Irrigon OregonATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Irrigon, Oregon.
1. Skinny Bull Ag Museum
AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE PRESERVED
Skinny Bull Ag Museum is a top attraction in Irrigon that preserves the agricultural history of the region. Visitors can explore various farming implements, historical photographs, and educational exhibits that showcase the evolution of agriculture in the area. The museum offers a glimpse into the rural lifestyle that shaped Irrigon's development over the decades.
2. Irrigon Marina Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION SPOT
Irrigon Marina Park is a popular waterfront destination offering access to the Columbia River. The park features boat launches, picnic areas, and fishing spots where visitors can enjoy outdoor activities with scenic views. Located near where Lewis and Clark once camped, this marina combines recreational opportunities with historical significance.
3. Trevor Fox Memorial Children's Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY PLAY AREA
Trevor Fox Memorial Children's Park is a dedicated recreational area for families with young children in Irrigon. The park features playground equipment, open spaces for play, and comfortable areas for parents to relax while supervising their children. It serves as both a memorial and a community gathering place that honors its namesake while providing essential recreational facilities.
4. Oregon Trail Historic Site
PIONEER PATH REMNANTS
The Oregon Trail Historic Site features faint depressions or swales that are remnants of the famous pioneer route along Highway 730 on the eastern outskirts of Irrigon. This segment of the Oregon Trail continued to be used as a local connecting road until it was closed off by construction of the Umatilla Army Depot. Visitors can glimpse these subtle but significant traces of American westward expansion that played a major role in the development of the region.
5. Lewis and Clark Trail Marker
HISTORIC EXPEDITION SITE
The Lewis and Clark Trail Marker commemorates the Corps of Discovery's October 19, 1805 campsite near present-day Irrigon Marina. The explorers interacted with Native Americans here, trading goods and showcasing their peaceful intentions through shared smoking rituals and violin music. Although the island where they camped is now submerged by Lake Umatilla, this marker honors an important moment in the historic westward journey of Lewis and Clark.
6. Columbia Crest Tasting Room
REGIONAL WINE EXPERIENCE
Columbia Crest Tasting Room is a highly-rated winery located a short drive from Irrigon across the Columbia River. Visitors can sample a variety of award-winning wines produced from grapes grown in the Columbia Valley region. The tasting room offers a sophisticated experience with knowledgeable staff who guide guests through the distinctive characteristics of each vintage.
7. Hermiston Raceway
HIGH-SPEED RACING THRILLS
Hermiston Raceway is an exciting auto racing venue located near Irrigon that attracts motorsport enthusiasts from across the region. The track hosts various racing events throughout the season featuring different classes of vehicles competing in adrenaline-pumping contests. Spectators can enjoy the thundering sounds of engines, the smell of burning rubber, and the electric atmosphere of live racing competition.
8. Hermiston Family Aquatic Center
REFRESHING WATER RECREATION
Hermiston Family Aquatic Center offers a welcome respite from hot summer days with its array of water attractions suitable for all ages. The center features swimming pools, water slides, splash pads, and lounging areas where families can cool off and have fun together. It serves as a popular community gathering place during the warmer months when visitors seek refreshing aquatic recreation.
9. Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge
PROTECTED WILDLIFE HAVEN
Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge is a vast protected area near Irrigon that serves as an important habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. The refuge encompasses diverse ecosystems including wetlands, shrub-steppe, and riparian areas where visitors can observe numerous species in their natural environment. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy wildlife viewing, photography, hunting, and fishing opportunities while experiencing the natural beauty of the Columbia Basin.
10. Hat Rock State Park
DISTINCTIVE NATURAL LANDMARK
Hat Rock State Park features a unique basalt formation that was one of the first landmarks in Oregon to be noted by Lewis and Clark during their expedition. The park offers picnic areas, hiking trails, and access to Lake Wallula where visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming activities. Its distinctive geological feature resembling a hat sitting atop a ridge makes it both a visually interesting destination and a historically significant site.
11. McNary Dam Visitor Center
ENGINEERING MARVEL SHOWCASE
McNary Dam Visitor Center provides fascinating insights into the operation of one of the major hydroelectric facilities on the Columbia River. Visitors can learn about power generation, fish passage systems, and the historical impact of dam construction on the region through interactive exhibits and informative displays. The observation areas offer impressive views of the massive concrete structure spanning the river and the lock system that enables commercial navigation.
12. Maxwell Market
LOCAL PRODUCE AND CRAFTS
Maxwell Market is a popular seasonal farmers market that showcases the agricultural bounty of the region near Irrigon. Vendors offer fresh fruits, vegetables, handmade crafts, baked goods, and specialty food items produced by local farmers and artisans. The market creates a vibrant community atmosphere where visitors can connect with producers while supporting the local economy.
13. Echo Corn Maze
AUTUMN AGRICULTURAL ADVENTURE
Echo Corn Maze offers a fun seasonal attraction where visitors navigate through intricate pathways cut into cornfields during the fall harvest season. The facility typically includes additional activities such as pumpkin patches, hayrides, and farm animal interactions that appeal to families seeking rural entertainment. This agricultural attraction celebrates the farming heritage of the region while providing memorable outdoor experiences for visitors of all ages.
14. Sage Center
AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION SHOWCASE
The SAGE Center (Sustainable AGriculture & Energy) is an interactive visitor center that highlights the food production and renewable energy industries of the Columbia River Basin. Exhibits showcase technological innovations, sustainable practices, and the economic importance of agriculture to communities like Irrigon and surrounding areas. Visitors can take a simulated hot air balloon ride, operate a combine harvester simulator, and learn about farm-to-table food production processes through engaging displays.
15. Walker's Farm Kitchen
FARM-TO-TABLE DINING EXPERIENCE
Walker's Farm Kitchen offers a dining experience that showcases locally-sourced ingredients prepared with culinary expertise. The restaurant emphasizes seasonal menus that highlight the agricultural products grown in the fertile soils around Irrigon and the broader Columbia Basin. Diners appreciate the fresh flavors, warm atmosphere, and connection to regional food producers that this establishment provides.