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Kayakers
on the Willamette River |
As one of Oregon's
oldest communities, Salem
is characterized by its strong cultural roots, from the ongoing preservation
of the historic downtown buildings to its numerous museums, galleries and
historic sites. Salem is Oregon's state capital and second largest city,
and is well equipped to entertain people of all ages and tastes with its
wide diversity of festivals, fairs, theaters and amusements. Nestled in
the heart of the
Willamette Valley, one of the most productive agricultural regions
in the world, Salem is known for its world-class wineries
and parks,
which offer dozens of outdoor pursuits.
ORIENTATION
Salem is situated in Marion County, just 64 mi (103 km) north of Eugene
and 47 mi (76 km) south of Oregon's largest city, Portland.
Located within an hours drive of both the Cascade Mountain wilderness
and the sandy beaches of the Pacific Coast, Salem is surrounded by some
of the most beautiful landscapes nature has to offer.
HISTORY
The first residents of present day Salem were the Kalapuyas, a Native
American tribe. The Kalapuyas inhabited the Salem area for over 5,000
years. With the arrival of European-Americans in 1812 and the introduction
of smallpox, malaria and other diseases, the Kalapuyas population declined
drastically.
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| Statue
representing the Oregon Pioneer on Oregon's State Capitol |
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Permanent settlement of Salem began in 1842 when Jason Lee's Methodist
mission established the Oregon Institute. The mission dissolved in 1844,
but the town of Salem was founded in 1850. The name Salem is the anglicized
form of the Hebrew word Shalom, meaning peace. The town gained its title
as Oregon's capital after a spirited contest that began in 1851 with the
provisional government moving the capital to Salem from Oregon
City; it was then moved for a short time to Corvallis in 1855,
only to move permanently back to Salem the next year.
As Salem matured and grew, residents built schools, churches, industries
and agricultural enterprises. Salem's food processing and logging industries
were particularly successful. In 1903, Salem was dubbed The Cherry City
in recognition of its excellent cherrys, celebrated by the Cherry Festival
(held annually during the early 20th-century). Salem's roots in the lumber
and textile industries gradually gave way to high technology. In 1989,
Siltec, a computer chip manufacturer, established a facility which by
1996 had grown to over one million square feet of manufacturing and became
Mitsubishi Silicon America.
As it enters the twenty-first century, Salem continues to be the heart
of Oregon's government and a center for finance, retail, and services
in the Willamette Valley. New schools are under construction and new
housing developments scatter the hillsides in West and South Salem, which
were previously occupied by orchards and fields.
| |
|
Month |
Avg.
Daily Temperature |
Average
Rainfall |
|
Min |
Max |
| Jan
|
33°F
(0 °C) |
46°F
(8 °C) |
159
mm |
| Feb |
34°F
(1 °C) |
51°F
(11 °C) |
123
mm |
| Mar
|
36°F
(2 °C) |
56°F
(13 °C) |
110
mm |
| Apr |
39°F
(4 °C) |
61°F
(16 °C) |
66
mm |
| May
|
43°F
(6 °C) |
68°F
(20 °C) |
51
mm |
| Jun
|
48°F
(9 °C) |
74°F
(23 °C) |
35
mm |
| Jul |
51°F
(11 °C) |
82°F
(28 °C) |
10
mm |
|
Aug |
51°F
(11 °C) |
82°F
(28 °C) |
14
mm |
|
Sep |
47°F
(9 °C) |
77°F
(25 °C) |
35
mm |
|
Oct |
42°F
(6 °C) |
65°F
(18 °C) |
85
mm |
|
Nov |
37°F
(3 °C) |
53°F
(11 °C) |
151
mm |
|
Dec |
34°F
-1 °C) | 47°F
(8 °C) |
182
mm |
|
| | Climate
data from the
Southeast Regional Climate Center |
CLIMATE
Although Salem enjoys an average of 216 rainless days a year, it still
receives on average 40 in (1010 mm) of precipitation annually. The majority
of this precipitation falls during the winter months so visitors should
prepare for sudden showers by bringing an umbrella or rain gear. Summer
temperatures average 81°F (27°C), with winter temperatures rarely
dropping below 40°F (4°C). This relatively mild climate means visitors
to Salem can enjoy outdoor activities year-round.
TRANSPORTATION
Highways and freeways in the Salem area are easy to navigate and make
various attractions and venues easy for travelers to find. Salem itself
offers a stable of transportation options for local residents and visitors
alike. For those who crave the independence of their own vehicle, Salem
has numerous rental
car companies. If driving yourself isn't an option then ride in
a luxurious
limousine or opt for the spontaneity of one of the city's many
taxi
services. Salem
Public Transit provides public transportation services within
the urban boundary of Salem. Airport
shuttles operate seven days a week, year-round, and serve
air travelers arriving at the McNary
Field Airport.
ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITES
Historical Attractions
Rich in cultural tradition and heritage, Salem boasts an array of historical
sites and museums well worth the visit. The Historic
Elsinore Theater, built in 1926, is a Gothic Tudor-style theater
known as the Showplace of the Willamette Valley. This unique theater features
different musical performances monthly. The Mission
Mill Museum complex gives visitors a chance to walk in the footsteps
of Oregon pioneers as it features 19th-century furnishings and artefacts,
showcased in several historic houses including a woolen mill and a machine
shop. Tours are led across this five-acre park by guides in period costumes.
