The City of Salem is the capital city of the State of Oregon. Salem is Oregon's third largest city, with a population of around 117,000. Salem is very tourist oriented with its quaint shopping, many fine restaurants, performing and visual arts, and the State Capital.

Salem is in the heart of the Willamette River Valley. It is one of the most agriculturally productive regions in the world. Located on Interstate-5 about 50 miles south of the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers in Portland, it should be considered in the heartland of the State. It is also located only 50 miles from the Pacific Coast, on OR-18 and OR-22, through the Siuslaw National Forest over the coastal

mountains to the Willamette Valley. To the east on OR-22 it is 50 miles to the Willamette National Forest in the Cascade Mountain Range.

History

The Indian name for the locality was Chemeketa, said to mean "meeting or resting place." It may also have been the name of one of the bands of Calapooya Indians.

Salem was incorporated in 1857, and is one of Oregon's oldest cities. Salem was not the original state capital site. In 1851, the provisional government moved the capital from Oregon City to Salem; then in 1855 it was moved to Corvallis. In the same year the capital was again moved back to Salem, this time to stay.

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The Capitol’s Dome

from the Visitors Center in Salem

The Oregon State Capitol - Built in 1938, the capitol is made of Vermont marble in modern Greek style. The interior has extensive historic murals, an Oregon gift shop and an exhibit area. Seasonal tours to the tower are available.

Salem’s Historic Downtown

Bounded by Marion on the north and Mission street on the south, and the Willamette River on the west and 12th street on the east, Salem’s historic downtown redevelopment program is recognized nationally. It is worth your time to walk around this quaint area and shop, rest, and eat at the local restaurants.

Recommended Attractions in Salem, OR

Attractions
Mission Mill Village 1313 Mill St. SE, Salem, OR 97301 (503) 585-7012 http://www.missionmill.org. A 4.5 acre park which includes a Visitors Center, Thomas Key Woolen Mill (1889), Jason Lee House and Parsonage (1841), John D. Boone House (1847), Pioneer Presbyterian Church (1858) and Marion Museum. The history of Salem is preserved on this site	The steam sternwheeler “Willamette Queen” Sternwheeler Excursions, Inc. PO box 5896 Salem, OR 97304 503-371-1103 Visit their web site. The Steam Sternwheeler Riverboat was once the main form of transportation in this area. The boat operates year round from Riverfront Park. Step back into history on the Willamette River. They have a full service dining room and bar.
The Oregon State Capitol Visit their web site. Built in 1938, the capitol is made of Vermont marble in modern Greek style. The interior has extensive historic murals, an Oregon gift shop and an exhibit area. Seasonal tours to the tower are available.
Museums
The Evergreen Aviation Museum 500 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way McMinnville, Oregon 97128 503-434-4180 http://www.sprucegoose.org/ Home of the “Spruce Goose” Located in McMinnville, OR (27 mi. northwest of Salem) on Oregon Highway-18 that goes to the Oregon Coast. You will see an F-15 on a pedestal and the “Spruce Goose” through the windows of the museum from the highway. In addition to the aviation museum they have a gift shop, restaurant, and a free wine tasting room.	The Bush House Museum Bush House Museum, Salem Art Association 600 Mission St. SE Salem, OR 97302 (503) 363-4714 http://www.salemart.org This 89-acre park contains the Bush House built in 1877 for pioneer banker and newspaper publisher Asahel Bush. The house features original wallpaper, rich furnishings and marble fireplaces. Also on the grounds is the Bush Barn Art Center which exhibits works of Pacific Northwest artists. There is also a conservatory built in 1882 and beautiful rose gardens.
Old Aurora Colony Museum and Aurora Colony National Historic District 15018 2^nd St Aurora, OR 9702 503-678-5754 Aurora Colony National Historic District is comprised of 35 historic structures dating from the 1850’s which are open to the public as antique stores and restaurants. www.auroracolony.com www.auroracolonymuseum.com
Parks
Silver Falls State Park Silver Falls State Park Loop Silver Falls State Park Located 26 miles east of Salem. The largest state park in Oregon, with 14 waterfalls throughout the 8,600 acres. We have a page devoted to the loop highway and a page devoted to the park.
Visitor Information
Salem Convention and Visitor Association 1313 Mill Street SE Salem, OR 97301 503-581-4325 or 1-800-874-7012 http://www.travelsalem.com/ The visitor center is located inside the historic Mission Hill Museum.

