Come for the wine, stay for the good times. Tucked within a vintner’s paradise, Polk County’s Monmouth attracts less attention than other Oregon destinations, but deserves a second glance. Founded by settlers from Monmouth, Illinois, in 1856, the city displays characteristics typical to a seeded community, perfectly accommodating a rustic getaway with its entrenched-yet-aware culture and fresh, provincial atmosphere. Take advantage of your next visit and see the many sights of Monmouth, Oregon.
Historical Monmouth
- Upon entering the tiny city, notice the resemblance Monmouth bears to historic 19th-century towns of the Pacific Northwest, with a cornice-lined Main Street bisecting downtown and a covered bridge just out of town. Indeed, the 1856 town is rich in history, and encourages visits to its many heritage sites. The Gentle House -- one of the city’s original structures, located just north of Western Oregon University -- and the Brunk House -- a combination model home and museum 10 miles northeast of Monmouth -- exhibit 19th-century living in Polk County. 18 miles southwest of Monmouth, the Ritner Creek Covered Bridge, the last covered bridge used on a U.S. state highway, stands perfectly preserved and on display. Additionally, Monmouth provides a free brochure and map that highlight the city’s notable landmarks and buildings for a self-guided historic walking tour.
Crafty Culture
- Modern Monmouth and neighboring Polk County towns pride themselves on a culture of creative community involvement. Salem, only 15 miles northeast of Monmouth, houses the Hallie Ford Museum of Art -- Oregon's second-largest museum, and one that has gained renown for its focus on historic and contemporary regional artwork. For a more intimate art-viewing experience, head to Independence, 3 miles east of Monmouth, to visit the River Gallery. The gallery privately curates and hosts inspiring collections of contemporary folk art, crafts and fine art by regional artist. From May to September, Dallas -- 8 miles northwest from Monmouth -- hosts the Polk County Bounty Market. Every Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m., the market features produce, food-fair, crafts from local farmers and artisans with accompanying live music.
Monmouth-Watering
- Polk County has gained a solid reputation for its wine production. It ranks as Oregon’s second-most prolific and successful vintage regions. The Mid-Valley Wine Trail is a collective of esteemed vineyards that participate in a yearly tour event, including each of their participating wineries north of Monmouth in the Dallas area. Similarly, the Heart of Willamette Wineries offer a summertime tasting tour -- June 21 to September 21 -- to sample the rich and complex notes in and south of Monmouth. Either tour is highly recommended to guide your Polk County wine experience, as there are more than 30 vineyards in the county that offer tastings.
Bucolic Beauty
- Although Monmouth is a city, its ambiance is anything but metropolitan. The verdant community neighbors several natural areas that accommodate hiking, water sports and wildlife viewing. Start by journeying to the southern region of Monmouth toward the E. E. Wilson Wildlife Area. The park’s comprehensive interpretive trail saunters through the woods and illuminates bird, fish, reptile and mammal diversity you will likely encounter. The McDonald-Dunn Forest, 22 miles south of Monmouth, houses the 40-acre Peavy Arboretum, which neatly highlights more than 150 local plant species and educates visitors on Oregon’s various ecosystems. Lastly, grab a paddle and hit the Willamette Water Trail -- a 187-mile river trail that runs from around Eugene to Portland. The Willamette River is a great recreational opportunity for any water sport, and the organized and interpretive water trail allows you to paddle, float or wade downriver between established camps and docking areas. The closest accessible dock is in Independence Riverview Park, just 3 miles east of downtown Monmouth.
