Discover the Rich History of North Marion County

The Jesse H. Settlemier House is an 1892 Victorian/Craftsman Home located on nearly 3 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. The House was recorded in the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.Tours are offered the 1st Sunday of each month and are open to the public.  

By the mid-1950’s, the diesel electric locomotive became standard for the railroads, and steam engines were being scrapped. Fortunately, some were saved for the education of later generations. In 1957, Woodburn would receive a classic 1902 built steam locomotive through donation by the Southern Pacific Railroad.

Every detail has been meticulously restored or rebuilt, and she is in better condition today in the park at Woodburn than most locomotives that are in indoor museums throughout the world. The SP 1785 is an icon of the era that so many people are fond of.

The Woodburn Museum is home to profound artifacts that highlight the history of the region. This is a great location for a historical education on the local industry, pioneer life, indigenous communities and even prehistory! Check out the many fossils that have been found in town and are now at display at the Woodburn Museum.

The monks of Mount Angel Abbey are proud of this eclectic display at the Abbey Museum, ranging from geological and environmental specimens to art and artifacts, ancient and contemporary, temporal and ecclesial, collected from a diverse cross-section of cultures.

The Abbey museum is open for self-guided tours Wednesday through Sunday, from 10 am to 4 pm.  

Built in 1916, the Gallon House Bridge is the last covered bridge, as well as the oldest bridge, in Marion County, and one of the oldest bridges in Oregon. The 84 foot Howe truss bridge is located over Abiqua Creek a little more than a mile northwest of Silverton.The name Gallon House was due to the bridge's use as a "liquor drop" by bootleggers. 

Visit the Silverton Country Museum. The house that contains the collection of the Silverton Country Historical Society and museum is an exhibit in and by itself. Built in 1908 on the south side of E. Main St. between First and Second Streets by Louis Ames, it was moved to its present site in 1975. The house has had three owners and is named the Ames/Warnock/Burch house in honor of those families. Each room has many special displays that depict aspects of life during the past 150 years. Just about all of thecollection comes from the descendants of Silverton pioneers.

The Magnus and Emma Ek House is a two-story, wood-frame, moderately-expressed Queen Anne-style residence that was originally built as a Stick Style in 1890. The house was constructed by Magnus Ek, a cabinet maker. It is one of the earliest residences in the immediate vicinity. It is currently available as a Bed and Breakfast.

The Gordon House, the only Frank Lloyd Wright house built in Oregon, offers guided tours of the interior of the house by reservation. The tours are conducted by knowledgeable and entertaining docents cover the theories and practices of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture, the story of how an Oregon farm family commissioned Mr. Wright to design their new home, the near destruction of the home in 2000. Visit website for tour schedule and to purchase tickets.

Powerland Heritage Park is a campus community of 14 independent museums and event spaces reflecting the history, preservation, restoration, and operation of antique equipment, vehicles, steam-powered machinery, trains, trolleys, logging equipment, and farm implements.

Located near Salem in Brooks, Oregon

This black walnut was planted c. 1884 by the Zimmerman family who were prominent members of the Aurora Colony. Early Aurora settlers were talented and industrious. Their products gained a wide reputation for excellence during the early days of Willamette Valley settlement. As a carpenter, Christian Zimmerman helped build the village and likely planted the tree and others like it for the valuable hardwood.Located at the corner of Liberty Street at 3rd Street, Aurora

Discover the story of the Aurora Colony, a 19th century communal society that traveled the Oregon Trail to settle in the West. Take a self-guided tour of the five building museum complex. It includes the Ox Bar, Steinbach Cabin, Kaus House, Will Family Summer Kitchen and Tie Shed. Contact the museum to schedule a guided tour.

Step back in time with a visit to the Newell House Museum at Champoeg State Heritage Park, one of North Marion County's hidden historic treasures. Situated near Salem and Portland, this museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Oregon's pioneer past. In addition to the Newell House, Champoeg State Heritage Park offers numerous other activities, including hiking trails, picnic areas, and historical reenactments. Make sure to add this charming and educational destination to your North Marion itinerary for a memorable day of exploration and discovery.

The St. Paul Roman Catholic Church was established in the mid-Willamette Valley in 1836, the first Catholic church in the Oregon Country and the headquarters for the Catholic Church in Oregon.  Rebuilt in 1846, St. Paul’s is the oldest brick building in the Pacific Northwest.

The Willamette Heritage Center connects generations by gathering, preserving, and sharing Mid-Willamette Valley history. The fourteen historic structures on site house permanent and changing exhibits, a research library and archive, textile learning center, and rentable event spaces. The five-acre campus is also home to retail shops, art galleries, cooperative artist studios, and offices run by our partner organizations.