A Capital Idea

History weaves through Salem like the winding Willamette River that runs through its heart, making the capital city a great place for families intrigued by Oregon’s roots to get away for a long weekend.

The natural place to start exploring Salem is at the Capitol, where the Legislature will convene in January. Guides offer top-to-bottom tours of the awe-inspiring, four-story structure, pointing out everything from the bronze replica of the Oregon state seal embedded in the rotunda’s marble floor to the massive wooden desk—and squeaky chair—in the Governor’s Suite, where bills are often signed ceremoniously into law.

There is much to see just outside the Capitol as well. Wandering the “walk of trivia” in the Capitol Mall becomes like an Easter egg hunt as kids discover the fun facts—such as the state bird (Western meadowlark) and insect (swallowtail butterfly)—which are etched into the walkway. Make sure to venture west of the Capitol to Willson Park, where you’ll discover the comical Parade of Animals sculpture created by Oregon artist Pete Helzer. To the south, on the Willamette University campus, gaze up at the Star Trees, five lush sequoias planted so that they create a star-shaped opening to the sky. It’s an especially beautiful sight once the trees are decorated with holiday lights.

After exploring the Capitol, Salem’s waterfront beckons. Here, high marks go to A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village. Named for the Salem-born inventor of the Erector Set, this hands-on museum features a bubble room, where giant bubbles waft through the air, in addition to the La“ball”atory, where balls literally go flying. In A.C.’s Backyard, a 20,000- square-foot outdoor discovery center, kids can scale a three-story Erector Set tower, swoosh down a curvy slide, plink out tunes on a marimba or xylophone on a musical ensemble deck and take the helm of a play wooden paddle-wheeler.

A real paddle-wheeler is docked just a short walk upstream from the museum. During frequent excursions, the Willamette Queen’s Capt. Richard Chesbrough offers up tantalizing tidbits of river history. He also issues junior captain’s licenses to all who take a turn at the wheel.

Back ashore, Riverfront Park’s grassy lawn and vast play structure await. A wide paved path—popular with skaters, bicyclists and walkers—leads to Eco Earth, a giant, colorful globe that doubles as a tribute to the world’s diversity, at the park’s southern tip. The path then loops around to the Salem Carousel. Riders young and old line up here for a spin on the beautiful hand-carved steeds gracing this volunteer-made carousel.

Spinning of another sort is in the spotlight at Mission Mill Museum, just a few blocks southeast of the Capitol. The only woolen mill museum west of Missouri, this site has one of the few water-powered turbines in the Pacific Northwest that still generate electricity from a millrace. Hands-on exhibits tell of Thomas Kay’s Woolen Mill, which launched Oregon’s famous textile tradition in the 1800s. Historic homes dotting the grounds give a glimpse into the lives of Salem’s missionary founders.

After a morning at the museum, Bush’s Pasture Park is a perfect spot for a sunny fall day picnic. Formerly a 100-acre estate, the park features historic home and art center. For kids, the real treasure lies simply in exploring the park and discovering four different children’s play areas that are tucked away in the peaceful, wooded landscape.

In fact, many treasures await families who take the time to explore Salem. In this city, one of the state’s oldest, the revered past blends with the vibrant present to make a getaway here truly a capital idea. – Nelle Nix

And What’s More…

Oregon State Capitol Built in 1938, the Capitol houses the Legislature and offices for the governor, secretary of state and state treasurer. Open year-round, Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free tours available by appointment; tower tours offered through September. 900 Court St. NE, Salem. Call 503.986.1388

Willamette University Founded in 1842, this is the oldest university west of the Mississippi. 900 State St., Salem. Call 503.370.6300, or visit www.willamette.edu.

Riverfront Park This 23-acre park boasts several family-friendly attractions:
-- A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village—This children’s museum features extensive hands-on exhibits and a 20,000-square-foot outdoor discovery center. Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 12 to 5 p.m. (Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, Easter.) Admission: $3.50, ages 60+; $5, ages 3-59; free, under 3. ($2, public assistance.) 116 Marion St. NE, Salem. Call 503.371.3631, or visit www.acgilbert.org.
-- Eco Earth—Colorful icons created by local artists and schoolchildren cover this globe honoring diversity.
-- Salem Carousel—Forty-two hand-carved, hand-painted horses grace this 3-year-old carousel. Winter hours: Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Closed Thanksgiving Day.) $1.25/ride/person. 101 Front St. NE, Salem. Call 503.540.0374, or visit www.salemcarousel.org.

Willamette Queen The only paddle-wheel excursion boat on the upper Willamette River was built in 1990. Excursions year-round, Tuesday through Sunday. Hours, prices vary. Reservations required. Call 503.371.1103, or visit www.willamettequeen.com.

Mission Mill Museum Tour the Thomas Kay Woolen Mill and early missionaries’ homes. Open year-round, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: $7/adult, $6/seniors (65+), $4/student through 18. 131 Mill St. SE, Salem. Call 503.585.7012, or visit www.missionmill.org.

Bush’s Pasture Park Picnic tables, play areas and plenty of trees stud the 100 acres of this grassy park. Open dawn to dusk year-round. No admission fee. (Park also features museum and art gallery.) 600 Mission St. SE, Salem. Call 503.363.4714, or visit www.salemart.org.