The city of Salem, Oregon boasts dozens of cultural and heritage attractions which are enjoyed year-round by both residents and guests from out of town. This site was compiled to help people plan visits to these Salem attractions over the course of an hour, day, weekend or much longer.
You will find many of the featured destinations are a short stroll, bike ride, or drive from one another. Most of the attractions are fully ADA accessible while the remaining properties are at least partially accessible.
To find out more about hours of operation and accessibility for specific locations, visit their listed website or call for more details.
To help you to plan a visit to Salem You can review information below or click to access the ‘Experience Salem’ pdf which includes a map of the featured attractions. Plan to stop by Travel Salem for a printed copy and other brochures to make the most of your time in Salem and the Willamette Valley.
Willamette Art Center & Oaks Gallery
2330 17th Street
The Willamette Art Center is where you can explore the art of pottery. All skill levels are welcome and classes are available
503-365-3911 willametteartcenter.com
Oregon State Fairgrounds & Expo Center
2330 17th Street NE
Since 1862 people have come to Salem for the Oregon State Fair. Enjoy the fun late August through early September. Plus, the grounds also host special events throughout the year.
971-707-4068 oregonstateexpo.org
The Criterion Schoolhouse
2330 17th Street NE
The Criterion Schoolhouse stands on the Oregon State Fairgrounds as a tribute to public education. During the State Fair visitors can explore this one room schoolhouse.
971-707-4068 oregonstateexpo.org
Lee Mission Cemetery
2104 D Street NE
Lee Mission Cemetery is a pioneer cemetery in Salem, Oregon. It is the final resting place of Rev. Jason Lee, recognized as the City of Salem’s founder.
503-851-1803 leemissioncemetery.com
Oregon State Hospital Museum of Mental Health
2600 Center Street NE
Located in the historic Kirkbride Building, this museum is dedicated to telling the stories of the people who lived and worked here.
971.599.1674 oshmuseum.org
Union Street Railroad Bridge
Riverfront Park – Union & Water Streets NE
Enjoy unique views of Salem, the Willamette River and the West Salem Hills from this historic railroad bridge, which was repurposed for pedestrians and bicycles.
Gilbert House Children’s Museum
116 Marion Street NE
Gilbert House Children’s Museum has been offering children in the Willamette Valley hands-on opportunities to learn through creative play for over 30 years.
503-371-3631 acgilbert.org
Salem Riverfront Carousel
101 Front Street NE
Open for Fun! Our old world style Carousel is a community and volunteer based endeavor much beloved in the beautiful Mid-Willamette Valley.
503-540-0374 salemcarousel.org
Eco Earth Globe
Riverfront Park – South
Salem community members and artists created over 86,000 ceramic tiles, and 200 clay icons, transforming this industrial chemical storage ball into a spectacular public artwork.
Peter Courtney Minto-Brown Island Bridge
Riverfront Park – South
Salem’s gateway to 1,200 acres of open and wooded parkland, including a 30-acre off-leash dog area, which is larger than New York City’s Central Park.
Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre
187 High Street
Built in 1900, this structure is on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, it serves as a venue for special events and theatrical productions.
503-362-9185 salemshg.com
Elsinore Theatre
170 High Street SE
A Tudor Gothic atmospheric theater built in 1926 for vaudeville, the restored Elsinore Theatre hosts performing arts from Bach to rock and Broadway to ballet.
503-375-3574 elsinoretheatre.com
Elsinore Theatre Mural
170 High Street SE
“Theatrical Heartscape” by James Mattingly reflects the diversity of the Elsinore Theatre’s early shows including vaudeville, the stage, silent and talking film.
503-375-3574 elsinoretheatre.com
Hallie Ford Museum of Art
700 State Street
Enjoy special exhibitions and permanent galleries that feature works by Pacific Northwest and Native American artists as well as Ancient, European, American, and Asian art.
Historic Buildings at Willamette University
900 State Street
Gatke Hall was the old Salem Post Office and moved to the campus in 1938. Built in 1867, Waller Hall is the oldest campus building and is still in use!
503-370-6300 willamette.edu
Martha Springer Botanical Garden – Willamette University
900 State Street
Martha Springer Botanical Garden consists of 12 micro-gardens including a butterfly, herb, alpine rock and ethnobotany garden. Benches and tables are available to enjoy.
