Are you thinking about taking a trip to John Day, Oregon, and want to find some fun things to do there? Don’t look any further! You’ve come to the right place. We’re going to talk about the 19 best and most fun things to do in John Day, Oregon, so you and your family can have a great trip.
The city of John Day is in Grant County, Oregon. It is named after the John Day River and is about 2 miles north of Canyon City. This beautiful town was built in 1863 to serve miners and grew slowly over the years. It is known for its long past, beautiful scenery, and friendly people.
The town is in eastern Oregon, close to the Blue Mountains, and sits at an elevation of 3,491 feet. It is home to several historic buildings, such as the Grant County Courthouse, as well as natural scenery, recreational opportunities, and a rich history, which makes it a popular place for tourists and fun-lovers looking for relaxation and outdoor adventure.
John Day wants you to enjoy the best that Grant County has to offer, whether you’re looking for fun on the water, a break in the great outdoors, or a taste of small-town charm.
16 Fun and Awesome Things To Do In John Day, OR
1. Grant County Library
If you like reading, one of the best and most educational things to do in John Day, OR is to check out the Grant County Library.
It has a lot of books, audiobooks, fiction and non-fiction books for kids, teens, and adults, DVDs, digital tools, magazines, and newspapers, so it can accommodate a wide range of reading levels and age groups.
The Grant County Library also has free Wi-Fi, events like book clubs, author talks, and story time for kids, and staff who are helpful and know a lot about the library to help you find your way around.
507 S Canyon Blvd, John Day, OR 97845, USA.
2. John Day Farmers Market
On the weekends in John Day, OR, one of the best things to do is check out the John Day Farmers Market, which is only open from mid-June to mid-October.
There are many fresh fruits, veggies, and herbs grown by local farmers at this farmers market in downtown John Day. It also has one-of-a-kind crafts and artwork made by local artists.
You can eat fresh seafood from local sellers as well as homemade baked goods, jams, jellies, and other ready-to-eat foods.
Address: 520 SW Brent Drive, John Day, OR 97845, United States.
3. Journey Through Time Scenic Byway Oregon
A drive along the 286-mile byway through ranchlands, woods, and canyons is one of the many fun and exciting things to do in John Day with your family. The byway winds through five counties in north-central to eastern Oregon.
The Time Scenic Byway is famous for its beautiful drives, hikes, and fishing. The John Day River runs through most of the route, making it a great place for camping, rafting, and fishing.
This scenic route includes the John Day River, the Painted Hills, the Blue Basin unit, and many other natural landscapes and sights. It’s good for people who want to go on an adventure that isn’t as popular with other people.
Address: John Day, OR, United States.
4. John Day Trailer Park & Laundromat
The John Day Trailer Park & Laundromat is a fun and interesting place for kids to spend the day in John Day. This park is a great place for both tourists and locals to relax because it is only a few steps from the highway.
Tall cottonwood trees provide shade in this park, which is a peaceful place for people who live here. The gravel paths are lined with neat rows of trailers and RVs.
There is a busy Laundromat right next to the park where people talk while they wait for their clothes to be cleaned. People come together around picnic tables to share meals at dusk, when the park comes to life with music and laughs.
Address: 660 W Main St, John Day, OR 97845, United States.
5. A Bit Of Europe
Are you looking for fun things to do that will make you feel like you’re in a different country? Then go to A Bit Of Europe, an antiques shop that claims to be a doorway to a world of history, culture, and beautiful things.
There are a lot of unique European items on the shelves at A Bit of Europe, including paintings, porcelain, a handmade French clock, a delicate Italian tea set, a weathered trunk, and more. It’s a treasure hunter’s dream and an antique lover’s paradise.
Take a trip through time as you look at the different things that have been designed in this treasure paradise. This store has something for everyone, whether you want to make a statement with a piece of furniture or just enjoy looking at interesting things.
Address: 234 S Canyon Blvd, John Day, OR 97845, United States.
6. Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site And Museum
Things to do in John Day, OR. The Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site and Museum has been around since 1865 and tells the story of Chinese settlers in the early 1900s in the American West.
People who are interested in or passionate about history love to visit this museum and heritage center. It has a store with unique items like traditional Chinese medicines and hardware supplies, as well as interesting exhibits with photos, artifacts, and panels with information.
The Chinese people in John Day got together at the Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site and Museum. It was a library, a post office, and a place for people to get together.
One of the most fun and interesting things to do in John Day is to check out the Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site and Museum.
Address: 125 NW Canton Street, John Day, OR 97845, United States.
7. John Day/Canyon City Parks & Recreation District
If you’re looking for a mix of fun and interesting things to do in John Day, OR, the John Day/Canyon City Parks & Recreation District is a great place to get away from the busy city.
