Salem weekend So much to do

First published 8 March 2022

Take your next adventure on Amtrak Cascades and explore all that Salem, Oregon has to offer.

To help plan your weekend, we put together two possible itineraries - one for families and one for wine excursions.

Looking to get away for the weekend without breaking the bank?

Two Day Itinerary (Family Focus)

Don't forget, Kids 2-12 get a 50% discount on Amtrak Cascades tickets. Kids under 2 travel free.

Day 1

Gilbert House Children’s Museum
Built in 1887, the Gilbert House is one of two large-scale examples of Queen Anne architecture in the city. It symbolizes the prosperity of the children of Oregon Trail pioneers. The Gilbert House Children’s Museum, named after Salem native A.C. Gilbert, opened in 1989. A.C. was a world-renowned toy manufacturer, Olympic athlete, and magician. The museum offers 15 hands-on exhibits, an outdoor discovery area and educational programs for children.

Willamette Art Center
The Willamette Art Center is Salem’s only community art center for hands on activities in art, with a primary focus of ceramics. The Willamette Art Center’s programming, services and activities offer exciting classes, workshops and camps to children and adults.

Day 2

Enchanted Forest
The Enchanted Forest is a children’s storybook theme park open from March—September. The Park offers a western town, comedy theater, roller coaster, water-light show, Old Europe Village, big timber log ride, haunted house and much more. Bring a picnic and stay the entire day.

Two Day Itinerary (Wine weekenders)

Amtrak Cascades allows 2 cases of wine per person to bring home. We allow 2 carry-on bags for free - the boxes count as bags. We don’t recommend checking wine boxes due to the potential for breakage. Choose your direction:

WEST of Salem

Head west of Salem for stunning hillside views and small clusters of boutique wineries.

Left Coast Estate
At Left Coast Estate discover outstanding wines including their popular white Pinot noir and Queen Bee Bubbly, a sparkling rosé using honey produced by their estate honeybees.

Andante Vineyard
Heading towards the community of Dallas is Andante Vineyard, a 15-acre estate vineyard located adjacent to the Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge.

Redhawk Vineyard & Winery This family-owned vineyard and winery in the Salem Eola-Amity Hills is warm and inviting with beautiful views and picnic area.

EAST of Salem

East of Salem, you’ll find 15 small, family-owned wineries that make up the Cascade Foothills Winegrowers Association.

Hanson Vineyards
Be sure to stop at the welcoming Hanson Vineyards, a family-owned winery that produces 100% estate grown wines.

Vitis Ridge Winery
At the north end of Silverton sits a boutique winery where you’re likely to find the owners in the tasting room sharing their stories and wine knowledge with guests.

Pudding River Wine Cellars
Just south of Silverton, enjoy tastings in the vintage-inspired Red Barn Tasting room or the vineyard patio.

SOUTH of Salem

Willamette Valley Vineyards
Just a few short miles south of downtown Salem sits one of Oregon’s most iconic wineries. Founded in 1983, this winery offers outstanding hospitality and breathtaking views along with award-winning wines that pair perfectly with tasty bites prepared on-site.

St. Innocent Winery
A stone’s throw from Willamette Valley Vineyards is St. Innocent Winery where winemaker Mark Vlossak’s wines reflect balance and that special “sense of place.”

Coria Estates
Nearby in south Salem is Coria Estates, a family owned and operated vineyard and winery with breathtaking 360-degree views of vineyards and the Willamette Valley.<br/><br/>

NORTH of Salem

Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm & Vineyards
Near Woodburn sits the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm & Vineyard. World famous for its annual Tulip Festival each spring, this farm features classic Willamette Valley varietals like Pinot Gris, along with more unusual wines, including Albarino, Marechal Foch and a sweet Tempranillo.

Lady Hill Winery
Lady Hill Winery is located on a 1,500-acre farm where visitors are welcome to taste current releases as well as exquisite library wines.

Aurora Colony Vineyards
Enjoy wines paired perfectly with fresh creations by Chef Vance Wilson on a lovely patio setting at Aurora Colony Vineyards.