 W E L C O M E T O O R E G O N As Oregon's capital city, Salem has a capitol building that is a favorite destination for visitors. Even though it was built in 1938, it has a modern look and feel. It is constructed mainly of Vermont marble, with a cylindrical tower topped by a burly gold-plated pioneer. Large marble sculptures are on each side of the main entrance - Covered Wagons on the west side and Lewis and Clark by Sacajawea on the east side. On the backs of the statues are maps of the route of Lewis and Clark, and the Oregon Trail. Inside the rotunda in the marble halls are paintings, murals and scuptures depicting important events in Oregon's history. There are guided tours for those who wish to learn more about the capitol and Oregon. Another attraction in the Salem area is the Mission Mill Village. This is a reconstructed woolen mill that has been turned into a living history museum. Tours are led by guides in period costumes. The park, which covers 5 acres, has several historic pioneer houses, a woolen mill built in 1896, a water powered turbine that converts fleece into wool fabric, a machine shop, and the Marion County Museum of History, as well as village shops, and a cafe. Those who wish to take a picnic lunch can enjoy eating on the banks of the mill stream. Bush Pasture Park in downtown Salem is one of Salem's finest parks. In the park is the Bush House Museum, an Italianate Victorian house completed in 1878. The house contains many original furnishings, Italian marble fireplaces and a beautiful walnut and mahogany staircase. House tours are available. The Bush Barn Art Center is also in the park. The art center has two galleries featuring works of local artists, including paintings, prints, ceramics, woodworks, basketry, jewelry and cards. Don't forget to take a stroll through the Bush Conservatory Greenhouse and rose gardens. Hiking around and behind the ten waterfalls at Silver Creek Canyon in Silver Falls State Park is a good day trip. The lush greenery and the silvery cateracts of the falls are an incomparable sight, and a good place to picnic on a hot day. Visit Cooley's Gardens or Schreiner's Iris Gardens to see the spectacular sight of acres and acres of irises blooming in the spring. It's a favorite destination for visitors in May. The easy pace of the city makes Salem a place to come and relax.
The variety of things to do will make it a favorite destination
for the whole family.
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| Salem is home to Willamette University, the first university in the West. Willamette also opened the first law school in the Northwest in 1883. The Martha Springer Botanical Garden and Rose Garden, located on the University campus, is divided into many smaller gardens. Areas of interest include an herb garden, alpine rock garden, butterfly garden, and gardens dedicated to native environments in Oregon. How to add information to this Welcome site |
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