The Eugene-Springfield metropolitan area, located just off Interstate 5, offers a multitude of activities and attractions. You may find yourself here for an Oregon Ducks football game, a concert, visiting your college student or recreating that waterfall hike you saw on Instagram — but now that you are here, we invite you to explore more! Create your own one-day tour of Eugene and Springfield as you select from the many choices.

A viewpoint overlooking the city of Eugene shows trees in the foreground, then buildings and streets with a mountain butte in the background.
: Melanie Ryan Griffin

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

The Owen Rose Garden along the Willamette River is home to over 4,500 varieties of summer-blooming roses. The famous Black Tartarian 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. The Lane County Historical Museum presents period rooms, as well as vehicle displays from the covered wagons to the 1920s and 1930s. (Allow 1 hour)

Kesey Square

Explore the heart of downtown Eugene. Ringing Kesey Square are coffee shops, restaurants and boutique shops. Discover colorful murals and street art and linger to people-watch at a sidewalk cafe. (Allow 1 hour)

A crowd gathers around folkorico dancers in Kesey's open-air square

Fiesta Cultural at Kesey Square

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 world-class museum. The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art houses over 12,500 works of art, including extensive Asian and Pacific Northwest collections. Guided tours are available upon request. (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 University of Oregon's Museum of Natural and Cultural History, which is home to the world's oldest pair of shoes. The newly expanded exhibition hall is filled with interactive displays about the geologic and human history of the Pacific Northwest. (Allow 1 ½ hours)

Hendricks Park Rhododendron Garden

This beautiful park abounds with 78 forested acres and 12 acres of over 5,000 rhododendrons and azaleas, and over 1,000 other native plants. The peak blooming season for the rhododendrons is March through the end of May. But Hendricks Park is appealing in all seasons with its meandering trails and woods right in town. (Allow 1 hour)

Main Street Springfield

Simpsons creators themselves have identified this Springfield as THE Springfield. Stroll down the street to the Emerald Art Center to view a mural of Bart, Homer, Lisa, Marge and Maggie. Inside, see promotional props from the hit TV show "The Simpsons". Across the street is the Springfield Museum, located in a 1911 Oregon Power Company substation. This beautiful interpretive center examines the area's rich history and the growth of the community from early settlement in 1849 to the 1920s. The ground floor of Springfield Museum hosts rotating displays ranging from antique dolls to quilts. (Allow 1 hour) 

Cascades Raptor Center

Come face to face with eagles, owls, hawks and falcons at this raptor rehabilitation center. More than 60 birds call the Cascades Raptor Center home. Located in the woods of South Eugene, the Raptor Center provides a unique opportunity to see these beautiful birds of prey up close and to learn more about them.  

Walking down Main Street Springfield

Main Street in Springfield

Eugene - Springfield Dining & Shopping Options (Tax-Free)

Eugene 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 (and great people-watching). Everything is hand-crafted and sold by the artist or their loved one. The Saturday Market is 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.

5th Street Public Market

The historic 5th 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.

The Shoppes at Gateway 

The Shoppes at Gateway feature over 80 stores! Catch the latest blockbuster on one of the multiple theater screens or enjoy a meal at one of many area eateries. Take your time at a sit-down or buffet-style restaurant. Find everything you need at Cabela's or Target. 

Oakway Center

Eugene's premier shopping experience is 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 Heritage Courtyard offers outdoor dining and scheduled seasonal entertainment under canopies of heritage oak trees. 

Valley River Center

Valley River Center is 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.