Listed Attractions in Salem, OR

We have not necessarily visited or recommend listed businesses.

Antiques

Art & Antiques Plus – 503-315-7381

211 Commercial St NE, Salem, OR 97301

Earle Antique Co – 503-370-9666

223 Commercial St NE, Salem, OR 97301

Engelberg Antiks II – 503-363-8155

148 Liberty St NE, Salem, OR 97301

Et Cetera Antiques – 503-581-9850

3295 Triangle Dr SE #140, Salem, OR 97302

Incurable Collectors Antique – 503-362-6868

735 Edgewater St NW, Salem, OR 97304

Art Galleries

Blue Pepper Gallery & Framing – 503-371-4600

241 Commercial St NE, Salem, OR 97301

Elsinore Gallery & Framing – 503-581-4642

142 High St SE, Salem, OR 97301

Mary Lou Zeek Gallery – 503-581-3229

335 State St, Salem, OR 97301

Gift Shops

Arbor – 503-588-1330

367 State St, Salem, OR 97301

Carl B Klean Gift Shoppe – 503-363-6244

4096 Commercial St SE, Salem, OR 97302

Corky’s Daughter – 503-371-8248

4555 Liberty Rd S #120, Salem, OR 97302

Daue House Gift Shop – 503-364-8318

1095 Saginaw St S, Salem, OR 97302

Made in Oregon – 503-362-4106

480 Center St NE #10, Salem, OR 97301

Ma Valise – 503-371-2234

379 State St, Salem, OR 97301

Ten Thousand Villages – 503-585-1636

474 Court St NE, Salem, OR 97301

Golf

Battle Creek Golf Club – 503-585-1402

6161 Commercial St SE, Salem, OR 97306

Creekside Golf Club – 503-363-1653

6250 Club House Dr SE, Salem, OR 97306

Salem Golf Club – 503-363-6652

2025 Golf Course Rd S, Salem, OR 97302

Parks

Enchanted Forest – 503-636-3060

8462 Enchanted Way SE, Turner, OR 97392

Historic Deepwood Estate (Park and Living Museum)– 503-363-1825

1116 Mission St SE, Salem, OR 97302

Marion Skate Park – 503-588-6261

Marion and Commercial, Salem, OR 97301

Riverfront Carousel – 503-540-0374

101 Front ST SE, Salem, OR 97301

Thrill-ville USA Amusement Park – 503-363-4095

8372 Enchanted Way SE, Turner, OR 97392

Museums

The Evergreen Aviation Museum – See Recommended Museums above

Mission Mill Village – See Recommended Attractions above

The Bush House Museum – See Recommended Museums above

Parks/Gardens

Frey’s Dahlias – 503-743-3910

12054 Brick Rd SE, Turner, OR 97392

Quilting/Needlecrafts

Cotton Patch – 503-463-1880

4475 River Rd N, Keizer, OR 97303

Greenbaum’s Quilted Forest – 503-363-7973

240 Commercial St NE, Salem OR 97301

Scrapbooking/Crafts

Paper Zone – 503-364-9826

1880 Commercial St NE, Salem, OR 97301

Scrapbook Fever – 503-763-3501

1521 Hawthorne Ave NE, Salem, OR 97301

Scrap Happens – 503-566-8870

1250 Lancaster Dr SE, Salem, OR 97317

Stampin Cat Studio – 503-390-2553

2679 Commercial St SE, Salem, OR 97302

Theatres

Historic Elsinore Theatre – 503-375-3574

170 High St SE, Salem, OR 97301

Tours / Charters / Attractions

Oregon State Capital Building – See Recommended Attractions above

The steam sternwheeler “Willamette Queen” – See Recommended Attractions above

Mission Mill Village – See Recommended Attractions above

Wine

Bethel Heights Vineyard – 503-581-2262

6060 Bethel Heights Rd NW, Salem, OR

Eola Hills Wine Cellars – 503-623-2405

502 S Pacific Hwy, 99W, Rickreall, OR 97371

Honeywood Winery – 503-362-4111

1350 Hines St SE, Salem, OR 97302

Willamette Valley Vineyards – 503-588-9463

8800 Enchanted Way SE, Turner, OR 97392