Explore Salem
When planning your visit to Deepwood, be sure to save time to visit the many cultural attractions in the Salem area. Downtown Salem has a diverse collection of antique stores, art galleries and specialty stores to browse and numerous restaurants to enjoy everything from casual to upscale dining. The surrounding area offers beautiful natural spaces for hiking, biking, birding, and other outdoor activities.
Salem Cultural Heritage Attractions
Bush House Museum
Built in 1878, this beautifully maintained Italianate style house was owned by one of Salem’s leading citizens, Asahel Bush, who founded Ladd & Bush Bank and the Oregon Statesman newspaper. Tours of the historic house are available March through December. While you are there enjoy the 90 acre Bush’s Pasture Park, home of the annual Salem Art Fair. (Image by Frank Miller)
Gaiety Hollow
Operated by the Lord & Schryver Conservancy, Gaiety Hollow was the home of Elizabeth Lord and Edith Schryver, the first female landscape architect firm in the Northwest. They were commissioned by Alice Brown to create the formal gardens at Deepwood during the 1930s. The garden at Gaiety Hollow demonstrates their design aesthetic.
Gilbert House Children’s Museum
Named after A.C. Gilbert, the inventor of the Erector Set, this family friendly museum offers interactive exhibits housed in three renovated historic buildings and an Outdoor Center. The Museum’s mission is to “inspire children to learn through creative play.” (Image by Ron Cooper)
Hallie Ford Museum of Art
Located on the campus of Willamette University, Hallie Ford is the third largest art museum in Oregon offering diverse permanent exhibits covering Ancient, European, American, and Asian art. Special exhibitions range from classical works to modern masters.
The Elsinore Theatre
A major renovation in 1986 restored the original character of the 1926 theatre. Today it offers classic movies and a variety of arts performances in a beautiful neo-gothic setting inspired by Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
Museum of Mental Health
Once the filming location of the Academy Award winning movie One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, this fascinating museum tells stories through permanent and temporary exhibits of the Oregon State Hospital and the people who lived and worked at the facility. (Image by Ron Cooper)
Oregon State Capitol
The 1938 Art Deco style building houses the State legislature, ceremonial chambers and art depicting Oregon history, both in murals and portraits. Guided tours are offered year round. During the summer visitors can climb to the top of the building to view the monumental gold statue, the Oregon Pioneer.
Pioneer Cemetery
Occupying 16 ½ acres on an elevated site, the cemetery overlooks the city of Salem and the Willamette Valley. Founded in 1854, it is the burial place of Oregon political leaders, activists and others whose life stories reflect the vibrant society of the capital in its early days.
Salem’s Riverfront Carousel
The welcoming sign declares it “Open for Fun!” describing the delight of children riding brightly painted animals inside this year-round venue. Visitors can watch artists carving imaginative creatures for future rides and enjoy a colorful gift shop.
Willamette Art Center
An artists’ oasis tucked amidst the trees of the Oregon State Fairgrounds, they offer classes and events for both children and adults. It is home to the only glass blowing facility in Salem and the “Oaks Gallery” showcases staff and student artwork which is on display and for sale.
Willamette Heritage Center
Located on a 5-acre park on the grounds of a historic woolen mill, the Center interprets the history of the Mid-Willamette Valley. Visitors can tour the mill and early settlement houses in addition to shop their retail stores, dine at Mill Creek Station or conduct research at the library.
Travel Salem
Travel Salem serves as the official tourism office for visitors to Salem and the Mid-Willamette Valley. Their Travel Cafe/Visitors Center is located in downtown Salem. The TravelSalem.com website provides travel resources regarding attractions, lodging, dining, and shopping, and includes a calendar of events.