27 Best & Fun Things To Do In Eugene (Oregon)

It’s no surprise Eugene is one of the most visited places in the United States.

With all of its beauty and excellence, it deserves its accolades.

Eugene is a city in Oregon situated at the South end of the Willamette Valley and the third-most populous city in Oregon.

Popular also as the “Emerald City” and “Track Town, USA”.

Because of its never-ending creativity, it’s earned the motto “A Great City for the Arts and Outdoors”.

If you are looking for a top vacation spot in the United States, Consider Eugene!

Eugene is a top vacation spot and one of the most beautiful cities in the United States.

Moreover, this city in Oregon is a center of art and culture.

It has the best settings to enjoy a fun vacation and relaxation.

Below are some of the best and most fun things to do in Eugene, Oregon.

Things To Do In Eugene, Oregon

1. Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art

Are you a lover of Jordan Schnitzer, or you want to check out classical art in Eugene?

Worry no more, The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art got you covered!

This museum is the only academic art museum in Eugene, Oregon accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art is a top art museum in Eugene showcasing classical exhibitions, historical collections, and top-notch contemporary art.

Additionally, this museum offers a lot of exciting educational programs that support diverse interests of arts in the communities.

Also, here in this Museum, you’ll be able to explore some great ancient Gandhara Buddhist art.

There are also several great old wood carvings of Avalokiteshvara, a samurai suit.

Even Chinese emperor court costumes, ancient Chinese pottery, and carved glassware.

Furthermore, you will also find some Eastern Orthodox Russian Icons and ancient Greek Pottery. 

Overall, this Museum is one of a kind Museum in Oregon!

Add to your basket list of things to do while in Eugene.

Address: 1430 Johnson Lane, Eugene, OR 97403, United States.

2. Museum of Natural and Cultural History

The famous Museum of Natural and Cultural History is a Northwest-focused university museum.

This museum in Eugene, Oregon is a center of interdisciplinary research and education having its origin in the 1800s.

Presently, this museum is a public Museum with several collections on display.

Moreover, it houses hundreds of thousands of fossils and ethnographic and archaeological objects.

It also showcases biological specimens from Oregon and all around the world. 

Additionally, this Museum holds several awards, including the 2018 National Medal for Museum and Library Service.

With over 30,000 visitors annually, this Museum is one of the most visited spots in Eugene and a popular tourist attraction site.

If you have time while in Eugene, try to check out the mammalian skeletons and giant ground sloths.

Also, some nice Native American artifacts!

Visit the gift shop and pick one or two souvenirs to take home!

Address: 1680 E 15th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401, United States

3. Shelton McMurphey Johnson House

Want to explore a Victorian mansion in Eugene!

Visit the Shelton McMurphey Johnson House!

This historical house is a Victorian mansion offering tours and teas.

On a tour in this house, you will be able to check out the full basement.

You’ll be able to explore the laundry room with a wood stove for boiling the laundry.

There’s also a fruit and vegetable storage room, and a wood-burning furnace. 

Also, the first floor is open to the public.

There are pantries, a kitchen, a back porch, a bathroom, dining room, parlor, hall, sitting room, bedroom, and conservatory.

Additionally, there are two rear porches and a veranda at the front entry to see.

Moreover, there is a large, built-in cabinet in the first-floor hallway where you’ll find Native American artifacts and early colonial antiques.

In the second floor, you’ll be able to explore three bedrooms, the “hired girl’s room”, a sleeping porch, and a bathroom. 

Check out the attic area too, there’s a small room in the turret, a south-facing room, and a large open area. 

Address: 303 Willamette St, Eugene, OR 97401, United States

4. Cascades Raptor Center

The Cascades Raptor Center is an outdoor aviary in Eugene with many birds of prey.

This is a nature center and unique wildlife hospital in Eugene looking out for birds of prey. 

On a tour here, you will be able to find over 40 resident birds.

Owls, eagles, hawks, and falcons are major sightings here and are viewable in large outdoor aviaries along the wooded trails in self-guided tours.

