Your day trip to EugenePlaces to Explore around the Eugene Amtrak Station in a day
First published 13 May 2022
Eugene knows more than a little something about getting around on foot. After all, this is a city that’s nicknamed TrackTown USA, home to the athletic energy of the University of Oregon and the birthplace of Nike.
Take Amtrak Cascades and forego the car, gas costs, and traffic!
The best way to explore Eugene is the walkable and bikeable neighborhoods that define this hub for counterculture cool. It’s also a healthy way to burn the calories that come with indulging in the craft breweries and distilleries, the decadent farm-to-table dinners and the world-class wines of the South Willamette Valley.
Here's some quick ideas for a day full of adventure in Eugene!
Within walking distance of downtown Eugene, Skinner Butte and the surrounding park offers a place to relax in the midst of the metro area. Stroll along the Willamette on the riverfront bike path, hike to the top of the butte for a spectacular view of Eugene or take a rest in the shady park. The past comes alive at the replica of Eugene and Mary Skinner's 1846 cabin, the first pioneer structure in the area. This new interpretive area coincided with the 150th anniversary of the Applegate Trail
Lane County Historical Museum
https://www.lchm.org/Step back in time as you learn about the history of Oregon's settlement, including Oregon Trail artifacts. Period rooms, as well as vehicle displays from the covered wagons to the 1920s and 1930s await you at this fascinating museum. (Allow 1 hour)
Eugene, OR 97402
This charmingly quirky indoor/outdoor shopping area is jammed-packed with romantically-inspired cafes and courtyards. 5th Street Public Market showcases high-end shopping including indulgent toy stores, gourmet kitchen supplies and sought-after fashion.
If you find you can't get enough of Eugene, stay at the Inn at the 5th or make spa arrangements at Gervais. Other hotel deals are on the Eugene-Sprinfield station page.
Eugene, OR 97401
The Museum of Natural and Cultural History
https://natural-history.uoregon.edu/The Museum of Natural and Cultural History is a place for making connections—to each other, to our past, and to our future. It's a place for digging into science, celebrating culture, and joining together to create a just and sustainable world.
The museum has exhibits, events, and educational programs. There’s always something to experience, discover, and enjoy at the museum. It's great for both kids and adults. We have two permanent exhibits featuring the history and cultures of the state: Oregon, Where Past is Present, and Explore Oregon. Completely ADA accessible and has all the amenities you might expect in a museum (bathrooms, museum store, activities for kids and adults).
Eugene, OR 97401
Visit the University of Oregon Campus
https://www.uoregon.edu/This historic, beautiful campus is worth at least a stroll, if not a full afternoon.
A few University of Oregon highlights you may want to add to your list: The Knight Library, the EMU (Student Union), the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art and Museum of Natural and Cultural History, Autzen Stadium and "Animal House" movie locations.
Narrow down your interests with the UO's "Be a Duck" tour app or take a guided walking tour from the Ford Alumni Center. Stroll the campus hub around 13th & Alder, rub shoulders with the students at The Duck Store, and sip a beer at one of the longstanding watering holes – like Rennie's – for the full college vibe.
Eugene, OR 97403
With its proximity to producers in the Willamette Valley and fishers on the Oregon Coast, Eugene has long cultivated a food scene that prioritizes all things local. But in the past few years, the restaurant scene has been injected with even more energy, including frequent new openings, a can’t-miss food hall and farm-to-table standouts.
Perhaps the most Eugene way to start the day ever is Lion and Owl, a brunch hot spot where you can enjoy a full-service breakfast in an Airstream bus. The seasonal menu features dishes like toasted oat groats with cured egg yolk, celery and fennel bread pudding, and a “Breakfast in Paris” plate of French finger food.
Just looking to grab something on the go? Nothing beats the choices available at Provisions Market Hall at the 5th Street Public Market, a specialty grocery with a European-style display of artisan cheese, classic deli sandwiches, wood-fired pizza, house-made charcuterie, fresh salads and all manner of confections made by an in-house pastry chef.
Party Downtown is one of the city’s most popular and innovative farm-to-table restaurants. The constantly changing menu — stocked with Southern-influenced staples like fried green tomatoes and fried chicken — sources exclusively from area farms and has a surprise prix fixe menu.
The city’s most recent entry in the seafood category, Makoto Japanese Restaurant wins with gracious service, some of the freshest fish in the valley and classic Tokyo sushi-bar vibes.
From here it’s a short walk to Noisette Pastry Kitchen for dessert: Hazelnut chocolate chunk cake with coffee, lemon tarts with Earl Grey tea, or some house-made granola for the road would be good options.