Eugene is a city that is located in the Pacific Northwest and has various attractions and activities for everyone’s interests. Eugene not only is home to magnificent natural surroundings but also boasts a dynamic art industry with an extensive cultural past-making it a perfect holiday destination.
Be it hiking through its numerous park trails, visiting its historical sites, or tasting dishes made from locally sourced products; this place allows you to appreciate what makes it so special.
Here are 20 things to do in Eugene Oregon, which include essential places and experiences that set this town apart from the rest.
1. Stroll Along Hendricks Park
Hendricks Park is the oldest city park in Eugene and is a place you must go to if you love nature. This 80-acre park is located in the southern region of the city and has hundreds of trails, ancient trees, and a magnificent rhododendron garden; thus providing retreat from urban noise.
People can walk slowly along the paved paths while observing the native trees blossoms and plants that blossom during different seasons. Other than that, it also offers picturesque sites overlooking the city as well as its surrounding areas. So it is ideal for picnics, birdwatching or simply relaxing.
2. Visit The Cascades Raptor Center
Due to its location in Eugene, Oregon, the Cascades Raptor Center has numerous lovers of nature and wild animals. It is a non-profit nature center, which means that it rehabilitates birds of prey such as hawks, owls, and eagles.
This unique place has large outside bird cages where visitors can access birds closely while learning more about their physiology, environment, and threats they encounter within their natural settings.
It also provides educational programs and guided tours which makes it a wonderful family outing that pairs conservation education with practical involvement.
3. Tour The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art

The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art is located in Eugene, Oregon which is for culture lovers. The museum is owned by a university and it has a range of traditional and contemporary pieces from different parts of the world, with an emphasis on Asian works.
These diverse exhibitions include everything from recent installations to ancient objects and provide stimulating experiences for art lovers. The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art has something for everyone including interactive programs, rotating shows, as well as educational opportunities.
4. Wander Through Owen Rose Garden
Nestled in Eugene, Oregon, the Owen Rose Garden is an ideal natural refuge for anyone who wants to be surrounded by beautiful greenery or simply enjoy some time away from it all. Over 4,500 rose bushes and over 400 different types of roses bloom there at any given time, no wonder this place is so colorful.
Besides being filled with colorful flowers there are various other elements like historical structures located at various places within the premises where you can take walks through them if you want.
Wherever you may be going around Eugene these days don’t forget to visit Owen Rose Garden because its peace cannot be compared.
5. Enjoy A Thrilling Game At PK Park
PK Park is a significant location in Eugene, Oregon, particularly for individuals who love sports. This current-day baseball stadium is home to the University of Oregon Ducks offering a charming ambiance for viewing games.
The park is well crafted with an excellent seating arrangement that offers splendid sight lines from nearly all positions and the buzz from the crowd adds to the experience making it entertaining for all ages
Apart from being an arena for baseball matches only, however, PK Park serves different functions making it one of the most versatile places in town.
6. Uncover The Secrets Of The Shelton McMurphey Johnson House

The Shelton McMurphey Johnson House, sometimes referred to as Castle on the Hill, is one of the most visited tourist sites in Eugene, Oregon. The Queen Anne-style Victorian residence was erected in the year 1888 and gives an insight into the life of people living in luxurious houses during the late 19th century.
The beautiful house is located on the southern face of Skinner Butte overlooking Eugene and its surroundings. Beautifully preserved interiors with period furniture as well as some displays about different families that once lived there. Besides this heritage site is also a venue for special events, teas, and guided tours.
7. Discover The Hidden Gems Of Alton Baker Park
Located in Eugene, Oregon, Alton Baker Park is the biggest place for entertainment. It covers more than 400 acres on the bank of Willamette River where you can find beautiful routes that are ideal for taking walks, jogging, or cycling; this includes a slice of the Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path System.
For someone who loves nature, one can visit the different habitats at Whilamut Natural Area or simply rest by the park’s ponds and gardens. Moreover, picnic areas, swinging places, and an area for disc throwing are found at this park making it awesome for families and any other outdoor lovers.
8. Jump Into The Fun At DEFY Eugene
DEFY Eugene is a top-ranked inside trampoline park providing a distinct and electrifying experience for visitors of all generations in Eugene, Oregon. As a center of amusement and adventure, DEFY includes many kinds of activities, including wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, obstacle courses, and extreme dodgeball among others.
It doesn’t matter if you want to defy gravity by leaping on trampolines or simply have fun bouncing around, you also can put your skills to the test on the ninja warrior-like courses. Therefore, DEFY Eugene has everything that would interest anyone around because it provides excitement and energy that cannot be missed.
9. Savor The Sweet Moments At Sweet Life Patisserie

