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Tour of Eugene/Springfield

(Half to full day tour)

The Eugene - Springfield metropolitan area, located just off of Interstate 5, offers a multitude of activities and attractions. Create you own tour of Eugene and Springfield as you select from the many choices.

Morning Options

Skinner Butte
Within walking distance of downtown Eugene, Skinner Butte and the surrounding park offers a place to relax in the midst of the metro area. Stroll along the Willamette on the riverfront bike path, hike to the top of the butte for a spectacular view of Eugene or take a rest in the shady park. The past comes alive at the replica of Eugene and Mary Skinner's 1846 cabin, the first pioneer structure in the area. This new interpretive area coincided with the 150th anniversary of the Applegate Trail. (Drive by or allow 30 minutes at the cabin)

Owen Rose Garden
This park along the Willamette River is home to over 4,500 varieties of summer blooming roses. The famous Black Republican Cherry tree is also in the garden. This tree dates back to 1860 and is the last surviving remnant of an early-day riverfront orchard. It is the largest cherry tree in Oregon and one of the largest in the United States. (Allow 1 hour)

Lane County Historical Museum
Step back in time as you learn about the history of Oregon's settlement, including Oregon Trail artifacts. Period rooms, as well as vehicle displays from the 1920s and 1930s await you at this fascinating museum. (Allow 1 hour)

Afternoon Options

Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at the University of Oregon
As the largest state-supported art museum in Oregon, The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at the University of Oregon welcomes visitors to a vibrant new museum. The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art houses over 12,500 works of art, including extensive Asian and Pacific Northwest collections. (Allow 1 ½ hours)

University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History
Explore Oregon's geological past and 15,000 years of northwest cultural history at the newly remodeled University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History. (Allow 1 hour)

Hendricks Park Rhododendron Garden
In 1906, Thomas and Martha Hendricks deeded 47 acres of forested ridgeline for use as Eugene's first public park. In 1951, the Eugene Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society proposed establishing a garden of camellias and rhododendrons. Local enthusiasts donated many of their plants to the park. The garden has expanded to ten acres and now features over 5,000 rhododendrons and azaleas, and over 1,000 other ornamental plants. The peak blooming season for the rhododendrons is April / May. (Allow 1 hour)

Springfield Museum and Historic Springfield Interpretive Center
Located in a 1911 Oregon Power Company substation in Springfield's historic downtown shopping and antique district, this beautiful interpretive center examines the area's rich history. The growth of the community from early settlement in 1849 to the 1920s is highlighted in the many exhibits. The ground floor Springfield Museum hosts rotating displays ranging from antique dolls to quilts. (Allow 1 hour)

Eugene/Springfield Meal/Shopping Options

Saturday Market
Visit the oldest weekly, open-air craft festival in the U.S. Nearly 200 craft booths combine with delicious food and live entertainment. Open downtown every Saturday rain or shine from April to early November when it becomes the Holiday Market and moves inside the Lane Event Center through December.

Fifth Street Public Market
The historic Fifth Street Public Market is a colorful collection of shops, restaurants and galleries. Since 1976, the market has been the perfect place to meet friends for coffee, a delicious meal, or to shop in the local boutiques .

Gateway Mall
Gateway Mall features great shopping at over 80 stores! Catch the latest blockbuster on one of the 29 theater screens, work out at the 24-hour fitness center or enjoy a meal at one of 14 eateries. Take your time at a sit down or buffet style restaurant or grab a quick bite from the extensive food court.

Oakway Center
Eugene's premier shopping experience located in the heart of Eugene. The upscale Oakway Center offers a diverse mix of local and national shops and restaurants. The addition of the new Heritage Courtyard offers a plaza environment where one can enjoy outdoor dining and scheduled entertainment under canopies of heritage oak trees.

Valley River Center
The largest shopping center between Portland and San Francisco. Pick up a quick meal as you shop the over 140 stores. Located just minutes from downtown along the Willamette River.