Train Trip!

Day One

Based on a 1:48 p.m. arrival from Portland

After the scenic joyride from the north and through the valley, disembark at the Eugene Depot. Centrally located in downtown Eugene, the railroad station is between the Whiteaker Neighborhood and the Market District. Using ride share or taxi service, or going by the public bus, you can easily get to the UO campus, Springfield or other Eugene neighborhoods. But for this suggested itinerary, we are sticking to downtown Eugene and the Market District, accessible by walking, cycling or wheelchair. 

Afternoon

Rent a bicycle from Bicycle Way of Life, just four blocks southwest of the depot, or download the PeaceHealth Rides app and use one of the big blue bike share bicycles. Electric bicycles can be rented in the Market District or hire a pedicab for a river path tour. If you need to fuel up (caffeine that is), pop into Farmers Union Coffee Roasters for an ethically sourced cup of coffee.

Pick up picnic supplies at Provisions Market Hall at 5th Street Public Market — think meats, cheeses, bread or fresh produce to fill your bike basket... or deli sandwiches and pastries to go. Another really easy picnic is one of Cafe Yumm's amazing rice bowls with a variety of toppings and their signature Yumm sauce to go. Next, ride your bike or walk along High St north over the train tracks and turn left on E Cheshire Ave. Entering Skinners Butte Park, bike paths parallel the Willamette River, with lovely sights in either direction. Explore playgrounds, a rose garden, a veteran's war memorial, a duck pond and public art. You can spend all afternoon here enjoying the riverfront parks. Alton Baker park, connected by the bike paths, offers even more lovely spots to ramble.

Is it raining? Skip the bicycles and browse Smith Family Bookstore, a book-lovers delight. Then with a book in hand, meander on to explore 5th Street Public Market and the covered Market Alley. The Market District features craft breweries, distilleries, wineries, coffee shops, eateries and unique stores. Find a cozy corner to sip a latte, read your book and soak up Eugene's friendly, quirky atmosphere. Or visit the Art With Alejandro gallery and join in a sip and paint party (see their schedule to register).

Hotel check In

After the ride or shopping, check into your hotel. There are several nearby options but here are two to consider:

Graduate Eugene

This hotel is two blocks south of the Eugene Depot and centrally located for all your adventures. The Graduate Eugene is sports themed with proud tributes to the University of Oregon Ducks and TrackTown USA, Eugene's alter-ego. With Nike shoe exhibits, trophies, signed posters and waffle-iron lamps, you'll learn all about Eugene's sports mystique and local legends. Plus they have a cool Topgolf swing suite that can be reserved for small parties. Topgolf is indoor virtual golf, baseball, soccer and more — lots of fun! 

Timbers Inn

This unique hotel is a hefty eleven block hike but its retro style and clean comfort makes it a fun lodging alternative. Family-owned, enjoy the little touches of personality, plus you'll be in the heart of downtown.

Evening

The historic Oregon Electric Station has reopened as the Old Spaghetti Factory, complete with their signature inside railcars for dining— so this is a natural train-themed place for dinner! 6th Street Restaurant & Sports Bar is also a popular pre-show hot spot right across from the Hult Center for the Performing Arts. Dinner and a show is a perfect way to spend the evening, and all within a few blocks. And if you are still full from a late lunch, stop in the nearby Sip Champagne & Dessert Bar for that perfect night-on-the-town dessert menu instead of dinner.

Day Two

Based on a 4:30 p.m. departure to Portland

Morning

Pick up a coffee at the Glass House Coffee Bar, then take a self-guided walking tour of Eugene's downtown murals (or check in with Eugene Eats Food Tour for guided neighborhood tours). In honor of the World Athletics Championships Track & Field event that Eugene hosted in 2022 (the first time this prestigious international track event came the United States), over twenty street artists and muralists from around the world were commissioned for public murals around town. Discover these masterpieces throughout the downtown core. If you are here on a Saturday, the park blocks will overflow with artisan crafts, food trucks and lively entertainment during the weekly seasonal market. 

Brunch at Morning Glory Cafe, a vegan-friendly hot spot known for its wholesomely delicious hot breakfasts and lunches. The restaurant often has a line out the door on weekends, so plan ahead. Other fantastic breakfast options include Jazzy Ladies Cafe with their gluten-free chicken and waffles, and Provisions Market Hall in the 5th Street Public Market with their European ambiance and various coffee shop offerings.

Afternoon

With a few hours left to enjoy downtown Eugene, make sure you hit a few highlights:

• Hike to the top of Skinner Butte, on the north side of the railroad tracks (cross at Pearl St or High St like you did yesterday for the bike ride, but this time turn west on E 3rd Ave until you reach the Skinners Butte Loop), or approach by a trail from E Cheshire Ave. From the top you can look down Willamette St to Spencer Butte in the south and see the University of Oregon campus spread out to the east.
• Visit the historic Shelton McMurphey Johnson House. This Victorian home has been preserved as a museum and offers tours most days in the afternoon, but check ahead. The historic Mims House, one of the first Black-owned homes in Eugene, is across the river and will probably require ride share arrangements. Currently, the house is used for special events and not open for tours but there is a beautiful monument in the front.
• Pose for a picture with the Ken Kesey bronze statue in Kesey Plaza at E Broadway and Willamette Streets. Kesey, the author of "One Flew Over the Cuckcoo's Nest", was a local resident and counter-culture figurehead in the 70s. Pick up Voodoo Donuts nearby.

If anytime remains before the train departs, here are a few more ideas to squeeze in:

• If shopping inclined, browse Down to Earth Home, Garden & Gift for an extensive selection of beautiful home goods. Across the alley is Mountain Rose Herbs Mercantile with essential oils, spices, teas and more herbal products. Shopping at these stores will probably result in additional carry-ons for the train ride home, but think of the gifts you can bring back!
• Or if the afternoon is best suited for relaxation, stop in at the Oregon Wine LAB for afternoon wine tasting. Alongside pouring their own labels, they provide other small-batch vintners space to showcase products that otherwise may not have a storefront. (Wine enthusiasts may enjoy this wine tasting adventure accessible from the train station.)

Finally, all good things must eventually conclude. Time to catch the train home! But come back soon for more train-themed adventures.

Can't Get Enough of Trains?

These extra jaunts take you beyond the downtown core of Eugene and out across nearby communities. To see it all you'll have to plan a longer visit and arrange additional transportation.

Cottage Grove

In Cottage Grove see the last remaining covered railroad bridge in Oregon. The massive Chambers Railroad Covered Bridge has been preserved as a park and interpretative center. Cottage Grove is also home to the railroad truss bridge in the movie "Stand By Me", now a part of a popular cycling trail.

Junction City

The hopes and dreams of this farming community are expressed in its name — Junction City — but the town was bypassed by the major transportation arteries, and the community is now known for its wine country, agriculture and Scandinavian culture. Still, a tribute to trains remains. View Engine 418, a locomotive gift from Finland, on display at Founder's Park. 

Lowell 

Rolling Rock Park in Lowell is a great romping place for little train lovers. With a historic caboose and railroad equipment that can be climbed on, this park is fun for all ages.

Springfield

Just across the Willamette River in Springfield, the Chamber of Commerce and visitor center is housed in a former train depot. Visit the center and see the railcar preserved on the tracks outside. The Willamette Cascade Model Railway Club meets here monthly. Shows and swaps are held periodically at Lane Events Center, Valley River Center, the Cottage Grove Armory and at the Lane County Fair.