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| Mission
Mill Museum |
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Children share in the opportunity to appreciate Salem's historic value
at A. C. Gilbert's Discovery Village. This discovery center features five
authentic Victorian homes packed full of fun exhibits and experiments
for children. For those who enjoy classic architecture at its best, the
Historic Deepwood Estate is a must see. This 1894 home is one
of Oregon's finest examples of Queen Anne Victorian-style home.
Vineyards
The Salem area is one of the fastest growing wine regions in the United
States. The fertile volcanic soils and micro-climates of the hills surrounding
Salem are home to an assortment of wineries and vineyards. In the summer,
Kathken Vineyards offers a truly unique experience for wine and
music enthusiasts alike. Live musical performances are offered over a
glass of house wine in the vineyard's majestic two acre park, with numerous
picnic tables, a BBQ, fire pits, tiki torches and a koi pond. Either pack
your own picnic basket or sample food prepared by local vendors. Another
popular local winery is the Redhawk
Vineyard. This winery with a sense of humor steers from tradition
with comical labels such as Grateful Red, named after the popular rock
band the Greatful Dead. Salem's vineyards are known for their picturesque
locations and most feature views of both the Coast Mountains to the west
and the snow capped volcanoes of the Cascade Range to the east. As a testament
to the success of the region's vineyards, Salem celebrates with its annual
Wine
& Food Festival. Held in mid-February, this festival kicks off
Oregon's wine season by bringing together wine, food and art from around
the state, all complemented by Northwest musicians.
Shopping
Salem is a haven for bargain hunters and antique enthusiasts, with an
extensive collection of
antique shops, boutiques and specialty stores bursting with unusual
finds and collectibles. Bordering the Willamette River, Salem's historic
downtown district is home to a diverse assortment of restaurants, shops and galleries housed in buildings that were built at the turn of the 20th century. The Salem Collector's Market features knowledgeable dealers, varied merchandise and an assortment of unique treasures. Browse through over
230 craft and collectible booths year-round at Spencer's
Alley, one of the largest craft malls in the Northwest United
States, or hunt through Antique
Village's 2,500 square feet of glassware, silver, furniture, jewelry,
dolls, pictures, jukeboxes, records, linens and much more.
Experience a colorful taste of Salem at The
Salem Saturday Market, which features locally grown produce, plants
and cut flowers in addition to homemade specialty foods, baked goods,
arts and crafts. E. Z.
Orchards
features the best that the fertile Willamette Valley has to offer
including homegrown produce, flowers and herbs, as well as a wide selection
of gourmet foods including preserves, baking mixes and mustards. The mixed
berry and peach shortcakes are among the more popular items.
Outdoor Activities
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Silver
Falls State Park |
Located in the heart of the Willamette Valley, Salem provides a spectacular
location for a smorgasbord of outdoor activities. Choose from bird watching,
hiking, backpacking and bicycle touring, all within a short drive of the
city. With the Willamette River flowing through the city, there are many
opportunities for water sports, from water-skiing, kayaking and canoeing
to fishing for trout and salmon. One of the states largest parks, Silver
Falls State Park features lush greenery and ten impressive water
falls, making it a local hot spot for picnicking, hiking, overnight camping
and guided trail rides.
Gardens & Parks
Within the heart of Salem there are many public gardens
and commercial flower farms available for visitors to enjoy. View the
blooming fields at the Wooden
Shoe Bulb Company in order to choose the perfect bulbs for fall
planting. Visit Schreiner's
Iris Gardens or Cooley's
Gardens, two of the nations largest iris growers, in the spring
to see the spectacular beauty of acres and acres of irises blooming.
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| Bush
House Museum |
|
Bush
Pasture Park in downtown Salem is a hub of entertainment. Admire
the elegant Bush
House Museum, an 1878 Italian Victorian house with many of its
original furnishings. After browsing through the Bush
Barn Art Center, home to two galleries featuring paintings, ceramics,
woodworks, basketry, jewelry and cards by local artists, take a stroll
through the Bush
Conservatory Greenhouse and Rose Gardens.
Divided by the Willamette River, Salem
Riverfront Park is a beautiful setting for city events. This park
features an outdoor amphitheater, children's playground, a carousel with
hand carved ponies and the Eco Earth, a large, ceramic-tiled sculpture.
Indulge in a fun-filled day at one of Oregon's premier amusement parks,
Thrill-Ville USA featuring two giant waterslides, a roller
coaster, miniature train rides, an antique carousel and Go-Karts.
Festivals & Fairs
Salem's mild climate allows the city to host a variety of festivals and
fairs throughout the year. The Oregon
State Fair & Expo Center, held annually at the end of August and
beginning of September, serves as a staple of entertainment for young
and old, complete with concerts, rides, competitions, food and other amusements.
In June, the Salem
World Beat Festival is a two-day event of non-stop entertainment,
featuring over 125 performances of international music and dance complemented
with cultural exhibits, food, clothing and hands-on crafts. Some other
annual events worth checking out include the Salem
Art Fair & Festival, the Festival
of Lights Holiday Parade and the Jefferson
Mint Harvest Festival.
