| Things to Do » Attractions » History and Heritage |
No matter where you are in the Willamette Valley, you’ll find its rich history and heritage on display. Some you can experience through restored historical attractions (prepare to be wowed), where passionate volunteers share stories of bygone eras. Curious collections are curated within a wide array of museums, some harkening to times gone by while others are sleek and elegant. And educational opportunities abound through natural history museums and university exhibitions open to all.
Oak savannas and woodlands, which once covered much of the Willamette Valley, are dwindling in numbers today; just 5% of the region’s historic oak trees remain.
So we took a look at the history of oak trees in the Willamette Valley, what’s being done to protect and preserve oak trees today, and where you can see these regal trees today.
Over the decades, more than 500 movies have been filmed in Oregon—including several that have been shot in the Willamette Valley (such as Stand By Me, Twilight, Animal House, and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest).
So we’ve rounded up some famous filming locations around the Willamette Valley to help you enjoy the region’s occasional brush with Hollywood.
In the summer of 2017, the Historic Carousel & Museum of Albany opened to the world—bringing old-school fun and fantastical creatures to life for kids of all ages.
Today, you can ride the carousel, peruse a small museum, and even see artists and carvers working on the carousel's next additions. Check out our guide to visiting the Historic Carousel & Museum in the heart of downtown Albany.