This attraction is right in the middle of John Day on 23 acres of parkland. It offers a wide range of outdoor activities, green spaces, leisure activities, and park pleasure for both tourists and locals.
There are walking and running trails, a lot of room for picnicking, and fun, interactive activities for kids to stay active and make friends at this attraction.
This busy spot has a playground for kids, a tennis and basketball court, eating tables, pools, and a lot more for visitors to enjoy. People who come to the park can also take part in district events like community gatherings and exercise classes that happen there all year long.
Address: 1/2 845 NW Bridge Street, John Day, OR 97845, United States.
8. Grant County Oregon Historical Museum
You can find the Grant County Oregon Historical Museum in Canyon City, OR. It is a treasure trove of information about the pioneers, ranchers, and towns that made Eastern Oregon what it is today.
The museum has been around since 1953 and its goal is to preserve, interpret, and share the rich history of Grant County. It starts with the Native American tribes who lived there before European settlers came and continues with the growth of the ranching and mining businesses.
The Grant County Oregon Historical Museums have a huge archive with more than 7,000 photos and 3,000 historical papers, artifacts, and buildings from the people who lived and worked in the area over the years.
This is one of the most interesting and important things to do in John Day if you are interested in history. The museum lets you look at everything from farming tools used by homesteaders to clothes worn by pioneers and mining equipment that helped shape the local economy.
Address: 101 S. Canyon Blvd, Canyon City, OR 97820, United States.
9. John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
When you’re in John Day, OR, one fun thing to do outside is to go to John Day Fossil Bed National Monument, a colorful rock creation in the John Day River Basin.
The John Day Fossil Beds National Monuments cover 13,944 acres and drop an average of about 2,200 feet. They are made up of three well-spaced units: the Sheep Rock, the Painted Hils, and the Clarno. All of them are good for climbing.
Explore the hypnotic beauty of hills, deep gorges, and rock formations that have been worn down by erosion and hold fossils. Check out the interpretive displays, take a program led by a ranger, or go on a hike along one of the beautiful trails at your own pace.
This site is great for people of all ages and interests because it has trails that are easy for strolling and trails that are hard to climb. From the top, you can see stunning views of the landscapes.
Address: 32651 OR-19, Mitchell, OR 97750, United States.
10. Bates State Park
Bates State Park is a great place for nature lovers, campers, and history buffs to get away to a quiet place. Bates Park has a unique mix of natural beauty, historical importance, and fun things to do outside.
Along the Middle Fork John Day River, Bridge Creek, and Clear Creek, this 131-acre park is a great place to start exploring the surrounding areas. It has 28 primitive campsites, a 3-mile trail with stunning views of the valleys and old mill pond, and amenities like picnic tables and fire rings.
You can go fishing in the nearby lakes or rivers, see the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, or check out the old town of Prairie City.
Bates State Park is a great place to go for tourists on a budget, history buffs, and anyone else who wants to relax.
Address: John Day, OR, United States.
11. South Fork John Day River Back Country Byway
One of the free things to do in John Day is to take a trip along the South Fork John Day River Back Country Byway.
Along the 50-mile journey, you’ll see deep valleys made of Columbia River Basalts, stands of old-growth ponderosa pines, Douglas and white fir, and willow trees that line the road.
From its northern end at Dayville to its southern terminus at the northern border of Malheur National Forest, the byway winds through a beautiful river with exciting rapids and the 56-foot-tall Izee Falls.
You’ll come across the Aldrich Mountain Wilderness Study Area and the Black Canyon Wilderness as you drive through the area. Both of these areas are great for hiking, hunting, and watching wildlife.
Also, make a quick stop at the Murderer’s Creek area. It’s famous for the many kinds of wildlife that live there, such as deer, elk, black bears, wolves, bighorn sheep, and many types of upland birds.
Address: John Day, OR, United States.
12. John Day Golf Club
This weekend, one of the many fun things to do in John Day, OR, is to book a tee time at the John Day Golf Club. The course is set in rolling green hills and is fun and difficult for golfers of all skill levels, including tourists and locals.
John Day Golf Club has been around since 1953 and is a good task for both experienced and new golfers. The well-kept public 9-hole golf course is spread out over an acre and has 111 slopes. It is 2,930 yards long from the back tees and has a par of 35.
There is a full bar, a driving range, a pro shop, free camping, hire carts and pull carts, a confidence room, and a practice green at this well-equipped golf course.
Address: 27631 Golf Club Road, John Day, OR 97845, United States
13. John Day River
This undammed river runs for about 284 miles and is full of natural beauty, clear plants, and stunning canyon walls. It’s a great place for nature lovers to enjoy both land and water leisure.
People from all over the world come to the John Day River to discover and enjoy its peaceful natural environment. It is famous for its large populations of steelhead trout, spring Chinook salmon, and warm water base.