Additionally, you can come for a private tour of this place.

Undoubtedly, this place is a great and rare sanctuary for helping birds.   

Moreover, you get up close to these birds of prey that you normally don’t see in the wild, at least up to this close.   

Besides, each of the exhibits has a story about the bird or birds that you can see in the cave in front of you. 

Overall, it’s a beautiful place for bird watching!

Address: 32275 Fox Hollow Rd, Eugene, OR 97405, United States

5. Hendricks Park

Want to visit a top picnic spot in Eugene or even spend time watching trees?

Take a day off at Hendricks Park!

This is a park in Eugene offering over 80 acres of trails for hiking, trees, and picnic areas.

Hendricks Park is, without doubt, the oldest city park in Eugene, Oregon with its 78-acre park containing a forest, 12 acres of rhododendron garden, and a native plant garden. 

If you are a Botanist and want to spend time evaluating plants, this area is a great find!

Additionally, the park offers a lot of trails conducive for hiking, jogging, birding, and even strolling.

Besides, its beautiful rhododendron gardens are a beautiful wonder when they’re in season. 

There are also ample pathways for walking and light hiking. 

It also has a public restroom area, a play area with swings, and a few sheltered community gathering constructs. 

Address: Summit Ave &, Skyline Blvd, Eugene, OR 97403, United States

6. Alton Baker Park

The Alton Baker Park is a public park situated in Eugene, Oregon, United States.

It is a few distances away from the Autzen Stadium. 

This Park was named after the eleventh owner of Eugene’s The Guard newspaper Alton F. Baker Sr.

In Eugene, this is a vast park with lots of space to walk, run, bike, or even stroll.

Moreover, there are a lot of grassy areas and paved walkways where one can enjoy the scenery. 

They also have a solar system model on display that is incredible and makes walking around even more fun!

Additionally, this park has its own trails, ponds, and Willamette river flowing on one side. 

You can take a walk or ride a bike or simply sit by one of the ponds and watch ducks and geese in the water. 

Although a few trails are closed for the public right now, even without that, you will have a nice time exploring this Park.

Also, Alton Baker Park is a great area for engaging in sporting activities. 

Frisbee golfing, fishing, and swimming are some fun things to do here. 

There’s also a canal where you can go kayaking. 

Address: 100 Day Island Rd, Eugene, OR 97401, United States

7. Skinner Butte Park

Thinking of going to check out some fun parks but don’t know which?

Then explore the Skinner Butte Park when you have time!

This scenic park in Eugene is a fun outdoor area for walking, climbing, and strolling.

It is prominently also one of the oldest parks in Eugene with rich local history and recreational opportunities. 

The Skinner Butte Park was established in 1914 and features 100 acres of property along the Willamette River close to Eugene. 

Skinner Butte Park includes land claimed by Eugene Skinner, the first Euro-American settler of the southern Willamette Valley, and founder of Eugene.

It’s also the birthplace of the city and the modern community.

Unquestionably, it is the most historically significant resource in the Eugene park system. 

Besides, there are other fun spots for Tourists to explore.

Sites like the Campbell Senior Center, the Lamb Cottage, the Columns climbing area, RiverPlay Discovery Playground, and the Skinner City Farm community garden.

Additionally, there are acres of lawn and meadows, where you can relax.

Also, several hiking trails, bike paths, picnic areas, and other facilities you can use.

Check out the Veterans memorial, the Viewpoint and even the water spigot when here.

Address: 248 Cheshire Ave, Eugene, OR 97401, United States

8. Spencer Butte

This area in Eugene is a popular hiking peak offering a lot of scenic views.

Spencer Butte is a prominent landmark in Eugene and gives an amazing view of Eugene’s area from the top.

It’s a well-developed trail, although challenging, but is perfect for athletes wanting to test endurance skills. 

Also, it offers great views of the valley and mountains. 

The trail in the Spencer Butte also connects to the Ridgeline Trail system.

However, dogs are pretty common on the trail and there are portable toilets available at the trailhead.

