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Area Activities

For families and friends traveling to Salem for Commencement Weekend, there are several activities in the Willamette Valley you may like to visit while your student is occupied with graduation obligations.

SALEM

Hallie Ford Museum of Art – Willamette University

700 State Street, Salem
(5-minute walk from central campus)
Open Noon to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, closed on Sunday
Admission is FREE on May 19 & 20, 2023
View exhibitions Information

Botanical Gardens – Willamette University

The Martha Springer Botanical Garden at Willamette University is small, but contains lovely variety. Twelve micro-gardens border the Mill Race stream and include a butterfly garden, herb garden, alpine rock garden, ethnobotany gardens, theme borders and a waterfall. Many native species are highlighted in the one-acre garden, and benches and picnic tables allow visitors to linger. The garden is tucked away behind the Sparks Athletic Center on the southeast edge of campus. 

The campus also offers an intimate Japanese Zen garden behind the Art Building on the northwest edge of campus, accessible from Winter and State Streets.

Nature walks can be extended by visiting nearby Bush Park and the Historic Deepwood Estate gardens.

Historic Deepwood Estates

1116 Mission Street SE, Salem, Oregon
(Across the street from Willamette University.)
Open 12–5 p.m., Sunday–Friday from May–September

The Elegant 1894 Deepwood Estate provides one of Oregon's finest examples of an ornate, multi-gabled Queen Anne style home. The estate's 5.5 acres includes gazebos, the original carriage house, outdoor wedding gardens, and the Rita Steiner Fry Nature Trail.


SURROUNDING AREA

The Oregon Garden

879 W. Main Street, Silverton, Oregon
(45-minute drive from Willamette University)
Open 10 a.m.–6 p.m., May–September

Located on 80 acres in historic Silverton, The Oregon Garden features more than 20 specialty gardens and the Gordon House, the only house in Oregon designed by the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Willamette Valley Vineyards

8800 Enchanted Way SE, Turner, Oregon
(15-minute drive from Willamette University)
Open daily: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

Located in the heart of the Willamette Valley atop Illahee Hill. Reservations recommended for indoor tableside service. Indoor and outdoor open seating with bar-side service available without reservations.

Willamette University

Commencement

Address
Willamette University
900 State Street
Salem Oregon 97301 U.S.A.
Phone
503-370-6870