Spring has sprung and it’s finally time for the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival! The iconic Tulip Festival paints the landscape with a breathtaking tapestry of blooms, leaving visitors mesmerized. But the adventure doesn't end after seeing the flowers! Located in the northern portion of the Willamette Valley, this area holds the key to unlocking a treasure trove of experiences. Here are a few things to do in the area.
Molalla might be quaint, but its appeal packs a punch! History buffs can delve into a variety of heritage sites, while farm lovers can meet adorable alpacas at Alpacas at Marquam Hill Ranch or lose themselves in the unique flora at Out In The Garden Nursery.
Craving adventure? The Molalla River Recreation Corridor offers hiking, biking and water fun. Downtown Molalla boasts charming shops, while the Molalla River Brewing Company offers craft beers, food trucks and mini golf.
Bonus Tip: Return during the summer to take the kids on a nostalgic journey at Molalla Train Park. Ride miniature H-scale trains through scenic grounds, creating memories that last a lifetime.
Wine lovers rejoice! The Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival isn't just about stunning blooms, it's also a gateway to experiencing the famed Willamette Valley wines. Start your journey at Wooden Shoe Vineyards itself, where you'll find unique varietals like albarino and marechal foch alongside Oregon's beloved pinot noir. Next door, Hanson Vineyards boasts a vast selection of reds and whites, from pinot noir to riesling, reflecting their hands-on approach to grape-growing.
For a taste of history, journey to St. Josef's Winery, a pioneer in Oregon's wine scene and open with live music on Sundays. Just steps away, Whiskey Hill Winery offers an intimate tasting experience with the winemaker, featuring their pinot noirs, syrahs, and more.
But the adventure doesn't stop there! Head to the Pete's Mountain area in West Linn, where a cluster of wineries, each with its own distinct style, awaits.
Beyond the vibrant tapestry of tulips at the Wooden Shoe Festival, Oregon's spring unfolds across stunning wildflower trails. Immerse yourself in fields of electric blue and purple at the Camassia Nature Preserve in West Linn, or wander through Graham Oaks Nature Park in Wilsonville to marvel at meadow checkermallow, Pacific bleeding hearts and delicate trilliums. This wetland is filled with diverse birdlife, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts.
Venturing towards Mt. Hood? Don't miss Wildwood Recreation Site in Welches. Here, ADA-accessible boardwalks lead you to an otherworldly encounter with Western skunk cabbage. Their unique aroma and pod-like appearance will transport you to a botanical wonderland. So lace up your boots, breathe in the fresh air, and discover Oregon's hidden floral gems!
Canby is home to local celebrities, err…"cowlebrities" at TMK Creamery. Visitors get to meet the cows and see how the cheese is made first-hand. And if delicious cheese wasn't enough of an incentive they recently opened up an onsite distillery making vodka from whey leftover from the cheese-making process called Cowcohol.
Head to downtown Canby for food and drinks (this small town is big on bakeries), or wander the shops, like The Book Nook which offers a joyful selection of books, gifts and events like pop-up game nights.
Hop aboard the Canby Ferry to feel like you’re riding on a time machine. In the early days, ferries were about the only reliable way to cross the Willamette River. Now only three remain operating on the river.
Expand your Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival adventure with a trip to some nearby farms brimming with adorable creatures. Just outside West Linn, Triskelee Farm awaits with a menagerie of farm favorites like goats and pigs, alongside more exotic cuties like ostriches and, of course, the ever-so-adorable alpacas.
Craving homemade treats and a dose of farmyard fun? Fir Point Farms, near Canby, is your destination. Indulge in their legendary apple cider donuts and mouthwatering cinnamon rolls, all while witnessing the antics of their tree-climbing pygmy goats (yes, you read that right!). And if that's not enough, prepare to be charmed by their resident bunnies too.
Venture to Oregon City and discover the Oregon Donkey Sanctuary, a haven for rescued and rehabilitated donkeys. Learn about these gentle giants, perhaps even make a new furry friend, and gain a deeper appreciation for these often misunderstood creatures.
Ready to explore an indoor activity? Located just minutes away from the tulip festival, Whiskey Hill Store is a charming, historic spot with local goods and a cafe. (They also have guest suites if you are looking for a place to stay near the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival!)
Bullwinkle’s Entertainment in Wilsonville features more than 10 attractions including go-karts, laser tag, miniature golf and bowling. It also has a restaurant and bar.
The End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Oregon City is an interactive museum featuring the Oregon Trail journey, Indigenous life, Black pioneers and more. View the film “Oregon’s First People” made in partnership with the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde, and take part in interactive exhibits like candle dipping, rag doll making and packing a wagon.
The Kitchen at Middleground Farms is a recreational cooking school located on a family hobby farm in Wilsonville. They offer cooking classes for all ages including classes designed for all ages.
