W E L C O M E     T O
M C M I N N V I L L E
O R E G O N

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McMinnville is known for its picturesque vineyards that dot the foothills. Located in Yamhill County, the oldest county in Oregon, McMinnville is often compared to the wine regions of France and Germany. Yamhill County is blessed with a long, moderate growing season which has proved ideal for growing such grapes as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and White Riesling. The Yamhill County Wineries Association offers a free map and guide to the local wineries.

Since most wineries have tasting rooms open to the public, a tasting tour is a delightful experience. Many wineries also have festivals, musical performances and picnics during the summer. In the summer, McMinnville's Linfield College hosts the International Pinot Noir Festival. This festival celebrates the grape and wines that helped make Oregon famous as a wine producing region. Festival participants bring Pinots from many growing regions, including Oregon, California, and countries from around the world, for celebrants to sample. Culinary feasts and wine seminars are also enjoyed by participants.

In 1993, McMinnville became home to the HK-1 Flying Boat (Spruce Goose), a cargo-type flying boat designed to transport men and materials over long distances. Built mainly of birch, not spruce, by Howard Hughes in the 1940's, it boasts a wingspan of 320 feet and is the largest aircraft ever built. It was flown only once. The Spruce Goose is one of the major exhibits in McMinnville's Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum.

The McMinnville Downtown Historic District is located in the area of Third Street. Recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Oregon Downtown Development Association as an exemplary business district, the downtown area offers an almost park-like setting, with many restaurants and shops to visit. Copies of the self-guided walking tour of the downtown area are available at the Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Association and local merchants..

McMinnville is a two hour drive away from spectacular Mt. Hood, the Oregon coast, or the Columbia River Gorge. Salem, the state capital, is an hour's drive away, and downtown Portland is also close to McMinnville. Come to McMinnville, and visit Oregon's wine country.

The Evergreen Wings and Waves Waterpark is part of the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum complex. Water features include ten water slides, a wave pool, a leisure pool, and a spa. The starting point for the four biggest water slides is the hull of a real Boeing 747, starting with a launch point 62 feet above the pool. The waterpark includes an educational aspect, with a second floor children's museum with exhibits about the importance of water in daily life. The waterpark is located at 500 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way, in McMinnville. For hours and admission information, visit http://www.evergreenmuseum.org.

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