State Capitol and Historic Salem
Drive south about 15 minutes and you will come to Salem and Oregon’s State Capitol. Follow River
Road from Keizer South, taking the right side at the “Y” intersection. This is North Commercial Street. Follow for about 3 miles and turn left on Mission Street, where you will see signs that direct you to the Historic Tour Route, including Deepwood Estate, Bush House and the Mission Mill complex which houses the Salem Visitor Center, as well as other historical attractions. Be sure to get a schedule of performances for the Pentacle Theatre, Salem’s long-time community theater.
Driving time one way: Fifteen Minutes.
From Pioneers to Portland
Traveling north on I-5 to Portland, we recommend a side trip of I-205 freeway, approximately 15 miles, to the End of the Oregon Trailer Museum in Oregon City(exit #10). This facility and the town of Oregon City offer a wonderful interpretation of pioneer life during and after the Oregon Trail migration. Portland has so many opportunities to experience history, art, live theatre and music that me must refer you to the Portland/Oregon Visitors Association for current entertainment and event listings, as well as guides to history, theatres and art galleries.
Contact: POVA: 1-800-962-3700
Driving time one way:50 minutes.
Down South of Eugene
Eugene, one hour south of Keizer on I-5, has wonderfully diverse offerings of culture, arts, gardens, parks and historical sites. From the 5th street public market to Hult Center, they have it all.
Contact: CVALCO at 1-800-547-5445
Salem’s Riverfront Park
This Wonderful park is located next to Salem’s Historic downtown, offering visitors breathtaking walks along the Willamette River, picturesque settings for the family picnics, open areas for energetic games, wonderful concerts and festive events. The newest addition is Salem’s Riverfront Carousel. This old masters-style handcrafted wooden horse carousel was crafted by volunteers. Open seven days a week.
Directions: Follow River Road south to Salem. Keep right at the Y to Commercial Street into Salem and take a right onto Court Street then go across Front Street and you are there.
Fee: 1.25 per ride, for all ages.
Information:503-540-0374
Driving time one way:10 minutes.
Champoeg State Park
Champoeg State Park, featuring historical buildings,a visitor center, walking trails and acres of beautiful meadows bordering the Willamette River is a perfect place for picnic.
Directions: From Keizer go north on River Road until the road comes into a Y intersection. Stay to the right to stay on River Road and continue through the historic town of St.Paul, continue traveling north and now you are on Hwy 219. Follow 219 about 5 miles north of St.Paul and then turn right on Champoeg Road and keep going until you reach the park.
Fee: Day use fee of $3.00
Information: 1-800-425-5887 or 1-503-678-1251
Silver Falls State Park
Oregon’s Largest and more diverse state parks, Silver Falls encompasses 8,700 acres of trails, cabin rentals, camp grounds and conference center. There are ten different waterfalls to explore, as well as miles of hiking, biking and horse trails. The historic South Falls Lodge, built in the 1930’s and restored in 1999 features an information booth, food service concession and the Friends of Silver Falls Nature Store.
Directions: Take Chemawa Road east (turns into Hazel Green Road) 12 miles to Silverton. Go right on James Street, left on North Water through downtown (North Water is Hwy 214). Follow approximately 14 miles to the Park.
Fee: Day use fee of $3.00
Information:503-873-8681
Yamhill County Wine Country
By Driving north on River Road, you will eventually be traveling on High way 219.Follow the signs that take you north through the historic missionary settlement St.Paul, then on to the town of Newberg, the boyhood home of Herbert Hoover. You will now be on Highway 99W traveling west through Newberg.
Follow Highway 99W to quaint wine country town of Dundee. Many wineries, vineyards, tasting rooms, specialty shops and excellent restaurants can be found in this small town. We especially recommend the journey to the Erath Vineyards – the views are spectacular. Most wineries are indicated with blue signs, and are open year-round, with some offering daily tours, gift shops and picnic grounds.
Contact: Erath Vineyards 1-800-9464 or www.yamhillwine.com
Driving time one way: 45 minutes.
Willamette Valley Winery Tour
This beautiful land mark is located south of Keizer and can be seen from I-5 freeway. The Winery sits on top of a hill over looking the Vineyard. The Willamette Vineyard has unique architecture, an underground cellar, and state of the art wine making equipment that can be viewed on scheduled, guided tours. There are both picnic and meeting facilities. They produce quality Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris. Take I-5 exit 248 (Sunnyside and Turner) south of Salem, turn left, then right onto Enchanted Way. Continue past the Enchanted Forest and Willamette Valley Vineyards will be on your left. Open daily 11-6.
Contact: www.wvw.com, 503-588-9463
Driving time one way:20-35 minutes
Antique Powerland
Close to Kezier, begin your tour at Antique Powerland. About 3 miles north on River Road, Turn right at the four-way stop onto Brooklake Road. Antique Powerland is approximately a half a mile on your left. Open weekends, this complex features a diverse assortment of steam generated farm implements, trains and historic displays. The Annual Steam Up is on the last weekend of July and first weekend of August and is a very popular event that offers numerous demonstrations and activities.
Contact: www.antiquepowerland.com/ 503-393-2424
Keizer Heritage Community Center
The Heritage Center newly restored 1916 schoolhouse. Located in the heart of Keizer, just off River Road turn onto Chemawa Road. The large white building is just two blocks ahead on your right. Majestic in appearance, this remodeled schoolhouse is the central location to the artistic and historic aspects of Keizer. The Keizer Heritage Museum open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, is located on the bottom floor, it rotates items loaned or donated by local families and organizations. Across the hall, open Monday-Friday you will find the Keizer Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center with a large supply of travel brochures and community information. Also on the ground floor there is the Keizer Community Library and a special mural showing the Old Keizer Schoolhouse in a rural setting. Upstairs the Keizer Art Association has a large classroom and a beautiful gallery called the Enid Joy Mount Gallery which is open Tuesday through Saturday. Artwork from local artists is rotated monthly. Complete your tour with a walk outside. An Iris display garden during May will show off several years of selected community theme irises that were showcased in Keizer’s annual Iris Festival. Also, enjoy and investigate the patio area with a gazebo and commemorative brick lined patio with benches that have the names of Keizer families and friends. You may be fortunate enough to run into one or two local personalities who could tell you the story of how this building was saved from destruction several times before becoming Keizer’s pride and joy.
