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City in Oregon, United States
Photo: Laura Alier, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Eugene (population 173,000 in 2019) is a city in Oregon at the southern end of the Willamette Valley near the confluence of the Mckenzie and Willamette rivers. It is best known for being the home of the University of Oregon.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Essentially the center of the town, and the reason for the town's modern growth.
The teams representing the University of Oregon, competing in the Big Ten Conference following the 2024 collapse of the Pac-12 Conference, are Eugene's most famous contribution to the sports world. Ducks sports have benefited enormously from the financial support of Phil Knight, UO alum and now-retired head of Oregon-based sports equipment giant Nike. The highest-profile Oregon team is the football team, which rose to become a perennial national contender in the early 2000s and also infamous for its highly colorful and variable uniforms. Oregon also has an extremely rich tradition in track and field, with Hayward Field known for its enthusiastic fans; the city has become known as "Track Town USA" because of this. Hayward Field was rebuilt in a project that was completed in 2021; the new stadium, expandable to 30,000, hosted the 2022 World Athletics Championships. The main sporting venues (including Hayward Field) are all on campus. The football stadium, Autzen Stadium, is famous as one of the loudest and most intimidating venues in American sports. The basketball teams have played at Matthew Knight Arena (nicknamed "Matt Arena"; named for Phil's son, who died in a scuba diving accident) since 2011. Ducks baseball plays at PK Park (not named for Knight), which is shared with the minor-league professional Eugene Emeralds.
At the University of Oregon. Free on Wednesdays between 5PM and 8PM.
At the University of Oregon.
Many claim "The Simpsons" statue of Jebediah Springfield is based on the bronze pioneer statue on the University of Oregon campus. Installed in 1919 by Alexander Phimister Proctor, it depicts a trapper carrying a rifle.
Minor League Baseball team with games during the summer.
One of the best-known historic track and field stadiums in the United States. Hayward Field has hosted three Olympic Trials, and a variety of National, NCAA, and Masters championships. University of Oregon. It hosted the 2022 World Athletics Championships.
A memorial to Olympic runner and local legend, Steve Prefontaine, at the site of his fatal car crash. The Prefontaine Classic, is held annually in Eugene in his honor.
A non-profit art gallery housed in a historic church building built in 1895. Known for its annual Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)]] exhibit in October.
The Cascades Raptor Center is a nature center and wildlife hospital that specializes in raptor rehabilitation.
The Wayne Morse Family Farm, a City of Eugene park, was the home of Oregon's long-time United States Senator, Wayne Morse. The 27-acre (110,000 m²) home used to be a working farm called Edgewood Farm. Owned by the Morse family, it includes the Morse home, a natural wooded area, and an open meadow. Formerly named Morse Ranch, the park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Sunshine Limo Service and Wine Tours: Local tour operator, specializing in Willamette Valley wine tours. A safe way to enjoy wine tasting in comfort and style.
A local skydiving company with classes for all experience levels, from beginners to professionals, about 10 miles (16 km) south of downtown Eugene.
The New Zone Gallery, a non-profit cooperative gallery, features an eclectic mix of styles, techniques and media, created by its 70 artist members. Monthly/bi-monthly changing shows. It has a gift shop.
Formerly the Lord Leebrick Theatre Company. Community theater with a diverse schedule. See website for current shows and times.
ACE
Local dinner theater in downtown. See website for current shows and times.
A unique, two-screen arts cinema housed in a cool old church/mortuary. Shows indie movies. A second location, the Bijou Metro, has opened downtown on Broadway.
An outdoor music venue in Alton Baker Park that gets some pretty big shows. Since it's outdoors, you can hear just fine throughout the park. During most shows, the real party is in the park in front of and around the amphitheater.
Large performing arts center.
Small concert hall featuring alternative performances. Ask about work trade opportunities between 3PM and 6PM Monday through Friday--maybe you'll get to see the show for free!
