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Salem is the capital of Oregon and the state's third largest city. It lies along Interstate 5, between Portland and Eugene.

The city was founded in 1841 by Methodist missionary Jason Lee, whose goal was to gather the Indians together and "teach them to cultivate the ground and live more comfortably than they could by hunting, and as they do this, teach them religion." After limited success, Lee became discouraged and decided to sell lots to the Oregon Institute, which developed into Willamette University, the oldest institution of higher learning west of Missouri.

Today Salem, population 136,924, is the state's governmental center and a distribution, processing and commercial hub of the Willamette Valley. The city boasts a multitude of visitor attractions, including Historical Museums, parks, gardens and wineries.

There is also a Salem, West Virginia.

Salem is part of the Salem, Oregon metro area.

Highways, Byways, and Scenic Drives | Paprika's Hungarian Restaurant | Ramada Inn Salem |
Art Mid-Valley Arts Council |
Art Centers Bush Barn Art Center | Martha Springer Botanical Garden | Salem BLM Office | Schreiner's Iris Gardens | Thrill-Ville U.S.A. Amusement Park |
Education Western Baptist College |
Restaurants, Cafes, Delis, Bakeries Fitts Seafood |
History Historic Deepwood Estate |
Motels, Hotels, and Resorts Best Western New Kings Inn | Macleay Country Inn |
Museums Willamette Valley Mining Club |
Oregon Counties Marion County |
Oregon State Parks Maud Williamson State Park |
County Parks Departments Oregon State Parks |
RV campgrounds and dealers Eola Bend RV Resort |
Shopping Lancaster Mall |
Sports and Sporting Events Four Corners Rod & Gun Club | Oregon Canoe Sport | Scuba Outfitters |
Wildlife Viewing Fly Country Outfitters | North American Outfitters | Wheatland Ferry | Honeywood Winery | Lincoln Access and Spongs Landing Parks |

See more Oregon Cities and Towns.

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03/19 Coming to The area
Water Music Festival Seaview WA April1 The Water Music Festival is an all-volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to bringing quality chamber music to the Lower Columbia River Region.
Astoria-Warrenton Crab and Seafood Festival Warrenton OR April26 Crab and seafood as well as entertainment. Listen to the Astoria HS Jazz Band on Sunday.
Mt. Pisgah Arboretum Wildflower and Music Festival Eugene OR May19 A day of wildflowers, music, food, crafts, and microscopes!
Rhododendron Days Florence OR May17-19 The annual celebration of the blooming of rhododendrons along the central Oregon Coast.
Columbia Gorge Wine and Pear Fest Hood River OR May18-19 Start off the weekend with friends and fun featuring Columbia Gorge wineries and eateries. Highlights include entertainment, live music, wine tasting, great food, fruit exhibits with samples, and local artisans.