Best Things to do in Salem | Must-see attractions 2025

Minto-Brown Island Park

6:00 AM–9:00 PM

Park

2200 Minto Island Road Southwest

View map

Minto-Brown Island Park in Salem, Oregon, spans 898 acres with miles of paved trails, picnic areas, and an off-leash dog park, offering diverse outdoor experiences.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. All park facilities are accessible without charge.

Gilbert House Children's Museum

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

116 Marion St NE

View map

Gilbert House Children's Museum in Salem, USA, offers hands-on educational experiences across three historic houses, inspiring children's curiosity through play.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

General Admission: $5. Free for children under 2. Discounts available for families and groups.

Oregon State Capitol

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Public Building

900 Court St NE

View map

Oregon State Capitol in Salem features Greek-style architecture with a gold leaf statue, representing Oregon's history, and offers free tours and art exhibits.

Duration: Around 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Bush's Pasture Park

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Museum

600 Mission St SE Bush's Pasture Park

View map

Bush's Pasture Park in Salem, Oregon, spans 90 acres and features walking trails, picnic areas, a Victorian greenhouse, and the historical Bush House Museum.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours.

Free. Guided tours of Bush House Museum may require a fee.

Riverfront City Park

8:00 AM–9:00 PM

Park

200 Water Street Northeast

View map

Riverfront City Park in Salem, Oregon, features a carousel, playground, amphitheater, and Eco Earth Globe sculpture, offering riverside recreation and community events.

Duration: 1–2 hours.

Free. Some events may have additional fees.

B-17 Alliance Museum & Restoration Hangar

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

3278 25th St SE

View map

The B-17 Alliance Museum & Restoration Hangar in Salem showcases WWII history through exhibits, personal stories, and a B-17G undergoing restoration.

Duration: 30 to 45 minutes.

$10 suggested admission fee; no one will be turned away.

Salem Convention Center

8:00 AM–6:00 PM

Event hall

200 Commercial St SE

View map

Salem Convention Center in downtown Salem offers 30,000+ sq ft of flexible meeting space for weddings, conventions, workshops, and social events.

Duration: 1-2 hours for a tour of facilities.

Free to enter the building. Individual event pricing may vary.

Cascades Gateway Park

7:00 AM–7:00 PM

Park

2100 Turner Rd SE

View map

Cascades Gateway Park in Salem features 150 acres of recreational spaces, including trails, a pond, picnic areas, and a playground, ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Duration: 1 to 3 hours.

Free. Some sports facilities may charge fees for usage.

Bryan Johnston Park

6:00 AM–9:00 PM

Park

400 Mildred Ct SE

View map

Bryan Johnston Park in Salem, USA, offers expansive green spaces, a 1.5-mile walking trail, and picnic areas, ideal for families and nature lovers.

Duration: 1–2 hours.

Free. No admission fees apply.

Let's All Play Park

8:00 AM–9:00 PM

Park

650 Church St SE

View map

Let's All Play Park in Salem, Oregon, offers outdoor recreation and historic site exploration in a welcoming environment, perfect for families and visitors.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. No entry fee required for the park.

City of Salem Parks Operations

7:00 AM–9:00 PM

Public Building

1460 20th St SE Bldg 14

View map

City of Salem Parks Operations oversees 30+ parks and recreational facilities in Salem, offering diverse outdoor activities for residents and visitors.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some events may require a registration fee.

Antique Powerland Museum

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Museum

3995 Brooklake Rd NE

View map

Antique Powerland Museum in Salem features a vast collection of vintage machinery, vehicles, and equipment, celebrating the history of agricultural and industrial power through the ages.

Duration: 2 hours.

Adults: $10, Seniors: $8, Children (5-12): $5. Children under 5 are free.

Creekside Golf Club

7:00 AM–7:00 PM

Golf Course

6250 Club House Dr SE

View map

Creekside Golf Club in Salem offers a scenic 18-hole course, established in 1996, featuring a challenging layout and beautiful landscapes ideal for golf enthusiasts.

Duration: Approximately 4 hours.

Green fees: $45 for adults; $20 for children under 12. Discounts available for seniors and members.

Salem First United Methodist Church

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Church

600 State St

View map

Salem First United Methodist Church is a historic church building in Salem, Oregon, USA, known for its architectural beauty and active community involvement.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Donations are appreciated for community programs.

Salem Center Mall

Mo-Sa 10:00-20:00; Su 11:00-18:00

Mall

401 Center St NE (btw Chemeketa

View map

Salem Center Mall, located in Salem, Oregon, offers diverse shopping options, dining, and entertainment, making it a central hub for locals and visitors alike.

Duration: Approximately 2–3 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a paid ticket.

West Hills Community Church

9:00 AM–1:00 PM

Church

Salem

View map

West Hills Community Church in Salem, USA, offers a welcoming environment for worship and community engagement with diverse activities serving all ages.

Duration: About 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are welcomed to support church activities and outreach programs.