Eugene’s Sweet Life Patisserie is a bakery that should be on everyone’s list for dessert lovers and just anyone who genuinely enjoys dessert. It's located at the heart of the city, this delightful place is known for cakes, pastries pies, and cookies made from scratch using top-notch ingredients with an artistry touch.
Sweet Life Patisserie has something for everyone whether you are looking for rich chocolate torte, fruity tart, or vegan diet desserts. A cup of coffee or tea serves as a great accompaniment to taste these amazing pieces of sweets in their warm welcoming atmosphere.
Interestingly, it serves until late so you can visit them after spending your day touring around Eugene.
10. Explore Trapdoor Escape Rooms
Trapdoor Escape Rooms located in Eugene, Oregon, provide an experience that is successive and stimulating to those who are interested in testing their problem-solving capabilities. In every escape room, there are diverse themes, puzzles, and storylines that need to be solved by group cooperation and innovative thinking.
Whether you are accompanied by friends, family, or colleagues; Trapdoor Escape Rooms make for a lively pursuit that is both enjoyable and mentally challenging. It is quite ideal for a rainy day escapade, a corporate team bonding occasion, or simply for passing time in Eugene.
11. Hike The Scenic McKenzie River National Recreation Trail
For all adventure seekers who are in Eugene, Oregon, it is mandatory to try hiking the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail. This winding 26.5-mile path takes you through verdant woods next to the breathtaking McKenzie River and gives you panoramic sights of certain waterfalls including the wonderfully memorable Sahalie and Koosah Falls.
Great for hiking as well as mountain biking and trail running, this pathway has various levels of difficulty that suit both novices and experts alike.
As you move along this trail, there will be crystal-clear water pools, ancient trees, and various kinds of animals encountered along the way making it a profound experience in understanding the natural beauty of Oregon.
12. Peruse The Unique Stalls At Eugene Saturday Market

Eugene Saturday Market happens to be an exciting place where locals show off their products made from their cultures as well as art forms such as potteries, paintings, and other local designs.
The open-air market is open every Saturday from April through November selling things like handmade jewelry, pots, or clothing among other artistic works made by local artisans.
In addition to shopping, the market also presents live music performances and food vendors with delicious local meals, all these create an electrifying atmosphere that is suggestive of Eugene’s inherent creativity and diversity.
13. Discover The Hidden Gems Of Skinner Butte Park
Skinner Butte Park is an urban oasis with beautiful sceneries and different activities for its visitors located in Eugene, Oregon. This place is centered on Skinner Butte, which is a prominent hill, and hence it gives viewers panoramic views of both the city and surrounding landscapes.
The other major feature within this park includes an area along Willamette River where you can picnic watch birds or walk along its trails. Apart from that, there’s also a big playground meant for children, picnic spots, and large fields, but rock climbers will be found exploring its basalt columns at the bottom of this park.
14. Dive Into The Lively Atmosphere Of 5th Street Public Market
The 5th Street Public Market is one of the best destinations that must be visited in Eugene, Oregon because it presents an appealing combination of shopping, dining, and entertainment in an open-air environment.
Here you will find a wide variety of boutique retailers, artisanal traders, and unique hometown firms from whom you can buy only what is rare among other things-beautiful souvenirs or even gifts.
For all those who love food, there are different kinds of gourmet places to eat including simple cafes or elegant restaurants where they promote fresh local meals. Moreover, there are music performances as well as other activities that often take place at the market giving it an active mood ideal for both residents and tourists.
15. Unleash Imagination At Adventure! Children's Museum

It’s all about playing and learning for kids under the age of 12 at The Adventure! Children’s Museum found in Eugene, Oregon. Kids learn through interactive fun at a place like this where they can also Imagine, Learn and Play.
The interactive exhibits and hands-on activities at the museum make it an ideal attraction for families that want their kids to experience artistic creativity and intellectual advancement within a fun ambiance.
16. Stroll Around Mount Pisgah Arboretum
In Eugene, Oregon, Mount Pisgah Arboretum is a significant cultural landmark for natural enthusiasts. This immense 209-acre preserve possesses an elaborate network of picturesque paths running through different ecosystems such as the wetland, oak savanna, and coniferous forests all located at the heart of Willamette Valley.
At the same time, visitors can explore various habitats and animals while participating in educational programs and events. There is nothing better than hiking, bird watching, or taking pictures from the summit of Mount Pisgah whose banks are all covered with lush greenery that looks like paradise on earth.
17. Navigate Delta Ponds
Delta Ponds is an urban oasis located in Eugene, Oregon for individuals who love nature and outdoor activities. This series of interconnected ponds, wetlands, and channels gives people living in the city an area of peace located just on their doorstep.
The visitors would use these paths that are well kept to take soothing walks while watching birds, turtles, or a beaver or see the amazing views. It is a great place for birdwatching, photography or simply spending time alone in nature.
You can also decide to go out with your family members if you are around Eugene.
18. Check Out The Oregon Air & Space Museum

The Oregon Air and Space Museum in Eugene, Oregon, provides an interactive experience for aviation and space lovers of all ages. The museum is situated next to Eugene Airport, and its collection includes exciting historical airplanes, vessels used in space, and anything related to flying or sailing.
Exhibits showcased include how flying came about in quilting fabric early models to contemporary very model flying machines; rare items on-site available for visitors just like interactive ones. It is also open for educational purposes so you can come here if interested in aeronautics past as well as future.
19. Enjoy A Visit To Silvan Ridge Winery
The Silvan Ridge Winery is located in Eugene, Oregon, and provides a great combination of scenic beauty and exceptional wines that make it a must-stop. It welcomes its guests to taste some of the highly-honored wines in their vineyards.
It has an inviting and homely setup where you can sit back while enjoying sipping personalized blends like Pinot Noir or heavy Merlot at any time during the day. There are rolling hills all over the region which adds to the experience provided by learned wine professionals who help with making decisions on selection here in Eugene.
20. Venture Through Armitage Park
Armitage Park is the perfect place for outdoor-loving families and individuals. This 88-acre piece of land located on the bank of Willamette River offers many recreational activities such as walking and biking trails that have beautiful scenery, and places where one can go for a picnic or fish catch.
The park has lots of greenery plus river views making it an excellent area to spend a relaxing day outside. Besides offering well-kept facilities, Armitage Park is also a quiet environment where you can take a walk, go with family members on a picnic, or just watch nature’s beauty found within the Eugene region.