WHY THE SALEM AREA IS THE MOST OREGON PART OF OREGON (MOPO)

What does it mean when we say Salem is MOPO? It means that Salem, home to the landmark Oregon State Capitol, and the surrounding small towns in the verdant Willamette Valley are the quintessential Oregon experience. The Salem area has it all — a diverse history and Tribal heritage, award-winning wineries, craft breweries, towering waterfalls and old-growth forests, generational farms, public gardens, and a buzzy arts scene. Here’s a sampling of why the region checks all the boxes — and is undoubtedly the Most Oregon Part of Oregon.

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Euro-American History at Willamette Heritage Center

Get a firsthand look at the lives of the immigrants who settled in the area in the 1840s, and the industrial history of the region. The 14 historic structures and educational exhibits at Willamette Heritage Center are fascinating. Tour some of the oldest frame houses in the Pacific Northwest, two of them are wheelchair-accessible, and see the original machinery of the Thomas Kay Woolen Mill, the only woolen mill museum west of Missouri. Hit the retail shops for hyper-local crafts to take home with you.

kalapuya history at chachalu museum

Chachalu Tribal Museum and Cultural Center tells the story of the Kalapuya people and members of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde, a federally recognized Tribe that includes over 30 Tribes and bands from western Oregon, northern California, and southwest Washington. The museum includes artifacts like hand-carved canoes and a research room for more in-depth learning. It’s also a community space where the Tribe’s culture continues to be practiced.

The Landmark Oregon State Capitol

Dive into Salem’s more recent history with a guided or self-guided tour of the 1938 State Capitol. Inside the building, you’ll see permanent and rotating exhibits, artwork and historical information, plus a gift shop. The grounds around the Capitol, also known as Willson Park, tell Oregon’s history through architecture, botany and art. Peruse the World War II Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial, the Tribal Walk of Flags, and the cherry blossoms in spring. Look up to see the 23-foot gold-gilded statue of Oregon Pioneer, perched above the Capitol dome.

Award-Winning Bryn Mawr Vineyards

The secret is out about Oregon’s vineyards, but the nervy whites, bold reds, and dramatic views at family-owned Bryn Mawr Vineyards feel like an undiscovered secret. Perched at 870 feet in the acclaimed Eola-Amity Hills, the 40-acre estate is battered by winds from the coast and the vines are anchored into steep volcanic soil, producing powerful notes you can taste. Reserve the elevated tasting experience or, even better — reserve the Vineyard Guesthouse, pour yourself a glass and watch the sunset from your deck.

Oregon’s First Latin-Owned Brewery: Xicha Brewing Co.

Salem’s Xicha Brewing is Oregon’s premiere Latin brewery and where diversity is literally on tap. Head Brewer Matt Dakopolos utilizes tropical ingredients such as guava and chocolate in the brewing process for unique libations that hit all the right notes. Try the thirst-quenching Chela, a biscuity Mexican-style lager crafted with flaked corn, or the earthy 505 Hatch Chili Pale Ale with a heaping plate of Xicha’s from-scratch pork-belly tacos.

Ten Gushing Waterfalls at Silver Falls State Park

It doesn’t get any more MOPO than Silver Falls State Park. Lauded for being one of the most enchanting hikes in the entire state, you can trek along fern-lined trails, under towering old-growth Douglas firs, and by giant, cascading waterfalls. It’s an easy walk to the iconic South Falls, where you can stand behind a 177-foot curtain of water; or hike the 7.8-mile Trail of Ten Falls loop and see a total of 10 spectacular waterfalls up close. Afterwards, grab a snack at the park’s Bigleaf Market and Grill.

Blooms Galore at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival

The Salem area is home to almost 20 public display gardens bursting with roses, peonies, irises and other blooms during spring and summer — and in Woodburn, the family-owned Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm adds its own spectacular sweep of color to the season. From late March to late April, the farm welcomes visitors from all over the world for wine tastings, food — and to behold millions of colorful tulips across 40 acres of fields. Take a hot-air balloon ride and see the blooms from a bird’s-eye view.

Buzzy Live Shows at the Historic Elsinore Theatre

Salem’s cultural scene is as diverse as it is exciting, and people flock to Elsinore Theatre for top-notch local and national acts. Once called the ‘living room of the Salem community,’ the gothic theatre is a wondrously restored former 1926 vaudeville venue with stained glass windows, sweeping balconies, the largest theater organ in the Pacific Northwest, and acoustics you can feel. Enjoy dinner downtown and then catch a concert or standup comedy.

Ready to experience MOPO for yourself? The Salem area has several lodging options, from cozy bed and breakfasts to charming resorts and downtown hotels located in the heart of it all. Start planning your MOPO itinerary today.

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