Willamette Mission Park
Historic Willamette Mission Park, on the Willamette River, features miles of biking, hiking and walking trails, picnicking, viewpoints, fishing, horse shoe pits, wildlife blinds and historic monuments. Horses are available for rent in the summer, with five miles of horse trails to roam. Some bike paths are accessible for people with disabilities. Every year during the 4th of July weekend, there are live Civil War Reenactments. The park features the largest Cottonwood tree in the nation.
Directions: River Road north, take left fork to Wheatland Road. Continue north approximately six miles to park.
Fee: day use fee of $3.00
Information: 503-393-1172
Driving time one way: About 10 minutes.
Spirit Mountain Casino
Approximately half way, on your route to or from the coast, Spirit Mountain Casino is one of Oregon’s favorite tourist attractions. Just off Highway 22, Spirit Mountain Casino offers gaming enjoyment 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Driving from Keizer: 30 minutes.
Oregon Coast-Lincoln City
A beach comber’s paradise. Walk on the beach, watch a winter storm, or do some whale watching from favorite lookout points. There are many public areas and restaurants with great views. Take the opportunity to collect driftwood, agates and floats, or explore the many tide pools at Roads End Wayside. Arrange for a fishing excursion, golf or shopping outing by contacting Lincoln City Visitor Center at 1-800-452-2151
Directions from Keizer: Go south on River Road. Stay to the right as you enter Salem, to N. Commerical Street, turn right at Marion Street and cross the bridge following the signs to Ocean Beaches on highway 22.
Driving time from Keizer: 1 and half hours
Chinook Winds Casino at Lincoln City
One of Lincoln’s city biggest attractions is the oceanfront Chinook Winds Casino. Open 24 hours daily, offering slots, bingo, arcade, daycare and top name entertainment.
Contact: 1-888-244-6665
Newport Attractions
This Coastal town is 30 minutes south of Lincoln city nestled between the Coastal Mountains, the Pacific Ocean, and Yaquina Bay. This historic bay front was Newport’s economic backbone, housing a port for commercial fishing and wood products industries. Bay front visitors enjoy shops, art galleries, Chowder houses, restaurants and family attractions in turn-of-the-century store fronts from a bygone era.
Contact Newport Chamber of Commerce: 1-541-265-8801 – chamber@newportnet.com
Flying Dutchman Winery: Have a unique wine tasting experience at the coast. The Oregon Coast’s only bonded winery. Ocean view tasting room. Never a tasting fee. Daily tours and wine tastings.
Contact: 1-541-765-2060
Hatfield Marine Science Center: this is a wonderful place to discover the world of marine science through interactive exhibits, aquaria and education programs.
Contact: 1-541-867-0100
Oregon Coast Aquarium: The one place not to miss while in Newport is the Oregon Coast Aquarium, named one of the top ten aquariums by Paradise magazine. Come face to face with Sea Otters, seals, sharks and over 8000 ocean animals. Open Daily. Summer: 9:00 am to 5:00 winter: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Contact:1-541-867-3474 Driving time on way: 2 Hours.
Willow Lake Nursery
Before you leave Keizer, be sure to visit Willow Lake Nursery. This wonderful, family owned business offers a full selection of tree shrubs, Jackson-Perkins and David-Austen roses, as well as a full seasonal array of perennials and annuals. The friendly staff offers expert advice, and the gift shop and nursery are open year-round. Take River Road north, turn left on to Lockhaven to “T” junction. Turn right and then left into the driveway.
Driving time one way:5 minutes.
Schreiner’s Iris Garden
Return to River Road and go north, journeying through some of the finest farm land in the Willamette Valley. Crops such as hops, nursery stock, grass seed, berries and orchards make Marion County one of the most productive agricultural areas in Oregon. Approximately 1 mile from the north edge of Keizer, follow the signs right to the world-famous Schreiner’s Iris Gardens. Open in May and June, The iris fields and gardens are a glorious sight.
Contact: 503-393-3232 www.schreinersgardens.com
Egan Gardens
Return to River Road from the iris gardens, continue north for two miles to Egan Gardens on the left. Open spring, summer and fall featuring a large variety of plants, roses and décor for the garden.
Contact:503-393-2131
French Prairie Garden
As you journey north, remember to stay to the right at the first “Y” intersection. At the second “Y” intersection keep to the left. River road will turn into HWY 219. Your next stop on the left will be French Prairie gardens, selling flowers in the summer, retail food items and delicious items from Umpqua Dairy. A pumpkin patch and corn maze are a fun addition in the fall.
Fergunson’s fragrant Nursery
Highway 219 will become French Prairie Road as you continue north. At the intersection of French Prairie and McKay road you will see Fergunson’s Fragrant Gardens, a nursery that specializes in fragrant or unusual perennials. When leaving Ferguson’s turn right on McKay Road and rejoin Highway 219 at the “T” junction.
Heirloom Roses
Follow the signs to Heirloom Roses. Although open year-round, These gardens are gorgeous in the early and midsummer months. All varieties can be purchased at the site or through their catalog. Also features a gift shop.
Driving time one way: 50 minutes.