About Creswell, OR

Tucked conveniently between Eugene and Cottage Grove along the Interstate 5 corridor, and home to one of the finest municipal airports in the Northwest, Creswell offers a quiet retreat in the South Willamette Valley with easy access to the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. Creswell itself comprises a small downtown district, a few big box stores and shopping strips, and several residential neighborhoods abutting farmlands and crowned by Creswell Butte.

Creswell History

The area around Creswell, Oregon supported the Kalapuyas people prior to the region's settlement by pioneers and the decimating diseases the Europeans introduced. The Kalapuyas made flour from camas lily bulbs and gathered berries, acorns and roots while moving across the verdant Willamette Valley in the spring and summer. They fished and hunted too, and had more permanent villages to which they returned to in winter.

A History of Native Peoples of the Eugene, Cascades & Coast Region
: Lane County History Museum
  • 9 minute read

The Eugene, Cascades & Coast region (Lane County) sits astride a diverse ecological landscape with lands on the Oregon coast, coast mountains, Willamette Valley prairies, Cascades foothills and high mountains. There were numerous tribes who lived in this landscape for more…

The Applegate Trail & Travel Routes

The famous 1846 Applegate Trail rolled through Creswell roughly along the same route of the current Highway 99 and I5 (built in 1966). It was touted as a less treacherous journey to Oregon, but was not without it's own challenges. Several of the town's present day residents are descendants of the Applegate family, trail-blazer Levi Scott, and other pioneers from the original migrations. A monument to the Applegate Trail can be found at Garden Lake Park.

In 1872, Alvin Hughes and James Robinett established homesteads here, and the Creswell Post Office opened a year later with John Creswell as the U.S. Postmaster General. Rail lines connected the community to towns from Oregon to California. The railroad was significant in the community's economic viability and later the highway and interstate would play that same important role. Airfields for small planes were commonly situated along the Highway 99 corridor which helped pilots sight the runaways. Today, Creswell's airport remains a vibrant focus for the community.

Creswell Historical Museum

Creswell Historical Museum

Farming 

Early on agriculture was the primary industry with wheat, orchards, cattle and pig farms. By the 1900s, in addition to a grist mill, Creswell had a cannery, packing plant, fruit dryer and professional services all along Oregon Avenue. Regional mining and timber also influenced the town's commerce.

In 1972, the Creswell Area Historical Society was founded to preserve the region's heritage. The organization operates the Creswell Historical Museum which is open for limited hours seasonally.

Creswell continues to be a farming community but has expanded its repertoire to numerous outdoor recreational pursuits. The town is surrounded by hiking trails, mountain biking trails, equestrian-friendly trails, birding areas, fishing spots and various river adventures. In-town highlights include two beautiful community parks, several outdoor murals and a championship golf course. 

Creswell Fourth of July Parade

Creswell Fourth of July Parade

Population

Creswell - 5,684

Source: 2021 Population Research Center, Portland State University

  • 95 W Oregon Ave
  • 541.895.4398

Pick up Creswell maps and brochures. Find out more information about nearby lodging, camping, restaurants and member businesses. Easy access from Interstate 5 and Highway 99. The Creswell visitor information center is open varying hours year-round Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m…

  • 13 S 1st St
  • 541.895.2531

The city of Creswell is located 10 miles (16 km) south of the Eugene-Springfield area and 8 miles (13 km) north of Cottage Grove along Interstate 5 in the Willamette Valley region of Oregon. Known as "The Friendly City" and for their 4th of July Celebration and Parade.