The best part about Salem city is that no matter what time of the year you visit this city, you will still have plenty to do and see. From beautifully landscaped gardens, scenic views and world class museums to important historic sites, gorgeous wineries and brimming rivers, one can never get bored over here. Moreover, with a plethora of annual events and festivals that take place throughout the year, the city of Salem will ensure you a great time when you visit. Here are some popular tourist spots in the city:
Willamette Heritage Center
Spread over 5 acres, Willamette Heritage Center is one of the most popular historic museums in the city of Salem. Established in 2010, the center is home to several important buildings including Jason Lee House, Thomas Kay Woolen, Pleasant Grove Church, Methodist Parsonage and John D. Boon House. Apart from that, the center also houses a research library with valuable photographs and records, Marian County history archives and several educational programs and events throughout the year. This beautiful heritage center has even been designated as an American Treasure by National Park Service.
Address: 1313 Mill St SE, Salem, OR 97301, United States
Phone: 1 503 585 7012
Timings: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm (Monday to Saturday), Sunday Closed
Website: https://www.willametteheritage.org/
A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village
An interactive hands-on children’s museum, A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village is known for its several interesting exhibits and displays. The museum also showcases several inventions, especially Erector Set, by Alfred Carlton Gilbert, after whom the museum was named. At 52 feet long, the Erector Set over here is the largest in the world. Other popular exhibits include City of Salem Paddle Wheeler, American Flyer Train, Mammoth Dig, Earth’s Core, Miniature Village, Discovery Campground and Amphitheater. Apart from that, the museum also hosts a number of summer camps, birthdays and other outreach programs.
Address: 116 Marion St NE, Salem, OR 97301, United States
Phone: 1 503 371 3631
Timings: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm (Monday to Sunday)
Website:
https://acgilbert.org/
Hallie Ford Museum of Art (HFMA)
Affiliated with Willamette University in Salem, Hallie Ford Museum of Art is the third largest art museum in the entire state of Oregon. Established in the year 1998, HFMA is known for its collections of historical artifacts and arts. Spread over 27,000 square feet, the museum focuses on art and artists from Oregon State. Apart from that, the museum also hosts a number of travelling exhibitions regularly.
Address: Willamette University, 700 State St, Salem, OR 97301, United States
Phone: 1 503 370 6855
Timings: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm (Tuesday to Saturday), 01:00 pm to 05:00 pm (Sunday), Monday Closed
Website:
https://willamette.edu/arts/hfma/
Oregon Garden
Spread over 80 acres of lush greenery, Oregon Garden is known for its 20 specialty gardens, each displaying the various types of botanical beautiful found in Willamette Valley and Pacific Northwest. Besides having a range of educational gardens, this place is also home to a Rose Garden, Sensory Garden, Children’s Garden, Pet Friendly Garden, Amazing Water Garden and Silverton Market Garden. If you are interested in sustainability, do visit the beautiful Rediscovery Garden that focuses on forest management.
The Oregon Gardens is also home to one of the biggest collections of miniature conifers along with a 400 year old Signature Oak tree in the Oak Grove. If you are a wildlife enthusiast, then visit The Wetlands Habitat, brimming with local wildlife. Moreover, Oregon Garden also offers a complimentary tram tour from April to October to the visitors.
Address: 879 W Main St, Silverton, OR 97381, United States
Phone: 1 503 874 8100
Timings: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm (May to September, Daily), 10:00 am to 04:00 pm (October to April, Daily)
Website:
http://www.oregongarden.org/
Elsinore Theatre
Opened in 1926, the Elsinore Theatre is known for adapting to the changing tastes and preferences of the people of Salem city. From classic cinema that draws completely from classic genres, live music featuring unbelievable acoustics and state of the art equipment to some of the best theater performances in the state, Elsinore Theatre is haven for performance art lovers.
Address: 170 High St SE, Salem, OR 97301, United States
Phone: 1 503 375 3574
Timings: 09:00 am to 04:00 pm (Monday to Friday)
Website:
http://www.elsinoretheatre.com/
Deepwood Museum and Gardens
Initially known as Deepwood Estate, Deepwood Museum and Gardens is a popular historic house in the city of Salem. Constructed over a span of one year, from 1893 to 1894, the house was built by Dr. Luke A. Port and is managed by non-profit organization of Deepwood. Designed by William C. Knighton, the house is built in a typical Queen Anne Style with stained glass windows. Surrounded by four acres of beautiful gardens and trails, it has been termed as ‘one of the four best historic homes in the west’ by Sunset Magazine. In the year 1973, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Currently, it is used for weddings, receptions and other special events. Visitors can even take a tour around the house, which is very informative about the locals’ lifestyle during those days.
Address: 1116 Mission St SE, Salem, OR 97302, United States
Phone: 1 503 363 1825
Tour Timings: 09:00 am to 12:00 pm (May to October, Wednesday to Saturday), 12:00 pm to 03:00 pm (November to April, Wednesday to Saturday)
Park Timings: 05:00 am to Midnight (Monday to Sunday)
Website:
http://deepwoodmuseum.org/
Bush's Pasture Park
Spread over 90.5 acres, Bush's Pasture Park is a popular botanical garden and park in the city of Salem. Home to a huge collection of flora, and historic and contemporary landscapes, the park is the perfect place to enjoy outdoor activities including jogging, biking, walking and family picnics. Nature lovers can enjoy the beautiful rose garden filled with more than 2000 roses, and apply and cherry orchards. The park is also home to the Asahel Bush House and Bush House Museum.
Address: 600 Mission St SE, Salem, OR 97302, United States
Phone: 1 503 588 6211
Website:
http://www.friendsofbushgardens.org/
Prewitt–Allen Archaeological Museum
Located in Corban University in the city of Salem, Prewitt–Allen Archaeological Museum is a famous archeological museum, known for its various Eastern Mediterranean artifacts and relics. Founded during the 1950’s, the museusm is also home to the replicas of Code of Hammurabi and Rosetta Stone along with a huge collections of ancient oil lamps and papyrus palimpsest. It has more than 900 artifacts and historical collections.
Address: 5000 Deer Park Dr SE, Salem, OR 97317, United States
Phone: 1 (503) 375 7016
Timings: 08:00 am to 05:00 pm (Monday to Friday), Saturday and Sunday Closed
Website:
https://inside.corban.edu/archeological-museum
A Complete Map Guide of Best Tourist Spots in Salem