Overall, it is an amazing place in Eugene to get scenic views and to see the beautiful sunset. 

Address: South of Eugene, Oregon, United States.

9. Eugene Science Center

The Eugene Science Center is situated in Alton Baker Park in Eugene, Oregon.

It is a science and technology center for children, families, and school groups.

This science center in Eugene offers a variety of educational programs.

Additionally, interactive exhibits, planetarium shows and presentations, schools and public programs are all things to get here.

Also, they host science camps and other special events that will thrill anyone. 

Besides, with all the classics here, it is a great place to explore with any age.

Since they have a good selection of interesting and educational exhibits.

Exploring this center will be one of the most educative tours to take.

A small tots area and a back room for deeper science experiments with a group are available here as well.

Their dome theater, constellations to laser light shows with rock music are absolutely stunning too!

Add to your to-do list while in Eugene!

Address: 2300 Leo Harris Pkwy, Eugene, OR 97401, United States

Looking for top spots to explore in Oregon? Check out our list of the most fun things to do in Albany, Tillamook, Medford, and Beaverton!

10. Eugene Mount Pisgah Arboretum

Mount Pisgah Arboretum is an arboretum and botanical garden with over 209 acres of land near Eugene-Springfield, Oregon, United States.

Eight miles of its trails offer to travel through eight distinct habitats.

Also, there are educational exhibits along the way on its trails.

There are tons of native plants and wildlife for botanists and animal lovers to explore.

However, though there are a lot of trails to use, for an easy hike, you can stick to the ones by the river. 

Moreover, there are so many beautiful wooden bridges that are quite picturesque.

Lots of birds too, so birdwatching is another fun stuff to do here.

This park is also dog friendly as well, so you can choose to walk your dog here.

Just remember to put them on a leash and clean up after them!

Address: 34901 Frank Parrish Rd, Eugene, OR 97405, United States

11. Owen Rose Garden

Do you love flowers or looking for somewhere in Eugene that will suit a florist’s taste?

Explore the Owen Rose Garden!

The Owen Rose Garden is a picturesque park in Eugene with lots of flowers.

This park offers a lot of floral displays, picnic areas, biking, and pedestrian paths.

There’s also a performance space for concerts and several musical events.

Without a doubt, this is literally one of the best and most beautiful places in Oregon. 

If you have the chance to go walk through this garden while in bloom take it! 

You’ll be astonished at the variety of flowers and grounds. 

Additionally, in this park, there are benches both covered and uncovered for meeting with friends and having a picnic.

Besides, there is access to the Riverwalk from this location as well.  

Address: 300 N Jefferson St, Eugene, OR 97402, United States

12. Oregon Air and Space Museum

This Museum is a museum in Oregon famous for vintage planes and a lot of history at an airport.

However, this site is Eugene’s most popular tourist attraction site receiving many visitors year-round. 

The Oregon Air and Space Museums showcases collections of historic aircraft and spacecraft in Eugene.

For a fact, this museum was dedicated to the acquisition and display of aircraft and artifacts displaying the history of aviation and space technology. 

Also, it is a local attraction site for model builders, aviation enthusiasts, pilots, and historians.

Although this museum is small, you’ll find it jam-packed with wonderful stuff and a lot of details.

If you are an aviation buff, then there is more than enough here to keep you occupied for hours. 

With knowledgeable volunteers on hand and a low cost of admission, this Museum is a must-see destination.

Address: 90377 Boeing Dr, Eugene, OR 97402, United States

13. Spencer Butte Park

This is a park in Eugene offering steep hiking trails displaying panoramic views.

Its forested natural area is made up of a hiking trail traveling up to the top of a scenic butte.

Spencer Butte is a regional landmark, at 2,058 feet, is the highest point along with Eugene’s 2,100-acre Ridgeline Park system. 

Moreover, it has been a top-visited destination for a lot of hikers. 

Currently, this park welcomes as many as 300 visitors per day on its trails.

However, visitors to the top of Spencer Butte are asked to use two designated trails.

This is to help preserve the unique habitat of about ten acres of exposed basalt outcroppings and a few trees. 

