Take a fun Oregon road trip to get a flavor of some classic Americana. In this itinerary, you'll taste wine in a bright red barn, see a pro rodeo, travel to the town that inspired "The Simpsons," go axe throwing (yes, you read that right) and keep heading west to the beautiful Oregon Coast. So pack your boots, your camera and turn up Dolly Parton's tribute song to Eugene, OR – it's time to hit the road.

Day 1 - Go Country

Creswell

Creswell's Fourth of July parade is a local favorite packed full of marching bands, floats and beauty queens. Join the throngs at this classic event followed by food and festivities in the local park. There are lots down-home country activities to do in town. Sharpen up your sharpshootin' skills at the Creswell Clay Target Sports club, where a daily membership is available. Check to see if the Creswell Historical Museum is open (often only two Saturdays a month) and browse exhibits from yesteryear. No visit to Creswell is complete without a stop at the beloved Creswell Bakery for farm-to-table treats, and aviation fans may want to watch planes fly in and out of Hobby Field Airport or check out the Oregon Aviation Historical Society & Museum in nearby Cottage Grove (call ahead) — they have a pretty amazing collection of historic planes.

Creswell Historical Museum

Creswell Historical Museum

Cottage Grove

Only a little further south on Highway 99, this historic "All-America City" is a deep dive into heritage. Cottage Grove was built on pioneer farming, timber, gold-rush mining and the attention of Hollywood's film industry. Today it is flanked by six historic covered bridges, colorful murals and several excellent museums. Chow down at Big Stuff Barbecue or drink up at the Axe & Fiddle. Taste fruit wines at Saginaw Vineyard in their classic red barn or check out the Cottage Grove Speedway for a roaring good time. Territorial Seed Company is the perfect place to shop for your farm-lovin' friends (check to see if they have re-opened their storefront post pandemic), or get your cowboy gear on at Schwitzer's Work & Western Wear.

Saginaw Vineyard - Cottage Grove by Colin Morton

Saginaw Vineyard

Day 2 - Bucking Broncos, Boot Scootin', Barbecue & Booze

Eugene

Round up friends for the Eugene Pro Rodeo. Cowboys, horses and bulls take center stage with three days of roping and riding at the Oregon Horse Center, July 1 - 4, 2023. Each night has a theme — "Tough Enough to Wear Pink" breast cancer research night, family night with "mutton bustin'", Patriot Night honoring our veterans, and an American Celebration on the Fourth of July featuring the region's largest fireworks show! Before the rodeo, prep like a current-day cow wrangler by picking up a new Western hat at the Northwest Hat Co. Styles include the "Oregon Trail" and the "Rodeo". 

Get in the rodeo mood at a local country bar. Eugene's The Cooler Restaurant & Bar has cornered the "country" territory with line dancing lessons and themed "Country nights" on Thursdays. 

Or tune in the local country stations 101.5 KFLY FM, New Country 93 or KEED 104.3 FM/1450 AM and then roll up your sleeves at a tasty barbecue joint or pack a picnic to go. 

Several wineries within 30 minutes of Eugene often host live country, bluegrass and folk music on the weekends — check their schedules.

Eugene Pro Rodeo Bull by Jeff Green

Eugene Pro Rodeo Bull

Whiskey your thing? Heritage Distilling Co., makers of BSB - Brown Sugar Bourbon — voted "World's Best Flavoured Whisky" by Whisky Magazine for two years (2018, 2019), has been the American Distilling Institute's most awarded craft distillery in North America for the last six years. Eugene tasting rooms are located in the Market District and in the Whiteaker neighborhood.

Heritage Distilling Company by Colin Morton

Heritage Distilling Company

Day 3 - Stake out Springfield

Springfield

Explore the town that inspired "The Simpsons" television show. Take selfies with Simpson statues or in front of the Simpsons mural downtown. Unfortunately (or fortunately), there isn't Duff beer here, but you can get a tasty local Oregon craft beer at Plank Town Brewing Company.

The Simpsons Mural in Springfield by Colin Morton
: Colin Morton

Simpsons Mural in Springfield

Want to try something new? In Springfield you can bring your friends for a fun afternoon of axe throwing. This fun sport (think of it as a next-level darts game) is offered in the Booth Kelly Entertainment District. Here you can also try your skill at an escape room or completely immerse yourself in a "Wild West" world at MultiVRse with virtual reality games like Quick Draw or Ghost Town Mine Ride. Finish up your Springfield day with good grub from the nearby PublicHouse beer and food hall (they also house the Whiskey Lab!).

Day 4 - Get Out of Town

Florence

Oregon's Wild West coastline has miles of untamed sand dunes that invite exploration. Join C&M Stables for horseback riding along the beach or take a thrilling dune buggy ride over 500-foot sand hills. Florence has a charming historic old town along the Siuslaw River and options from oceanfront hotels to campgrounds.

The Oregon Coast Military Museum celebrates local veterans, and the Siuslaw Rod & Gun Club (a private club with some public events) offers another venue for sports shooting.

More American Explorations