This Unique City In Oregon Is Full Of Historic Charm, Shops, And Outdoor Activities

Step into a history book in this charming town as you wander through a downtown historic district that still holds echoes of the past. Unlike many other cities in Oregon, Grants Pass is awash with cultural institutions, old-world charm, and fascinating heritage. These spots allow history buffs to learn more about both the state's and the nation's history. In addition, the city's culture shines through vintage storefronts, antique shops, and coffee shops.

Nestled at the core of southern Oregon's Rogue Valley, along the Rogue River, the city is easily accessible via Interstate 5, just 30 miles east of Medford. It is also about a four-hour drive from Portland and about six hours from San Francisco. The nearest major airport is Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport (MFR), which is about 30 miles east of the city.

Grants Pass' story begins in the mid-1800s during the gold rush, which attracted miners, settlers, and entrepreneurs. In the late 19th century, the Oregon and California Railroad improved the local businesses. Today, the town preserves American history and culture in buildings and landmarks.

Walk through the historic district in Grants Pass, dotted with century-old buildings that house various cafes and local stores that sell handcrafted jewellery. Antique stores such as the Old Town Antique Mall are a great place to find souvenirs. Art aficionados will be thrilled by the Grants Pass Museum of Art, which features art exhibits from the region. You can also attend concerts, live performances, and film screenings in a beautifully restored 1930s venue, the historic Rogue Theatre.

In addition, the Rogue River is home to some of the most beautiful hikes in Oregon. A good example is the 40-mile Rogue River Trail, which starts from Grave Creek to Big Bend, with stunning views of riverside cliffs and moss-covered forests. This trail is suitable for multi-day backpacking, but you can hike shorter sections. You can also hike the Cathedral Hills Trail System, which is just minutes from downtown Grants Pass, and has 10 miles of connected trails. Aside from hiking, the Rogue River is a fun destination for world-class whitewater rafting, starting from gentle floats for beginners to Class IV rapids. If fishing is your thing, you can catch salmon and steelhead at the river from the shoreline or on your kayak.

No trip to Grants Pass is complete without sampling the local treats. Start with a stop at Cartwright's Taprock Northwest Grill near the Rogue River. On the menu, you will find delicious Pacific Northwest cuisine, with seafood, burgers, and local wines. If you are a wine enthusiast, Grants Pass is also among the best US cities to visit for wine tastings! Follow the Applegate Valley Wine Trail, about a 15-minute drive from Grants Pass downtown, for a chance to explore various family-owned wineries that produce Oregon's finest red and white wines. Get to taste the different types of wines as you soak in the beautiful vineyard views against the backdrop of the Siskiyou Mountains.

Another popular destination in the region is Jacksonville, about a 40-minute drive from Grants Pass. The town is a National Historic Landmark, known for its historic buildings built during the Gold Rush era. Art lovers will appreciate the vibrant art scene, which includes local art galleries like Art Presence Art Center, which has paintings and fibre arts. The city also hosts the Britt Music & Arts Festival, held every summer, and features open-air concerts and a variety of performing arts. Nature lovers can head south to Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve, about an hour from Grants Pass. This beautiful destination is perfect for guided tours through caves with stalactites and stalagmites.