503-370-6300 willamette.edu
Star Trees at Willamette University
900 State Street
Star Trees of Willamette University: The Class of 1942 planted this grove of giant sequoias to commemorate the oldest university in the West’s 100th anniversary.
503-370-6300 willamette.edu
Oregon Supreme Court Building
1163 State Street
The Oregon Supreme Court Building is home to the state’s Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and Judicial Department. Construction ended in 1913 making it Oregon’s oldest state government building.
503-986-5555 courts.oregon.gov
Oregon State Capitol
900 Court Street NE
Come to Oregon’s Capitol and look around. Guided tours offered. Learn how the building is a link to the past, the present and our future.
503-986-1388 oregoncapitol.com
Oregon State Capitol Mall
900 Court Street NE
The 21-acre T-shaped property is known as the Capitol Mall, and is home to two smaller parks: Willson Park (west) and Capitol Park (east).
503-986-1388 capitol.events@oregonlegislature.gov
Salem Downtown Historic District
Downtown Salem
The historic district is a seven-block area of 92 buildings with the majority having notable historic character. A descriptive guide, accessible online, helps you explore the area.
Willamette Heritage Center
1313 Mill Street SE
The Willamette Heritage Center connects generations by preserving and interpreting Mid-Willamette Valley history. The five-acre campus houses historical exhibits, a research library and archives.
503-585-7012 www.willametteheritage.org
Salem Amtrak Station
500 13th Street SE
The Salem Amtrak Station is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its Beaux Arts style and importance to the development of Salem.
World Beat Gallery and Festival
390 Liberty Street SE
Beat has been bringing the community together to celebrate and explore culture for over 20 years through the World Beat Festival and Gallery.
503-581-2004 salemmulticultural.org
Let’s All Play Place
650 Church Street SE
This wheelchair-friendly, community play area welcomes people of all abilities to enhance their physical, sensory, emotional, behavioral and social skills, in a safe environment.
Gaiety Hollow
545 Mission Street SE
Gaiety Hollow is the home and garden of landscape architects Elizabeth Lord & Edith Schryver, who designed over 200 gardens in the Pacific Northwest from 1929-1969.
971-600-6987 lordschryver.org
Bush’s Pasture Park
600 Mission Street SE
The former farmstead of Salem’s Bush Family on 90+ acres of Kalapuya ancestral lands. Enjoy natural areas, trails, playgrounds and historic rose garden.
503-363-4714
www.cityofsalem.net/bushs-pasture-park
Bush House Museum
600 Mission Street SE
The Bush Family’s home from 1878-1953, now a furnished house museum, interprets the Bush Family, the cultural diversity of Salem history and Oregon’s artistic heritage.
503-363-4714 BushHouseMuseum.org
Bush Barn Art Center
600 Mission Street SE
For over 50 years, this home of Salem Art Association has featured gallery exhibitions, art education, special events and the Salem Art Fair and Festival held each July.
503-581-2228 SalemArt.org
Salem Soapbox Derby Track
Bush Pasture Park
Walk the track for exercise and explore the local soap box racetrack history online that spans back several decades.
541-410-0609 soapboxderby.org/Oregon
Deepwood Museum & Gardens
1116 Mission Street SE
This five-acre estate offers tranquil beauty year-round. Experience the majestic 1894 Queen Anne Victorian museum home, carriage house, formal and border gardens, greenhouse and nature trails.
503-363-1825 DeepwoodMuseum.org
Salem Pioneer Cemetery
2201 Commercial Street
Friends of Pioneer Cemetery supports the City of Salem in maintaining the final resting place of the community’s founders and builders in a park-like setting.
503-362-9632 salempioneercemetery.org
Oregon State Archive Exhibits
800 Summer Street NE
Oregon’s unique and engaging history is featured in topical exhibits drawing upon the state’s archival holdings. Visit OSA’s website to view current and past exhibits.
503-373-0701 sos.oregon.gov/archives
Memorials of Salem
700-778 Summer Street NE
The Afghan-Iraqi Freedom Memorial is one of many Salem sites which remember and honor veterans, fallen workers and others. You can explore all the local memorials online.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Monuments_and_memorials_in_Salem,_Oregon
Travel Salem
Travel Salem operates the official Salem Visitors Center. Friendly travel experts can help you discover the best of Salem with custom itineraries and reservations.
503-581-4325 TravelSalem.com
Salem Culture and Heritage Forum 