10 Free or Cheap Things to Do in Eugene

1. Mount Pisgah Arboretum

Mount Pisgah is a beautiful, nonprofit botanical garden southeast of Eugene. The area features trails and overlooks that will take your breath away.

2. Hendricks Park

As Eugene’s oldest city park, Hendricks Park features a beautiful garden, a loop trail, and a viewpoint. Visitors can experience the wonders of the Oregon environment without even leaving the city.

3. The Maude Kerns Art Center

This nonprofit community center for the visual arts is located just east of the University of Oregon. The center exhibits work from local Eugene artists to be enjoyed by the community. If you are interested in art, check out the Maude Kerns Art Center today!

4. Ice Skating at The Rink Exchange

The Rink Exchange is a full-size ice rink that features the RHL (an Adult Hockey League) and provides tons of fun events for the community. Public skating is also available with student discount prices!

5. Eugene Saturday Market

The Eugene Saturday Market features all kinds of handcrafted items for sale. The Saturday Market is open every Saturday through November 12 at 8th and Oak in downtown Eugene.

6. Hike the Spencer Butte Trail

The Spencer Butte Trail is a 1.7-mile loop trail in Eugene, and is one of the most popular attractions in the area. The trail is dog friendly (as long as he/she is on a lease), making this a great place to take your pet!

7. Museum of Natural and Cultural History and the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art

These two museums, located on the University of Oregon campus, are great places to go for a day of learning and experience. Both museums feature a unique style for you to enjoy.

8. Pre’s Rock

In 1975, Olympian Steve Prefontaine died at the age of 24 in a car crash at this spot, which has now become a shrine to his memory. Eugene athletes frequent this spot to pay their respects to the Olympian and leave gifts at the shrine.

Image of Pre's Rock courtesy of Cacophony
Image of Pre’s Rock courtesy of Cacophony

9. Catch a movie at the Bijou Art Cinemas

The Bijou Art Cinemas on 13th Avenue in downtown Eugene plays characteristically hipster movies on its two screens. This is a great place that any true cinephile should frequent.

10. Unwind at Alton Baker Park

At Alton Baker Park, you can run, walk, bike, and rollerblade along the Willamet River. Located only minutes from Titan Court, this is a great place to frequent if you enjoy the outdoors.