20 salem experiences to put on your bucket list

1. TOUR THE OREGON STATE HOSPITAL MUSEUM OF MENTAL HEALTH

Known in the 19th century as the Oregon Insane Asylum, the Oregon State Hospital still operates today and has a dedicated museum that’s open to the public.

2. BUY FRESH-BAKED DOUGHNUTS FROM E.Z. ORCHARDS

One bite and you’ll understand why this made the list. The doughnuts are baked fresh every day, with local seasonal flavors such as apple cider, blueberry and pumpkin.

3. GO ANTIQUE SHOPPING IN AURORA

The quaint town of Aurora, 30 miles north of Salem, has been listed as one of the top antiquing destinations in the country. Browse dozens of incredible shops within a five-block radius.

4. DISCOVER SALEM’S INTERCONNECTED PARKS

You can bike, hike and explore more than 30 miles of trails right in downtown Salem. The Peter Courtney Minto Island Pedestrian Bridge and Union Street Railroad Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge connect three parks for a combined acreage that’s larger than New York City’s Central Park.

5. HIKE THE TRAIL OF TEN FALLS AT SILVER FALLS STATE PARK

Silver Falls State Park, located east of Salem near Silverton, is known as the crown jewel of the Oregon State Park system. Hike the 7.2-mile Trail of Ten Falls loop that weaves around 10 breathtaking waterfalls.

6. VISIT THE OREGON GARDEN

The 80-acre botanical wonderland features 20 specialty gardens and a hobbit house for children. You can choose to stroll through the garden at your own pace or take a guided trolley tour.

7. EAT AT A RITTER OR VENTI FAMILY RESTAURANT

Both families are local icons and have four popular Salem eateries between them: Wild Pear, Ritter’s Housemade Foods, Venti’s Café & Basement Bar and Venti’s South Café and Taphouse. Ritter’s chicken-hazelnut sandwich is out of this world.

8. TOUR THE HALLIE FORD MUSEUM OF ART

Oregon’s third-largest art museum is right in downtown Salem and features a permanent collection of more than 6,000 artifacts as well as curated exhibits. Stop by on a Tuesday for free admission.

9. CLIMB TO THE TOP OF THE OREGON STATE CAPITOL

During warmer months, visitors can take a guided tour to the top of the Oregon State Capitol and view the 23-foot goldgilded “Gold Man” statue up close.

10. EXPERIENCE THE CULTURES OF THE WORLD

Each June the World Beat Festival lands in Salem’s Riverfront Park and celebrates music, dance, food, and traditions from over 70 nations and cultures.

11. TIPTOE THROUGH THE TULIPS

The Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm, 25 miles north of Salem in Woodburn, is home to one of two major tulip festivals in the Pacific Northwest. Each spring the farm erupts with 40 acres of stunning tulips.

12. CATCH A SHOW AT THE ELSINORE THEATRE

One of Oregon’s oldest and most magnificent Gothic theaters is located in downtown Salem. Today the beautifully restored theater serves as the backdrop for live theater, comedy, dance and music performances.

13. TASTE FLIGHTS IN OREGON WINE COUNTRY

With world-famous vineyards, a laid-back vibe and some of the best pinot noir you’ll ever sip, a day in Oregon Wine Country is a must. Include a stop at Oregon’s oldest winery, Honeywood Winery, in downtown Salem.

14. PLAY IN HOOPLA — OR JUST WATCH

Hoopla is considered the second-largest three-on-three street-basketball event in the country. Usually held in August, the event takes place outside the Oregon State Capitol. Put together a team or cheer from the sidelines.

15. STROLL THROUGH DOWNTOWN SALEM

Take time to walk through historic downtown and you’ll find farm-to-table restaurants, boutique stores and historic attractions galore. If you need help deciding where to go, stop by the helpful Travel Salem Visitors Center.

16. VISIT THE ENCHANTED FOREST

Located just south of Salem, this familyfriendly amusement park is where kids and adults go down Alice’s rabbit hole, literally. It’s usually open from March to September, and food is available.

17. KAYAK THE WILLAMETTE RIVER

Salem Kayak Rentals runs a half-day tour from Salem to San Salvador Beach, just north of Salem. There are also popular sunset tours — paddle a lit-up kayak into the moonlight and soak up the city lights.

18. PROST AT MT. ANGEL OKTOBERFEST

Grab your lederhosen and head to Mt. Angel Oktoberfest in September. Ranked as one of the best Oktoberfest celebrations in the country, there’s beer, sausage and sauerkraut to go around.

19. CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY SEASON AT MAGIC AT THE MILL

Salem’s Willamette Heritage Center is home to the Thomas Kay Woolen Mill and the oldest timber-frame structures in the state. Each December the 19th-century campus comes alive with holiday lights, blacksmith demonstrations, tours and kids’ activities.

20. CYCLE ON- OR OFF-ROAD

Pedal your way along the moderate, 134mile Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway. Or, if off-road is your thing, pump it on the trails of the Black Rock Mountain Bike Area in Falls City.