You’ll also find a diverse mixed community of grasses and forbs, ferns, lichens, and bryophytes.

Overall, nature is epic here, especially in fall!

Address: 85385 S Willamette St, Eugene, OR 97405, United States

14. Maude Kerns Art Center

Looking for a great art center in Eugene where you can take classes?

Explore the Maude Kerns Art Center!

This is an art center in Eugene with several exhibits offering classes in a quaint setting, pottery, painting, and even drawing in a former chapel with gallery space for local art.

If you are an art lover and just need somewhere to polish your artistic skills, this place is perfect!

You can sign up for Spring Classes and join their art classes and workshops.

Also, you can visit to check out their upcoming exhibits.

The Day By Day exhibit by Melanie James, Sarah Peterman, Erika Rier, and Veronica Ceci is one.

Furthermore, you can attend The Art and the Vineyard Festival, a primary fundraiser for this Art Center.

Overall, if you are searching for a full and complete package of artistry, this place holds a great percentage!

Address: 1910 E 15th Ave, Eugene, OR 97403, United States

15. Lane County History Museum

Lane County History Museum is situated in Lane County in Eugene, Oregon, United States.

This history museum offers ongoing exhibits on the Oregon Trail and the county courthouse.

It also offers photographs, historic vehicles, and a selection of artifacts from across the county. 

On a tour here, you’ll be able to explore the two levels of exhibits inside, pictorial and material.  

Also, exhibits for every season appear to be on the Oregon Country Fair history.

Furthermore, there are also interactive exhibits on display that museum-goers can manipulate or pose nearby.  

For a fact, there is a lot of history regarding Lane County in this Museum and what it represented.  

Visit the little gift shop with local history books on your way out and feed your eyes on some good stuff.

Address: 740 W 13th Ave, Eugene, OR 97402, United States.

16. Eugene Saturday Market

This is a weekly market in a park featuring wares by over 200 local artisans, food vendors and even live music.

The Eugene Saturday Market is the oldest weekly outdoor marketplace in Eugene. 

It’s been over 50 years of handcrafted wares sold by their makers and an International Food Court. 

Eugene Saturday Market is open every Saturday, Spring, Fall, rain, or shine, at the Park Blocks in downtown Eugene. 

Furthermore, this is a nice place to stroll through to see different artisans and artists, especially when it is less busy. 

You’ll find extremely nice and valuable gift items here put up for sale.

Also, you will be able to check, see and purchase great crafts of all kinds.

Moreover, it serves tasty foods and delicacies as well. 

If you have time and are less busy, take out time to explore the Eugene Saturday Market, it’s undoubtedly fun!

Address: 126 E 8th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401, United States

17. Armitage Park

The Armitage Park is a Park and garden in Eugene offering camping among several outdoor recreational activities.

This park is situated in Lane County’s Eugene-Springfield metropolitan area and is a 64-acre oasis a few miles south of historic Coburg. 

For visitors, there is a full array of fun amenities.

There is a boat ramp, ample trailer parking, and volleyball and horseshoe pits.

Also, there is a dog park, and several large group picnic sites with electricity, cooking facilities, and drinking water.

Nature lovers and explorers will also love the amount of nature here.

Its old-growth deciduous and evergreen trees are something you’ll be thrilled by. 

Moreover, there is a half-mile, self-guiding interpretive trail in the undeveloped portions of the park. 

Undoubtedly, Armitage Park is one of the best places to begin or end a boat trip.

Other activities to enjoy here include, taking a tranquil walk, and large group picnic gatherings.  

Additionally, it also serves as a staging area for emergency search and rescue training operations.

Camping activities are wonderful in this area and the camps are open all year round.

Address: 90064 Coburg Rd, Eugene, OR 97408, United States

18. Oregon Wine LAB

Want to go wine tasting in Eugene and check out some great wines?

Then, explore the Oregon Wine LAB!

This place in Eugene is a winery and wine tasting spot and the label producers of the William Rose Wines. 