Salem Alliance Church

10:00 AM–12:00 PM

Church

555 Gaines St NE (at 5th St NE)

View map

Salem Alliance Church, located in Salem, United States, serves as a vibrant community hub with a welcoming atmosphere and various programs for all ages.

Duration: 1–2 hours.

Free. Some special events may have additional costs.

Salem Heights Church

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Church

375 Madrona Ave S (Liberty Rd S)

View map

Salem Heights Church in Salem, United States, offers spiritual guidance and community support. It features modern architecture and hosts various outreach programs.

Duration: About 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are accepted but not required.

Christ the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

5:00 PM–7:00 PM

Church

4440 State St

View map

Christ the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Salem, USA, is an ELCA congregation known for its welcoming community and vibrant worship services.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are welcomed during services and events.

First Baptist Church of Salem

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Salem

View map

First Baptist Church of Salem offers a rich history, stunning architecture, and a commitment to community service in Salem, United States.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated for special events.

West Salem Foursquare Church

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Church

3094 Gehlar Ro. NW (at Doaks Ferry & Eola Dr.)

View map

West Salem Foursquare Church in Salem, Oregon, is a welcoming space for worship with community activities and family-oriented services.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours for a service.

Free to attend services and events.

West Salem United Methodist Church

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Church

1219 3rd St NW (Gerth)

View map

West Salem United Methodist Church, founded in 1846, features notable Gothic architecture and serves as a community hub with regular services and events.

Duration: About 1 hour.

Free. Donations are appreciated for maintenance and community programs.

Wallace Marine Park Softball Complex

8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

200 Glen Creek Road Northwest

View map

Wallace Marine Park Softball Complex in Salem features multiple fields for competitive play and hosts various tournaments throughout the year.

Duration: 1 to 3 hours.

Free. Participation in leagues or tournaments may incur fees.

Salem Art Association

11:00 AM–5:00 PM

Gallery

600 Mission Street Southeast

View map

Salem Art Association promotes local artists through exhibitions and community events. It serves as a cultural hub in Salem, Oregon, nurturing artistic expression.

Duration: Approximately 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Bush Park Rose Garden

7:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

463-499 Bush St SE

View map

Bush Park Rose Garden, located in Salem, Oregon, features over 200 varieties of roses and scenic walking paths, making it a serene urban retreat.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may have ticket requirements.

Willamette University

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

University

900 State St

View map

Willamette University, the oldest liberal arts college west of the Rockies, is located in Salem, Oregon, and offers a rich educational tradition and prominent law program.

Duration: At least 2 hours.

Free. Some events may require a paid ticket.

Hallie Ford Museum of Art

Tu-Sa 10:00-17:00

Museum

700 State St

View map

Hallie Ford Museum of Art in Salem, Oregon, features exceptional Pacific Northwest art, including a renowned Native American basket collection within a 27,000 sq ft facility.

Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Paid. Prices vary by age and event; check the museum website for details.

Bush Barn Art Center

11:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

600 Mission St SE Parking entrance at intersection of High and Bush Street

View map

Bush Barn Art Center in Salem features multiple galleries showcasing regional art and crafts, providing enriching artistic experiences for all ages.

Duration: Approximately 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Elsinore Theatre

6:00 PM–9:00 PM

Theater

170 High St SE

View map

Elsinore Theatre in Salem, Oregon, is a Tudor-Gothic landmark, hosting live performances and classic movie screenings since 1926.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours for events, more for tours.

Ticket prices vary; classic movie screenings may be free, while special events may have an entry fee.

Play Me

12:00 PM–8:00 PM

Event hall

Oregon

View map

Play Me in Salem, USA, features interactive art installations and performance space, fostering community engagement and creativity through innovation.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free entrance. Charges may apply for specific workshops or events.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Public Building

725 Summer St NE (at Union St NE)

View map

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, based in Salem, manages Oregon's state parks, offering recreational and educational opportunities for all visitors.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Some specific events might require a paid ticket.

Play Me, I'm Yours

All day

Event hall

Salem

View map

Play Me, I'm Yours in Salem, USA features pianos placed across the city for public play. This interactive art project invites locals and visitors to express creativity through music.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. No ticket is required to play the pianos.

Oregon Supreme Court

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Public Building

1163 State St

View map

The Oregon Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in Oregon, located in Salem, overseeing the state’s legal matters since its establishment.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may require tickets.

South Salem Seventh-day Adventist Church

7:00 PM–9:00 PM

Church

6994 Sunnyside Rd SE

View map

South Salem Seventh-day Adventist Church serves the community in Salem, Oregon, offering worship services, community programs, and a welcoming environment for all ages.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Donations appreciated for special events.

Let's All Play Place

10:00 AM–8:00 PM

Amusement Park

Church St SE (At Mission St SE)

View map

Let's All Play Place in Salem offers indoor fun with interactive play structures, games, and activities for children of all ages. A safe environment for family enjoyment.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Paid entry: $10 for adults, $8 for children. Discounts available for groups.