Medford is a nice small city in the very center of the Rogue Valley. It is a scenic place full of various activities. The local parks covered with nature are one of the main highlights of Medford.
Museums and art galleries are also available in the city where you can learn about the local art along with its cultural scene. The city's proximity to the beautiful Rogue River and Carter Lake National Park makes it an ideal family destination.
Meanwhile, for someone planning a visit to Medford, here is the list of 20 things to do in Medford, Oregon that you should prioritize.
1. Visit The Travel Medford Visitors Center
The Travel Medford Visitors Center is a great place to start your adventure in Medford. Located centrally in the city it is an easily accessible place. This center is a go-to spot for local information and tips.
Arriving at the Visitors Center you will find helpful staff who can provide maps and brochures along with some details on the best attractions in the city. For a more personalized plan, sharing your interests can help them provide proper recommendations.
Before exiting the center, you can also view the exhibits showcasing local art and history to get an initial overview of the city's offerings.
2. Watch A Game At US Cellular Community Park
You can visit the Cellular Community Park and watch the game for a lively experience. If you are into sports then you should definitely make a stop by this park.
Located within 3 miles from downtown Medford, you can reach the place with a short drive. It is one of the largest municipal sports parks on the West Coast. The park features over 15 sports fields all equipped with top-tier lighting and seating for spectators.
For a more adventurous day, we suggest you to visit during the weekend. During this period, you can have an opportunity to watch a variety of games, including baseball, softball, soccer, and tournaments.
3. Float The Rogue River
This wonderful river is one of the major Medford, Oregon attractions. The Rogue River is located around 13 miles west of the downtown. Various spots on the river featuring different water levels and tides make it a perfect place for water sports like rafting, kayaking, or paddleboarding.
Floating through the river is a peaceful experience in the middle of nature. As you drift along, you will encounter dense forests and rocky cliffs. Along with that, animals like eagles, otters, and other mammals often appear on the riverbanks.
A suitable spot for a family vacation, the Rogue River is a fantastic place to experience a mild adventure in Medford. The calming sounds of the flowing water and the scenery will make your float trip more memorable.
4. Explore The Medford Railroad Park
One of the fun places in Medford without a doubt has to be the Medford Railroad Park. You surely need to come here if you are interested in trains and local history. This park began its operation in 1986 and holds a collection of historic locomotives and railroad cars.
This collection lets you discover how trains used to operate back in the late 19th century. To get a closer view of these trains, the park allows you to walk through them.
Similarly, the park also has a small museum that features exhibits about the history of railroads in Southern Oregon. Adding more fun to the exploration, occasional miniature train rides are hosted by the Railroad Park.
5. Discover The Diamond Lake
Located about an hour from downtown Medford, this beautiful lake is ideal for outdoor activities. The Diamond Lake is known for its perfectly clear water and breathtaking mountain views. You can unwind in the lake with activities like fishing and boating.
During the summer seasons, you can even float the lake on a kayak or paddleboard. As the winter season arrives, the lake transforms into a snowland. Visiting the lake on cold days lets you experience skiing and snowshoeing.
In the meantime, if you prefer to stay on land, the lake area has a few trails where you can plan a short hike. Taking your visit to the next level, the surrounding area also has a few campgrounds and picnic spots to make sure every visitor returns with a memorable experience.
6. Visit The Applegate Lake
Applegate Lake is a beautiful place to have outdoor fun. Situated about 30 minutes from Medford, this lake is surrounded by dense forests and rolling hills. It offers a peaceful escape from the city. The Applegate Lake is perfect for activities like boating, fishing as well as swimming.
Featuring clear waters and scenic areas, it is a great place to spend a relaxing time alongside the water. For hikers, there are several trails around the lake. Walking this trail, various wild animals come into sight to entertain you.
Furthermore, to extend your visit, you can plant a camp on the campgrounds available inside.
7. Explore The Children's Museum of Southern Oregon
Another must-include place in your list of things to do in Medford is a visit to the Children's Museum of Southern Oregon. A fantastic place for families, here you can spend a day full of fun and knowledge.
This museum is designed to spark curiosity and creativity in young minds. Kids can explore hands-on exhibits related to topics like science, art, history, and engineering. Interactive displays even encourage them to learn through play.
Activities like building structures with giant blocks, and experimenting with water tables are the major ones popular among regular visitors. Making learning more fun, the Children's Museum is an educational hub.
8. Spend A Day At JCLS Medford Library
If you are a quiet environment lover, then this spot can be a perfect choice for you. Offering an overwhelming atmosphere, stopping by here, you will find plenty of books, magazines, and resources, catering to individuals of every age.
Upon reaching here, you can read books or even use the computers for research. Many events are hosted by the place and if you are lucky enough to reach the library during this time, you can also participate in any of them.
Besides that, you will also find many comfortable sitting areas with friendly and helpful staff. Considered to be a paradise for book lovers, if you are visiting Medford, we recommend spending a day here and taking advantage of it all.
9. Shop For Antiques At Collectors Market
Opened in 1986, the Collectors Market is a must-visit place. It is just a short drive from Medford in Central Point, Oregon. For all these years, this place has been a perfect place for those who love unique and vintage treasures.
You can visit the place between 10 am to 6 pm. Stopping by this location, you will witness several antiques ranging from old furniture and classic toys to rare collectibles. As you wander the place, you can also discover some items that tell you a story and reflect different eras.
Every booth in the market is filled with interesting pieces. This can be a perfect spot if you want to buy souvenirs for your loved ones.
10. Explore The Bear Creek Park
Perfect for both outdoor enthusiasts and families, the place offers you a wide range of activities for everyone to enjoy. Bear Creek Park has been operating since 1985 and you can reach here within a few minutes drive from downtown.
