts from the previous psychological hospital. And on museum grounds is the touching Oregon State Hospital Memorial, which homes affected person cremains that have been by no means claimed by households.

Museum of Psychological Well being briefly closed; hospital grounds open 24 hours day by day; 2600 Heart St. S.E.; 503-945-2800.

Enchanted Forest

The beloved fairy tale-themed amusement park south of Salem has endured quite a lot of hardships over the past 12 months, and presently it stays closed to the general public. As soon as Enchanted Forest reopens, nevertheless, it guarantees to as soon as once more declare its place as one of the standard locations within the space, with family-friendly rides and the numerous handmade sculptures that fill its forested grounds.

Briefly closed; 8462 Enchanted Approach S.E., Turner; 503-371-4242.

Oregon State Truthful

The Oregon State Fair is definitely the most important annual occasion in Salem, drawing 1000’s of individuals from throughout the area for its many occasions, live shows, rides, meals and competitions. Organizers of the state truthful have but to announce whether or not it’ll return in full pressure for 2021, however they’ve already put aside dates on the finish of the summer season: Aug. 27 to Sept. 6.

FOOD AND DRINK

Wine tasting

Salem is within the thick of Willamette Valley wine nation, proper subsequent door to the Eola-Amity Hills area simply west of town. There are greater than two dozen wineries unfold out throughout the wine area, many with tasting rooms and exquisite views. Discover a map and a full record of wineries to go to at eolaamityhills.com.

Noble Wave

The Baton Rouge-inspired Noble Wave makes a speciality of fried hen alongside a number of Louisiana delicacies together with alligator, beignets and their King Cake Bread Pudding. Their actual declare to fame is perhaps the Bin-yay Fried Rooster Sliders: fried hen tenders served between beignets as buns, dusted with powdered sugar.

Open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 189 Liberty St. N.E.; 971-304-7974.

Don Bigote

Heat churros and ice cream are a match made in heaven, and no person appears to grasp the potential of that mixture fairly like Don Bigote. The churreria is anchored in a meals cart on the north finish of Salem, serving a dozen completely different churro desserts alongside ice cream, crepes and savory snacks. The Churro Sunday — a scoop of ice cream with a chocolate shell, toppings and a ribbon of candy churro — is especially impressed.

Open noon-9 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday, noon-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 3390 Portland Street N.E.; 503-990-4860.

Xicha Brewing

Xicha Brewing is Salem’s first Latin American brewery, holding down a preferred restaurant at a spot in West Salem. The meals alone is price a go to, with a menu that ranges from croquettes to empanadas to sizzling wings. Strive the Piquillos de Pollo (chili peppers full of hen) or preserve it easy with tacos and beer.

Open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday; 576 Patterson St. N.W.; 503-990-8359.

Valiant the Sandwich

Valiant the Sandwich advertises “large, fats sandwiches” and doesn’t disappoint. Their surprisingly huge number of meaty, tacky concoctions make the sandwich store an ideal cease for lunch. Strive the Farley Burger, The Reuben or A Roast Beef Sandwich Has No Identify.

Open 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday; 315 Excessive St. S.E.; 503-689-1821.

Salt Creek Cider Home

A easy cidery set in a bucolic setting simply west of city, Salt Creek Cider House is a superb place to spend a sunny afternoon. The small-batch cider is served inside a retrofitted barn on their orchard, however the out of doors seating space is the true vacation spot, with picnic tables on a shaded deck, a grassy garden beside a nonetheless pond and a play space for teenagers.

Open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. day by day; 14500 Salt Creek Street, Dallas; 503-831-8006.

–Jamie Hale; jhale@oregonian.com; 503-294-4077; @HaleJamesB