A large hill south of downtown. Head south on Willamette St about 1.5 mi past the post office. The trail head is easy to miss but is on the top of a crest in the road on the left hand side. There is a large parking lot with signs and restrooms. Trail to the summit is about 2 mi each way with about 700 ft of climbing. Trail is well marked until about 1/4 mi from the summit which requires a small amount of rock scrambling.
Skinner Butte is just north of downtown, and offers hiking paths that lead to the summit (though you can also drive to the top in a car) where a tree-free view of the city and surrounding mountains can be seen. The area of the park between the butte and the Willamette River has more traditional park amenities like a playground and meeting space. If the weather is nice, people will often climb the exposed basalt cliffs on the west side of the butte (with the proper training and gear, of course!) The butte was the original site of city founder Eugene Skinner's cabin and the park is named in his honor.
Extensive set of hiking trails south of town. To find them, head south on Willamette St., 1 mi south of the post office, and shortly after 52nd street make a left at the trail head parking lot.
Eugene has several bark trails specifically for running.
1 mi long, and near South Eugene High School.
3.5 mi long.
4 mi long.
Eugene has more pedestrian bridges across the Willamette River than those that allow auto traffic, and all of them can be accessed via the Bascom path system. Renting a bicycle (see Get Around) and riding along the river is an excellent way to spend a pleasant afternoon and tour the city's waterfront.
There is an 18-hole course in Alton Baker Park and a smaller, (often crowded) 9-hole course at Westmoreland Park in West Eugene.
There are many skate parks throughout the city.
The largest covered skate park in the country.
Bi-annual student street fair kind of like Saturday market, but more student-oriented. Fall/Spring terms.
Craft beer festival with live music (early June).
Held late June through mid-July; presented by the University of Oregon.
Second weekend in July. One of the biggest "hippie" gatherings, held in nearby Veneta. Tons of great food, great hand made products sold by local vendors, and live music to be had.
An annual mid-summer celebration featuring food, music and other entertainment.
August. Large, free outdoor festival in the Whiteaker neighborhood: Live music, street performances, food, drink, etc.
An annual Scandinavian-themed festival in nearby Junction City that has been happening for more than 50 years. August.
Mushroom-themed harvest festival. October.
October. A three-day ceramics only show and sale featuring over 60 local artists. Clay Fest draws artists from all over Oregon. This is a great opportunity buy unique handmade pieces directly from the artists who make the work.
Serves lunch and dinner, real NY style pizza, with a variety of meat and vegetarian choices, plus the option to create your own pizza from a large list of toppings.
Serving authentic Liege waffles with an amazing assortment of toppings, such as bacon, cardamom, garlic, fruit, and the list goes on and on. Also serves omelettes and they have some local microbrew on tap.
Serving fresh made sandwiches, coffee, bakery items, sweets, snacks and beer. Mini health food market and cafe with drive-through window for coffee. Omnivorous, herbivorous and diets of all kinds.
Very inexpensive and locally owned. El Super Burrito is the best burrito and taco you can get for your money in the city.
A fun-but-gimmicky doughnut store chain with additional locations in Denver and Portland. Known for unusual toppings like bacon slices with maple-frosting, Capn' Crunch, and powdered Tang.
Great Mexican food on a budget.
Two locations where you can get a hearty traditional American breakfast at a reasonable price. Expect a wait for weekend brunch.
Breakfast.
World-class desserts, including vegan options. Very popular among both locals and visitors, so expect a long line on weekend evenings.
Pretty good Hawaiian food in a very relaxed environment.
A cool sushi place downtown. A cool interior with happy hour.
Reservations recommended for dinner. A restaurant with a speakeasy veneer serving a globally-inspired menu that uses fresh, local ingredients.
A small, upscale Italian restaurant where you can try some mussels or bolognese and a tiramisu afterwards.
Has the best Italian food in town. Prices are reasonable, considering the quality of the food; a typical dish is $12-18. Outstanding wine selection as well.