Bear Creek Park offers you a scenic trail and also has a picnic spot where you can relax and enjoy outings with your close ones. For children, the place also has playgrounds.
With open space and grounds available, you can also indulge yourself in activities like flying kites, playing football, or any other sports. For more adventurous activities, there are also trails for walking and biking amidst the beautiful nature.
11. Visit The Southern Oregon Historical Society
If you want some historical adventure in your journey, you can visit the Southern Oregon Historical Society. The main building within the society has a rich collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents that illustrate the area's heritage.
With no entry charge, you can simply learn about the Native American history, pioneers, and local industries upon reaching here. With the friendly staff and knowledgeable volunteers, you can learn about the history in more depth.
No matter if you are into history or just simply want to learn about the area, stopping by the Southern Oregon Historical Society can be an adventurous option. Offering a peaceful setting, the society is a historical gem that you can visit during your tour.
12. Relax At Prescott Park
This is another great location for you for a peaceful retreat. You can make this park as an option to Bear Creek Park or any other mentioned in the list. Similar to other parks, this place also provides you with a serene adventure with green spaces and well-marked walking paths.
Mainly famous among the group and families, you can opt for this place for a picnic. Furthermore, you can also have a group fun adventurous activities like playing different sports like frisbee or a casual game of catch.
Established in 1972, Prescott Park is on 10 acres. It has many blooming flowers and water fountains, offering an adventurous eye-capturing moment to you. For more exciting adventures, you can visit this park in the summer season.
13. Hike The Natural Bridge Loop
If you are bored just exploring these places and want some physical adventure with some challenges, you can go for a hike to the Natural Bridge Loop. The loop is off Highway 62, approximately 45 miles northeast.
While hiking you can cover a total distance of about 9 miles. Some of the major highlights include a natural bridge and a fascinating rock arch in the river. This loop is also perfect for photos while marveling at nature’s handiwork.
The trails are well-marked with no challenges to make through. With moderate to no difficulty, this short-day adventure gives you refreshment and a scenic escape.
14. Learn About Military At KC-97 Fuel Tanker
The KC-97 Fuel Tanker is another place offering a glimpse of the history of the area. It is at the Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport featuring a retired military refueling tanker. This tanker played a key role during the Cold War era.
Visiting it offers a unique glimpse into mid-20th-century military technology. The tanker highlights its innovative design that allows for extended missions.
Showcasing the evolution of aerial refueling techniques, the tanker played a crucial role in enabling long-range bomber operations. Its massive size and its distinctive appearance make this spot an impressive sightseeing location.
15. Hike Upper And Lower Table Rock
If you do not feel like floating for an adventure, then hiking the Upper and Lower Table Rock is another great choice. These iconic highlands offer some of the best views in the region. The trailheads of both the rocks can be reached through a short drive from the city.
In comparison, a hike to the top of Upper Table Rock is a bit more challenging than the Lower Table Rock. However, from the top, both of these rocks provide a similar panoramic vistas of the Rogue Valley.
Walking through these trails, you can view beautiful wildflowers and local animals from a close distance.
16. Stroll Around The Village Center Park
The Medford city features many adventurous parks where you can visit. Out of many, the other option that falls under our list is the Village Center Park. You can relax and enjoy nature or indulge yourself in some outdoor activities.
The community events held and the local art that you can see throughout the park make it a special location to make your short visit. If you are a clean freak, do not worry, the park is clean and well maintained offering a friendly adventure.
Offering lovely gardens, walking paths, and a peaceful pond, visiting here you can simply sit and enjoy the view.
17. Spend A Day At Howard Prairie Lake
Accessible through a road trip of 37 miles from Medford, the Howard Prairie Lake is a hidden gem. The serene mountain surrounding around the lake is what makes it a special spot. The lake is without any doubt a haven for multiple reasons.
Here you can perform activities like fishing, boating, and kayaking that can keep you engaged throughout the day. While fishing, you will be able to catch the lake's famous trout fish.
Meanwhile, the surrounding landscape of Howard Prairie Lake filled with various hiking trails, makes it a great place to get done with your daily fitness goals. For someone in pursuit of mental peace, the park's entire area can be used for this purpose.
18. Taste The Local Flavors At DANCIN Vineyard
DANCIN Vineyard, established in 2004 is a place full of local taste. As we all know a vineyard offers some great wines and craft beers. This place not only offers exceptional wines but also lets you enjoy the stunning views of the surroundings.
The vineyard gained popularity as a high-quality producer of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. These two wines are the ones you should not miss to try while visiting the DANICIN Vineyards.
In addition to wine tasting, this place adds more delight to the experience by providing delicious food choices to pair with the drinks.
19. Play A Game At Stewart Meadows Golf Course
To spend your day in a more fun and challenging way, this is the place you should visit. The Steward Meadows Golf Course, famous for its views of the surrounding Rogue Valley, is a beautiful layout.
The course is well maintained and features open fairways along with strategic hazards. The facilities provided by the Steward Meadows Golf Course are top-notch. You will find a driving range, practice greens, and even a clubhouse to make your visit memorable.
Playing here feels both relaxing and exciting. A friendly match against your friends or family in exchange for a treat is a must do. Just grab your club and enter the course to find out who plays better.
20. Go Horseback Riding At Rogue Valley Equestrian Center
After so many fun and memorable experiences, your trip to Medford is about to end. But before returning back home, you should try horseback riding at the Rogue Valley Equestrian Center. This activity is a wonderful way to explore Southern Oregon's natural beauty.
Located just 15 minutes from Medford, in this center, you can choose from multiple riding options according to your skill levels. As you embark on your ride, scenic fields and stunning views of the Rogue Valley are the only things you will see.
With every jump the horse takes, you feel a growing sense of relaxation and the pleasure of connecting with nature.
