Attractions and Places To See around Cottage Grove - Top 20

Cottage Grove is rich in history. You can explore the Historic Downtown Cottage Grove, a National Historic District featuring buildings from the 1880s, boutiques, and over 20 scenic murals. Don't miss the Cottage Grove Museum, housed in an octagonal 1897 church, which showcases local history, including artifacts from Buster Keaton's film "The General." The Bohemia Gold Mining Museum also preserves the area's gold mining heritage.

Cottage Grove is known as the 'Covered Bridge Capital of the West.' You can visit six historic covered bridges, including the unique Chambers Railroad Bridge, the only existing covered railroad bridge west of the Mississippi. Other notable bridges are the Centennial Bridge, Mosby Creek Bridge, Stewart Bridge, Dorena Bridge, and Currin Bridge. Many are accessible via a self-guided scenic tour or the Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway.

Yes, Cottage Grove offers several family-friendly options. The Cottage Grove and Dorena Reservoirs are great for picnicking, swimming, and boating. The Row River National Recreation Trail is a paved path suitable for family bike rides and walks. Additionally, Bohemia Park hosts summertime concerts and festivals, including the annual Bohemia Mining Days.

The area around Cottage Grove is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. You can hike or bike along the 14-mile Row River National Recreation Trail, which offers scenic views along the Row River and Dorena Reservoir. For more challenging hikes, consider trails near the Bohemia Mining District, such as the Bohemia Mountain Trail. The Cottage Grove and Dorena Reservoirs are popular for fishing, kayaking, and boating.

Cottage Grove offers a variety of hiking opportunities. The Row River National Recreation Trail is a paved, multi-use path ideal for easy walks. For more natural and rugged experiences, explore trails around the Bohemia Mining District, including the Bohemia Mountain Trail. The region also features several waterfalls with associated trails like Brice Creek Falls and Spirit Falls.

Beyond the covered bridges, Cottage Grove boasts beautiful natural features. The Cottage Grove and Dorena Reservoirs offer expansive water views and recreation. You can also discover several waterfalls, such as Brice Creek Falls, Spirit Falls, and Wildwood Waterfalls, which are particularly popular in summer. The Row River itself provides scenic beauty along its banks.

Cottage Grove has a vibrant cultural scene. The Cottage Theatre presents Broadway productions and plays. You can also visit the Oregon Aviation Historical Society & Museum to learn about the state's aviation heritage. For wine enthusiasts, Saginaw Vineyard, along with Iris Vineyards and King Estate Winery on the Territorial Highway, offer tasting opportunities.

Absolutely! Cottage Grove is a great base for cycling. The Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway offers a dedicated path to explore the historic bridges. For mountain biking, you can find trails in the surrounding natural areas. Komoot also features specific guides for MTB Trails and Road Cycling Routes around Cottage Grove, offering various distances and difficulties.

The best time to visit Cottage Grove for outdoor activities is generally during the warmer months, from spring through early fall. This period offers pleasant weather for exploring covered bridges, hiking trails, enjoying the reservoirs, and attending outdoor festivals. Waterfalls are often more impressive during spring runoff.

Cottage Grove hosts the annual Bohemia Mining Days, a celebration of the area's gold mining history, typically held in Bohemia Park. The park also features summertime concerts and other community events throughout the year, offering a chance to experience local culture.

To delve into the region's mining past, visit the Bohemia Gold Mining Museum. It houses artifacts, photographs, ore samples, and mining equipment that tell the story of the Bohemia Mining District. The annual Bohemia Mining Days festival also celebrates this rich history.

Yes, the area around Cottage Grove is home to several vineyards. Saginaw Vineyard is located nearby and offers wine tasting. Additionally, along the Territorial Highway, you can find other notable wineries such as Iris Vineyards and King Estate Winery, providing a great opportunity to sample local wines.