Historic Places around Eugene, OR

Eugene, Oregon, is a city rich in history and culture. Many places in and around Eugene have stories to tell. Let’s take a journey through some of these fascinating historic sites that you can visit.

Shelton-McMurphey-Johnson House

One of the most famous historic places in Eugene is the Shelton-McMurphey-Johnson House. Built in 1888, this beautiful Victorian mansion sits on a hill and looks like a castle. It was originally the home of Dr. Thomas Shelton and his family. Over the years, the house has had different owners, including the McMurphey and Johnson families. Today, it is a museum where you can see what life was like in the past. You can visit the rooms, look at old furniture, and learn about the families who lived there.

Owen Rose Garden

Another lovely spot with a historic touch is the Owen Rose Garden. This garden is not just about pretty flowers. It was started in 1951 with a donation of land by George E. Owen, a former Eugene City Councilor. The garden has grown over the years and now has over 4,500 roses. Some of the roses are very old, and the garden even has a black locust tree planted by Eugene Skinner, one of the founders of the city, in 1847. Walking through the garden, you can enjoy the beauty of the roses and think about the history of Eugene. Walking through the garden, you can enjoy the beauty of the roses and think about the history of Eugene. To keep the garden’s trees in top shape, consider using a professional tree service to ensure they stay healthy and strong for future generations to enjoy.

Heceta Head Lighthouse

A bit further from Eugene, on the Oregon coast, is the Heceta Head Lighthouse. Built in 1894, this lighthouse is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States. It was named after Bruno de Heceta, a Spanish explorer. The lighthouse is still in use today, helping ships navigate the rocky coast. You can visit the lighthouse and even stay overnight in the old keeper’s house, which is now a bed and breakfast. The view from the lighthouse is stunning, and you can imagine what it was like to be a lighthouse keeper long ago.

Eugene Pioneer Cemetery

The Eugene Pioneer Cemetery is another place full of history. Established in 1872, it is one of the oldest cemeteries in the area. Many of Eugene’s founders and early settlers are buried here. Walking through the cemetery, you can see the graves of people who helped build the city. The cemetery is like an open book of Eugene’s history, telling stories of the past with each tombstone.

McKenzie River Wooden Covered Bridges

The McKenzie River area, near Eugene, is home to several wooden covered bridges. These bridges were built in the early 1900s and are now historic landmarks. The Goodpasture Bridge, built in 1938, is one of the most famous. It is the second longest covered bridge in Oregon. These bridges are not only beautiful but also remind us of a time when travel and transportation were very different. You can visit these bridges and imagine the days when horses and carriages crossed them.

The Campbell House

The Campbell House, built in 1892, is another historic gem in Eugene. It was the home of George and Mary Campbell and their family. George Campbell was a prominent businessman in Eugene. Today, the house is a charming bed and breakfast. Visitors can stay in the beautifully restored rooms and enjoy the historic atmosphere. The Campbell House also hosts events and weddings, making it a living part of Eugene’s history.

Skinner Butte

Skinner Butte is a significant historic and natural landmark in Eugene. It is named after Eugene Skinner, one of the city’s founders, who built his cabin there in 1846. The butte offers great views of the city and the Willamette River. There are several trails for hiking, and you can also visit the Skinner Butte Park, which has picnic areas and playgrounds. It’s a perfect place to enjoy nature and learn about Eugene’s early days.

Downtown Eugene Historic District

Downtown Eugene itself is full of historic buildings. The area around Broadway and Willamette Street has many structures that date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. Walking through downtown, you can see beautiful old buildings like the McDonald Theatre, built in 1925, and the old Post Office, built in 1939. These buildings are part of what makes downtown Eugene special. They tell the story of the city’s growth and development over the years.

University of Oregon

The University of Oregon, founded in 1876, is another important historic site. The campus has many old buildings, like Deady Hall, which was the first building on campus and is still used today. Walking around the university, you can feel the history and see how the school has grown. The university also has museums, like the Museum of Natural and Cultural History, where you can learn even more about the area’s past.

Lane County Historical Museum

To dive deeper into Eugene’s history, a visit to the Lane County Historical Museum is a must. The museum has exhibits that cover the history of Lane County from the time of the Native American tribes to the present day. You can see old photographs, tools, clothing, and other artifacts that show what life was like in the past. The museum also hosts events and programs that make history come alive.