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Salem, Oregon
Salem is the state capital of Oregon. It is the third largest city in Oregon, but
definitely has a small town feel with rolling hills and many farms on the outskirts
of town. The State Capitol Building is located between Courts and State Streets and
is a modern building complete with a golden statue of the Oregon Pioneers that just went
under renovation a few years ago and was the pioneer in geyser
fountains that front the building. It was built in 1927 as a bank and taken over
for the Capitol Building. The best views in all of Salem are atop the golden pioneer statue
where you can see miles of farms and rolling hills.
There are many things to do in Salem starting with the Gilbert House Children’s Museum on
Marion Street. It is made up of two Victorian homes that house many science, historical, and art exhibits. There is also a
fabulous outside playground with a two story wooden house and large netted climbing area.
Silver Falls State Park is not far from Salem and is Oregon’s largest state park. It has 10 waterfalls, six of which
are over 100 feet high. Another outdoor activity is the Enchanted Forest 7 miles from south of Salem. It has fairy-tale
characters, bobsleds, and an Old World village for children and parents alike.
For the more mature crowd, there is a winery in the area. On Hines Street, it is
one of the oldest and largest wineries in Oregon. There is also the Bush House Conservatory,
Bush Barn Center, and Bush House Museum. The Bush House Museum offers monthly exhibitions
and a gallery. The Bush Conservatory is a greenhouse that is said to be the oldest
in Oregon, built in 1882, and the Bush House Museum, which was home to pioneer banker
and publisher, and still has most of its 1877 furnishings.
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