This state capital in Oregon's Willamette Valley has a 1938 Art Deco capitol building, 2,000-rose garden, and active wine scene. Weekly markets sell fresh cherries from local farms.
Salem, Oregon's capital city, sits along the Willamette River in the middle of wine country. You can climb the Art Deco State Capitol building for valley views, walk past 2,000 rose bushes in Bush's Pasture Park, or take a river cruise on the Willamette Queen sternwheeler. Downtown, you'll find the Hallie Ford Museum of Art, the 1926 Elsinore Theatre, and weekly farmers markets selling fresh cherries – a reminder of Salem's nickname as the "Cherry City."
Getting to Salem
Salem lies 47 miles south of Portland and 64 miles north of Eugene along Interstate 5. Amtrak's Cascades line stops at Salem Station, connecting the city with Seattle and Eugene. From McNary Field airport, you can fly directly to Burbank or take seasonal flights to Las Vegas on Avelo Airlines.
Exploring the State Capitol District
The 1938 Art Deco State Capitol building stands out with its gold-plated pioneer statue. Take free guided tours of the legislative chambers and climb to the observation deck for views across the Willamette Valley. Walk through the Capitol Mall to see memorials, fountains, and gardens with native Oregon plants.
Downtown and River Activities
The Willamette River runs through downtown Salem. At Riverfront Park, you can board the Willamette Queen sternwheeler for river cruises, ride the hand-carved Riverfront Carousel, or take children to A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village museum. Walk downtown to find independent shops, cafes, and catch performances at the restored 1926 Elsinore Theatre.
Museums and Cultural Sites
Walk through 14 original structures at the Willamette Mill complex, including an 1889 woolen mill. The Hallie Ford Museum of Art displays Northwest art collections and changing exhibitions. Three Victorian houses make up the Gilbert House Children's Museum, where kids can try hands-on science exhibits.
Parks and Green Spaces
Bush's Pasture Park covers 90.5 acres with walking trails, a conservatory, and rose gardens containing more than 2,000 plants. Visit the 1878 Bush House Museum within the park. At Minto-Brown Island Park – Salem's largest at 1,200 acres – you can explore wetlands, farming plots, and 29 miles of trails. A bicycle and pedestrian bridge connects the park to downtown.
Annual Events
Visit the Oregon State Fair from late August through Labor Day at the fairgrounds in North Salem. Every summer, farmers sell local produce and crafts at weekly downtown markets. In June, the World Beat Festival fills Riverfront Park with international music, dance performances, and food vendors.
Wine Country Day Trips
Drive 30 minutes from downtown Salem to reach multiple Willamette Valley wineries. The area specializes in Pinot Noir and other cool-climate wines. Many tasting rooms in the Eola-Amity Hills area welcome visitors without appointments.