Besides, they also feature and pour wines from other Local Artisan Brands (L.A.B.s). 

They also host Eugene’s favorite food truck, Da-Nang Vietnamese Eatery on their large patio. 

Staffs here are very knowledgeable and will educate you on our wines around Eugene and beyond!

Enjoy live music on weekends and trivia on Thursdays.

You’ll be amazed by how they combine art, wine, music, and fun. 

Although it’s not really a good place to meet new people, it is perfect to bring a few friends and enjoy life.

Get a drink at the Lab and get cozy over here or get it to go, either way, you shouldn’t be disappointed!

Address: 488 Lincoln St, Eugene, OR 97401, United States

Want to explore more of Oregon? Check out our list of things to do in Astoria and things to do in Lake Oswego!

19. Territorial Vineyards & Wine Company

Another intriguing Winery, pinot noir, vineyard, and wine tasting spot in Eugene.

Territorial Vineyards and Wine Company is a conducive tasting room with an intimate space for a client meeting over drinks or a date.

There’s almost always something happening in this trendy wine tasting room compiled with the friendly and welcoming staff.

You have the option of treating your guests to your “own” winery.

You can book the Tasting Room here for group events of up to 45, or the entire Winery.

Overall, the Tasting Room and Cellar can house up to 300 guests.

The Wine Room here is open on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Friday, and Saturdays at 5 pm. 

Also, Music is available by 6 pm every Friday or Saturday.

Address: 907 W 3rd Ave, Eugene, OR 97402, United States

20. Delta Ponds

The Delta Ponds is a restored and protected wetlands area in Eugene, Oregon.

This natural wetlands area of 150 acres of waterway sites with a lot of ponds, channels, wetlands, and riparian areas is a popular visitors destination for birdwatching, fishing, biking, and hiking activities.

Its unique natural area is owned by the City of Eugene and is a stretch of the Willamette River. 

For visitors and locals, this is a top outdoor spot for bird watching, fishing, and relaxing.

If you enjoy birds, ducks, and geese, then you’ll have lots of opportunities to do that here. 

Also, the traffic noise isn’t too bad considering you are right near the highway.

Furthermore, the park provides great views of native plants and animals.

Make out time to go see it!

Address: 640 Goodpasture Island Rd, Eugene, OR 97401, United States

21. Abbelone Vineyard

This is another top winery, pinot noir, vineyard, and wine tasting spot in Eugene.

It is a family-owned Vineyard hidden in downtown Eugene. 

However, it is only open for special occasions in the winter.

The Abbelone Vineyard offers a lot of tasty wines and pleasant views of their vineyard.

Moreover, you will be able to get good food and meet and interact with friendly and fun people. 

There’s just so much fun to explore whether you’re in the candlelit cellar or in the grassy courtyard listening to live music.

You should take the chance to come here if you have the time and taste the wines in this winery.

Address: 85505 Christensen Rd, Eugene, OR 97405, United States

22. Pre’s Trail

Pre’s Trail is situated on the northern side of the Willamette River in Eugene, Oregon, United States.

Also known as the “Track Town USA”, this trail is a four-mile trail for long-running and walking.

It was named after Steve Prefontaine, the University of Oregon athlete.

This trail has an overall length of 3.4 miles, which is about 5.5 km.

Activities for tourists to enjoy here include running, hiking and trail running.

Moreover, it is a good spot to go for a quick stroll or even Cycling.

Address: Eugene, Oregon, United States.

23. Adventure! Children’s Museum

The Adventure! Children’s Museum is a children’s museum in Eugene, Oregon.

This Museum is an awesome and great place to let children safely roam and check things out and get some energy out.

Also, there are several educational toys that will keep children occupied while parents do some other stuff.

To ensure safety and a comfortable experience, soft floors and cardboard structures are available. 

Adults can check out the thought-provoking activities and crafts here while on a tour. 

There are also amenities such as a bathroom and a baby changing or feeding area.

Undoubtedly, this Museum in Eugene is a great find for parents and guides.

It is an absolute and reliable gem!