Eugene's largest beer selection, more than 1,000 bottled beers and ten beers on draft.
Eugene's oldest bar and one of the oldest pool halls on the West Coast. They still have a few tables, but have transformed into one of Eugene's leading music venues with several shows a week.
Popular little student bar, rumored to be the inspiration for Moe's Tavern in The Simpsons. Happy hour daily from 4PM to 8PM. They have darts and an outdoor patio.
Combination bar/pinball arcade in Whiteaker. Great collection of pinball machines, 1980s arcade games and beer. Darkstalkers appears to be a particular favorite. Most Blazers games shown here.
Funky neighborhood bar and music venue. Live music on weekends.
A production brewery of high quality beers, ales and lagers since 2006, tasting room and patio with firepits and heat lamps.
A Eugene craft brewery known for its Watershed IPA and Overcast Espresso Stout.
A Northwest brewery & gastro-pub inspired by the convivial atmosphere of Munich beer halls.
A McMenamins pub with McMenamins beers as well as national and local micro brews.
A McMenamins pub with McMenamins beers. Every table has a Willamette River view. Has a tiki-themed Kapu Hut.
Produces braggots traditional ale/mead fusion.
Popular coffee shop a block from campus. Good coffee, nice patio.
Temporarily closed as of 2022; call ahead. Specializes in producing small quantities of quality, hand-crafted Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay. Iris Hill has been dedicated to growing high quality fruit through sustainable viticultural practices.
The certified organic Estate includes of certified vineyards, grapevine grafting and propagation, nursery, orchards and garden. A visitor center and market place are open to the public.
inexpensive, clean motel in the middle of downtown.
Lodging about 1 mi off the University of Oregon campus.
EVEN Hotel
University of Oregon on campus housing for new & returning UO students. Check with them for off-campus referrals and for visitor on campus accommodations over the summer when everybody's gone away for the 3 month long summer break.
Near U of O campus. Hotel has heated indoor swimming pool, hot tub, saunas, basketball and racquetball court.
Near the University of Oregon.
A resort-style hotel and conference center along the quiet banks of the Willamette River. Open since 1973.
Renovated former Hilton Hotel, themed for the University of Oregon Ducks. Amenities include a TopGolf Swing Suite.
Offers daily complimentary breakfast, indoor pool and free high-speed wireless.
College and artistic oriented shops.
The market's original location on the block at the corner of 5th and High street was meant to be a premier destination in the city offering shops, eateries, and lodging. The market expanded across the street in 2021 adding more of each, and has also attracted independent shops and restaurants on along E 5th Ave. Most of the shops lean toward upscale, and the dining options cover a wide variety.
The Saturday Market is held weekly and features locally and regionally handcrafted goods, international foods made fresh, and live entertainment.
A Eugenian import store and head shop located in downtown.
Unique local chocolate company.
Herbs, teas, essential oils, and henna, among other products.
Tea and tisanes.
Largest shopping center in the Eugene area with 2 main department stores, Macy's and JC Penney. The mall also has a Regal Cinemas and many smaller stores with apparel, sporting goods, books, electronics, food and accessories.
Gateway Mall
Although this mall is in Springfield, it is very close to a lot of Eugene's student housing. Stores include Target, Kohl's, and a Cinemark 17 movie theater. This is a great/inexpensive date idea if you live in the area. There are many smaller stores and beauty salons in the mall.
Upscale shopping center. Stores include Pottery Barn, Trader Joe's and many smaller stores and restaurants.
Natural grocery store downtown. Also has prepared sandwiches and salads as well as a large wine selection.
A natural foods store in a barn.
Eugene's largest Asian market.
Organic groceries and coffee shop.
By train
By bus
Intercity buses stop in front of the University of Oregon School of Law, across street from Hayward Field, at 1515 Agate St and/or the Amtrak Station on 433 Willamette St.
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Eugene · Regional · EUG
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