Things to Do in Eugene, OR
From the great outdoors to its awesome indoor attractions, the second largest city in Oregon has plenty of fun things for you to do. Eugene is one of those places you can visit on the weekends and always find something new to do. Every mini-vacation and day out can always be better with some careful planning. We at Titan Court wanted to help you out, so we set out in hopes of finding the best things to do in Eugene.
Attend UO Athletic Competitions
Whether you’re in the mood for some college football at the Autzen Stadium or any other sport, the University of Oregon has just the right environment for you. On game days, you’ll find plenty of Duck fans who love to tailgate and proudly support the green and yellow team. You’ll be able to join in on the action as the “Donald Duck” mascot and spirit teams get the crowd going at select events. No matter what sport it may be, every UO athlete gives it their best and puts on the best show possible. There’s nothing you can’t love about the UO Ducks and their spirit!
Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art
Location: 1430 Johnson Lane, Eugene, OR 97403
The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art features some of the best art displays on the University of Oregon campus in Eugene. You’ll find plenty of exhibits highlighting Chinese, Japanese, Korean and American art in different ways. The museum also contains permanent and seasonal exhibitions that never go out of style and grab the attention from tourists and artists from around the world. The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art also hosts great family events and is a popular place for school field trips and other educational purposes.
Alton Baker Park
Location: 100 Day Island Rd, Eugene, OR 97401
Another great thing to do in Eugene is visiting Alton Baker Park. It is the largest developed park in Eugene and is home to dozens of recreational features and facilities. This 373-acre park is a great place for families, college students, and other members of the community to go out and stay active. There’s plenty of trails, gardens, sheltered areas, lawn space, and other amenities for small groups to enjoy. The park also features fishing areas, disc golf, a dog park, and BMX track. Alton Baker Park is also home to the Cuthbert Amphitheater which hosts plenty of live music shows for the community throughout the year. The amphitheater has even been renovated over the years to increase audience capacity. For the most part, Alton Baker Park has plenty of shaded areas which help make it perfect for Spring and Fall activities.
Amazon Park
Location: 22 Amazon Pkwy, Eugene, OR 97405
Amazon Park offers the best of both worlds through dry land and wetland amenities. It is a vibrant 100-acre park that allows visitors to enjoy the modern playground for kids, sports facilities, exercise stations, dog park, skatepark, and performance space. The dog park at Amazon also features access for dogs of all sizes and a separate .5 acre dog park for dogs that weigh 25 pounds or less. The park also has plenty of wetland trails that are great for hiking and running on the weekends.
The Owen Rose Garden
Location: 300 N Jefferson St, Eugene, OR 97402
If you’re looking for a more peaceful spot around Eugene, the Owen Rose Garden is the perfect place. Just imagine a well-maintained garden covered in various colored roses. Over 400 varieties of roses to be more precise. It is the perfect attraction in Eugene to take amazing pictures and experience a one of a kind day. The rose garden is located next to Willamette River near the Washington Jefferson Street bridge in case you have trouble finding it.
Hult Center for the Performing Arts
Location: 1 Eugene Center, Eugene, OR 97401
The Hult Center for the Performing Arts is covered in creativity. From the outside, the center displays a beautiful modern look that will have you interested from the start. The center also consists of multiple facilities that are dedicated to special performances and displays throughout the year. Visitors are able to witness beautiful performances from the Eugene Ballet Company, the Eugene Concert Choir, the Eugene Opera, and other popular art groups.
Mount Pisgah Arboretum
Location: 34901 Frank Parrish Rd, Eugene, OR 97405
One of the most majestic things to do in Eugene is taking a stroll through Mount Pisgah Arboretum. Plenty of folks visit the grounds to find peace along quiet trails, learn about native plants from local experts, and attend annual festivals. The arboretum was originally designed to showcase both local and foreign plant life but is now strictly home to local ecosystems. You’ll be able to find plenty of spots worthy of taking pictures of and learn about local wildlife at the same time. Some of the local wildlife that lives at the arboretum include ferns, shrubs, and wildflowers, bats, birds, deer, and other animal species.
Skinner Butte Park
Location: 248 Cheshire Ave, Eugene, OR 97401
Skinner Butte Park is very popular for its one of a king climbing areas. It features some of the most difficult, yet safe, climbing walls you’ll find in the area. It’s a great way to go out and challenge yourself whether you’re a climber or just want to feel the rush. The park also features the RiverPlay Discovery Playground, Campbell Senior Center, a community garden, acres of lawn and meadows, hiking trails, bike paths, and other amenities. It is the perfect spot to go out and discover the different outdoor things to do in Eugene.
Hendricks Park
Location: Summit Ave & Skyline Blvd, Eugene, OR 97403
Hendricks Park is the oldest and most historic park in the city of Eugene. This 80-acre park is filled with plenty of beautiful plants that give it a garden-like feel. Hendricks Park also features over 12 miles of trails for visitors to enjoy some hiking, jogging, bird watching, and other peaceful activities. This community treasure is a great spot to connect with nature and get a sense of how Eugene used to look before any modern-day buildings and structures took over the scene.
The Cascades Raptor Center
Location: 32275 Fox Hollow Rd, Eugene, OR 97405
One of Eugene’s top tourist attractions, the Cascades Raptor Center is dedicated to the recovery and hospitalization of bird species. Although none of the birds can be released or touched by visitors, it is still an amazing spot to learn about the bird species that migrate and are local to the Eugene area. The center reminds visitors that the birds are still considered wild animals and should always be respected. You’ll be able to find owls, hawks, eagles, and a few other bird species at the Cascades Raptor Center.
The Museum of Natural and Cultural History
Location: 1680 E 15th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401
The main purpose of the Museum of Natural and Cultural History is to enhance knowledge of Earth’s environments and cultures, collective past, present, and future. The museum has great exhibits that feature archaeology discoveries of tribes native to the state of Oregon, wildlife, and other interesting memorabilia. One of the most interesting exhibits to run into at the museum is the Columbian Mammoths that are located outside.
Dorris Ranch
Location: 205 Dorris St, Springfield, OR 97477
Dorris Ranch is a fun thing to do in Eugene if you have a family with children. It is a living history farm and family park with plenty of walking trails and natural areas. The park offers kids an opportunity to learn about history at this farm offering hands-on. Dorris Ranch also offers tours that explain the pioneer era and agriculture. Dorris Ranch is also a popular wedding venue in Eugene because of its beautiful landmarks.