Going on a kayaking or rafting trip through beautiful valleys, clear vegetation, and gentle rapids is one of the fun things to do in John Day, OR, during the summer.
Explore the beautiful trails that run along the riverbanks and offer stunning views and chances to see wildlife. Enjoy the beauty of the John Day River system by setting up camp near the water.
Also, before you go on this exciting water adventure, make sure you know which part of the river to go to and how fast the water is moving.
Address: John Day, OR, United States.
14. Davis Creek Trail
The Davis Creek Trail is a four-trail park in the middle of John Day that goes along Davis Creek and is a great place to do outdoor activities with family, friends, and loved ones.
This trail, which opened in 2020, has beautiful views of streams, rock gardens, biking and hiking trails, places to watch birds, and riverfront paths.
As one of the fun things to do outside in John Day, you can take a walk, have a picnic with a view of the valley at sunset, hike, mountain bike, or ride a horse on this 0.75-mile trail.
Address: John Day, OR, United States.
15. 7th Street Complex
In the middle of John Day is a 23-acre complex that can be used for many different things. It offers a wide range of fun activities for people of all ages, both locals and visitors. One of the many free things to do today in John Day, OR, is to check out the exciting vibes of the 7th Street Complex.
This place is fun for the whole family because it has sports fields, playgrounds, open green spaces for relaxing and doing things outside, rooms that can be used for sports, exercise classes, and community meetings, and a pet area.
In addition, this beehive has a basketball court, tennis court, baseball field, two picnic shelters, a small fishing pond that is stocked every year for anglers, a mile-long paved walking/running trail with six workstations, a skatepark, and even a splash pad to keep your kids busy.
Address: 215 NW 9th Avenue, John Day, OR 97845, United States.
16. Thomas Condon Visitor Center
In the Sheep Rock Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, the Thomas Condon Visitor Center is the main place where visitors go to learn about the paleontological wonders of the area.
This treasure trove of information has interesting displays that teach about the geology, paleontology, and natural history of the John Day Fossil Beds. It also has interactive programs, a lab with over 60,000 specimens, a display of fossils, colorful murals, a gift shop, maps, brochures, and helpful booklets to help you plan your visit.
The Age of Mammals spans almost 50 million years, and the visitors center has eight big murals and hundreds of fossils, including those of saber-toothed tigers, horses, and camels from the Stone Age.
You can also hike along beautiful trails that wind through the rock formations, take in the dramatic scenery of Sheep Rock, and imagine the ancient animals that used to live here.
One of the most fun and educational things to do in John Day is to go to the Thomas Condon Visitor Center. This is the place to learn, explore, and be amazed by the amazing things that lived in the past.
Address: 32651 OR-19, Kimberly, OR 97848, United States.
17. Painted Hills
Saturday and Sunday, discovering the John Day Painted Hills is another fun and memorable thing to do near John Day.
A beautiful natural wonder is located in Mitchell, Oregon, just an hour’s drive from John Day. It is known for its bright colors, which range from deep reds and oranges to soft yellows and grays, making a stunning show that changes with the light throughout the day.
From designated lookout points and hiking trails, you can get a wide view of the Painted Hills and enjoy nature’s art. Also, photographers love the beautiful scenery there, especially at sunrise or sunset when the colors are at their brightest.
Address: 37375 Bear Creek Road, Mitchell, OR 97750, United States.
18. Prairie City Ranger Station
What to do in John Day, OR: The Prairie City Ranger Station is in Prairie City, Oregon, and it’s the gateway to the Malheur National Forest’s wonders. If you love nature and adventure, this station will set you on a trip full of outdoor activities that you will love.
Another fun and educational thing to do near John Day, Oregon, is to check out Prairie City Ranger Station. This is a great place for people who love wildlife and motorized travel. There are also camping areas and beautiful trails that wind through tall pines.
You can also enjoy hiking trails that go through dense forests and end at beautiful viewpoints, great for birdwatching and photography. There are also nearby camping areas that offer a rustic escape under the stars, great for families and adventurers, as well as educational programs on forestry, ecology, and wilderness survival.
Address: 327 Front Street, Prairie City, OR 97869, United States.
19. John Day Skate Park
Enjoy a sense of excitement and fitness at the John Day Skate Park, which is a great place for skateboarders of all skill levels.
This park in John Day is a great place to shred, practice tricks, and enjoy the thrill of skating. It has a lot of different features, like ramps, rails, ledges, and bowls, so people of all skill levels can have fun there.
If you like sports and are looking for free and fun things to do in John Day, the John Day Skate Park has a lot to offer. You can explore, have fun, and meet other people who like the same things you do.
The skate park is also used for youth events, workshops, and competitions, giving young people in the neighborhood a safe and fun place to hang out.
Address: 311 NE 7th Avenue, John Day, OR 97845, United States.