Address: 490 Valley River Center, Eugene, OR 97401, United States

24. Wayne Morse Family Farm

The Wayne Morse Family Farm, a City of Eugene Park is the home of Oregon’s long-time United States Senator, Wayne Morse. 

This 27 acres home is located in Eugene, Oregon, and was formerly called the Edgewood Farm. 

However, the park, house and picnic shelter are currently managed by the Eugene Recreation Services Division. 

Besides, this historic house is available for rent for business meetings, weddings, reunions, and special events.

Also, the park here is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. for nature walks and strolling and its rental areas are available between 8 a.m to 9:30 P.M.

There are a lot of nature trails, parking lots and picnic tables to enjoy in this park.

Picnicking and watching the sunset are some nice stuff to do around here!

Moreover, dogs are allowed but must be put on a leash in all areas except the fenced off-leash dog exercise area. 

Address: 595 Crest Dr, Eugene, OR 97405, United States

25. Fern Ridge Wildlife Area

The Fern Ridge Wildlife Area is a hunting area in Eugene, Oregon.

This Wildlife Area is located west of Eugene and named after the Fern Ridge Reservoir which it partially surrounds. 

Kayaking is something fun to do in this park.

You’ll be able to slide your kayak into its glassy waters.

Its 9,000 acres of lake is an ultimate water playground for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds from birders to boaters. 

Fern Ridge Reservoir is also the largest lake in the Willamette Valley. 

Also, there are multiple lakefront parks and campgrounds.

There are also boat ramps, docks, and easy access to the water. 

You can also walk or cycle along paved paths.

Paddlers, sailors, and boaters are popular visitors who come to enjoy water recreation. 

Go on water skis or inner tubes across the lake, then head to town to eat and stock up on supplies.

Address: Territorial Hwy, Veneta, OR 97487, United States

26. Rhododendron Garden

Rhododendron gardens is the oldest park in Eugene, Oregon. 

Its 80 acres showcase a top-notch rhododendron garden and a native plant garden. 

Also, paths and the northern terminus of a 12-mile Ridgeline Trail.

For hikers, birders, and others who enjoy the tranquility of nature, this park is a Haven!

Additionally, visitors in this park can explore the 200-year-old Douglas fir trees, ferns, and wildflowers.

With over 6,000 varieties of rhododendrons and ornamental plants, this park is a gem to botanists.

Further, the Francis M. Wilkins Shelter is one of the top highlights of this park.

It was originally constructed in 1938 in honor of Francis M. Wilkins, one of the founders of Hendricks Park.

On a tour around, you’ll be able to explore a large fireplace and the Moon Terrace deck.

In addition, it is available for rental purposes year-round, excluding Mother’s Day. 

However, pets, sports, games, and group events such as weddings are not allowed in the rhododendron garden.

Other facilities to enjoy here include drinking fountains, electrical outlets, shelters, and a water spigot.

Address: Eugene, OR 97403, United States

27. Eugene Amazon Park

This is a wetland park with ball fields and trails for hiking, off-leash areas, a skate park, and a community garden.

Amazon Park is a vibrant and fun park in the heart of south Eugene, Oregon. 

It measures over 100 acres, including numerous recreation opportunities, community centers, and natural areas. 

Moreover, the diversity of activities this park offers makes it a unique and particularly special area.

In addition, this park also features Eugene’s only outdoor pool. 

Further, the Amazon Community Center offers a variety of classes, workshops, special events, and summer camps. 

There are also ball and soccer fields, tennis courts, community gardens, and outdoor performance spaces.

Tourists will also have fun exploring the play area, and a 3-acre dog park for dogs of all sizes.

Overall, this place is a wonderful place in Eugene to spend and enjoy quality time!

Address: 22 Amazon Pkwy, Eugene, OR 97405, United States

Final Remarks

Visiting Eugene, Oregon will unveil a new dimension of fun and creativity!

Its creativity is one of a kind and will give your vacation experience a unique value!

Make sure to take photos while taking your relaxation to another level!

Safe Travels!