23 Best & Fun Things To Do In Prineville, OR | 2024 Guide!
Are you thinking about going to Prineville, Oregon, and want to find fun things to do there? Don’t look any further! This is the right place for you because we’re going to talk about the 24 best and most fun things to do in Prineville, OR.
Prineville, Oregon, is a beautiful place to visit with lots of things to do. It is in Crook County, in the middle of Central Oregon’s high desert. Visitors to Prineville can choose from a wide range of activities and attractions, from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences.
This town in the desert has something for everyone, from fun things to do outside and cultural events to beautiful museums and historic sites. People can learn about history at the Bowman Memorial Museum and enjoy Prineville Reservoir State Park.
23 Fun and Awesome Things To Do In Prineville, OR
1. Smith Rock State Park
Start your trip to Prineville by going to Snith Rock State Park, which is famous for its beautiful rock shapes and top-notch rock climbing.
The main rock formations are made up of welded turf and reach heights of up to 550 feet. They cover 651 acres on the Oregon high desert plains, which are about 3000 feet above sea level.
There are more than 1800 climbing routes in the park, and the picnic and camping places are built on top of the rimrock.
You can walk along the beautiful trails, take in the stunning views of the Crooked River, and watch climbers take on the famous cliffs. Remind yourself to bring your camera, because the sunset is beautiful!
Address: Oregon, 97760, United States.
2. Crooked River Scenic Drive
The Crooked River Scenic Drive is a fun free thing to do in Prineville, OR. You can drive along it and enjoy the rough beauty of the Crooked River Canyon.
Along this beautiful back road, there are places to pull over and take in the views of the canyon walls and the flowing river below. You will also see about 8 campgrounds, one of which has a picnic place. Each turn will take you to a new one.
Watch out for animals like golden eagles, mule deer, and even river otters from time to time.
Address: Prineville, OR, United States.
3. Ochoco National Forest
The Ochoco National Forest is in the Ochoco Mountains, north and east of Prineville. For nature lovers, visiting it is one of the best things to do in Prineville, OR.
The Ochoco National Forest is more than 850,000 acres big and has rimrock, canyons, geological oddities, dense pine woods, a high desert, and the beginnings of the North Fork Crookes River.
Other fun things to do in the forest are hiking, fishing, camping, hunting, horseback rides, bird watching, rock hounding, kayaking, stargazing, and rock climbing.
Address: Oregon, United States.
4. Prineville Reservoir State Park
In the summer, Prineville Reservoir State Park is a fun place to get away from the heat.
Prineville Reservoir State Park is a popular place for many types of leisure, including boating, fishing, camping, and water sports. It covers more than 3,000 acres.
You can take a kayak or paddleboard, fish for trout or bass, or just chill out on the sandy beaches and enjoy the sun.
Address: Prineville Reservoir State Park, Prineville, OR 97754, United States.
5. Bowman Museum
One of the best places to learn about Prineville, Oregon’s past and culture is the Bowman Museum. The museum is in an old building in downtown Prineville and opened in 1971.
The museum has a lot of different collections, such as original artifacts from the pioneers, a big railroad display, displays about ranching and the timber business, furniture, clothes, and old photographs.
People can learn about the history of the town, take a guided walk of the museum, and go to the annual party.
Address: 246 N Main Street, Prineville, OR 97754, United States.
6. Painted Hills
The Painted Hills are one of the most popular places to visit in Prineville, Oregon. They are known as one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon.
The Painted Hills are in the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. They are made up of layers of yellow, red, gold, and black earth that show the different geological times this area has been through.
When you go there, look at the bright colors that cover the hillside, making a strange scene that looks like an artist drew it.
Address: Prineville, OR 97754, United States.
7. Petersen Rock Garden
Petersen Rock Garden is one of the best things to do near Prineville, Oregon. It is in Redmond, Oregon, which is about 40 minutes away. Enter a magical world there.
This 4-acre site has a rock garden and a museum. It was built in 1935. There are intricate rock sculptures, bridges, waterfalls, natural landscaping, and a small town in the Petersen Rock Garden.
There are also peafowl that roam the yard and a museum with a gift shop that sells rocks.
Rasmus Petersen, a Danish immigrant who worked in this garden for over 50 years using thousands of different rocks and minerals, is a master craftsman that you should respect when you go there.
Address: 7930 SW 77th Street, Redmond, OR 97756, United States.
8. Crook County Fairgrounds
The Cross County Fairgrounds are one of the best places to visit in Prineville. They have been there since 1903. This is where you can go to events like the Crooked River Roundup Rodeo, county fairs, and agriculture shows.
With family and friends, watch rodeos, listen to live music, ride carnival rides, and eat tasty fair food.
Address: 1280 Main Street, Prineville, OR 97754, United States.
9. Crooked River Ranch Golf Course
This weekend, one fun thing to do in Prineville, OR, is to make a tee time at the Crooked River Ranch Golf Course. It has some of the most beautiful golf holes in Oregon.
The Crooked River Ranch Golf Course has been around since 1972 and is a good task for both new and experienced golfers. The 18-hole golf course is spread out over 10,000 acres and is very well taken care of. It is 5,818 yards from the back tees and has a par of 71.
The ranch has more than just golf. It has a swimming pool, a pavilion for meals, a baseball field, a basketball court, a tennis and pickleball court, and the Loins’ Memorial Park.
Address: 5195 SW Club House Road, Terrebonne, OR 97760, United States.
10. Ochoco Wayside State Park
The beautiful Ochoco Wayside State Park is a fun thing for the whole family to do in Prineville, Oregon. Beautiful views of the local landscape can be seen from this natural haven.
The Ochoco Wayside State Park has a lookout point high above the Ochoco Divide that gives tourists a wide view of lush forests that go all the way to faraway mountains.
The park is known for its picnic area, which is surrounded by tall pine trees and is a great place for people traveling along Highway 26 to stop and rest.
The park is also a starting point for other outdoor activities, like climbing or visiting nearby sights.
Address: Prineville, OR 97754, United States.
11. Bowman Dam
Exploring the Bowman Dam is one of the best things to do outside in Prineville, OR. The earth-type irrigation dam on the Crooked River forms the famous water recreation area of Prineville Reservoir.
The Bowman Dam, which is 245 feet tall and was finished in 1961, was made without any way for fish to get around it. But there are some great places to fish, camp, and have fun on the water near the dam.
Address: OR-27, Prineville, OR 97754, United States.
12. Steins Pillar Trailhead
One of the best things to see in Crook County is Steins Pillar. The Steins Pillar Trailhead is where you can start the 4-mile walk.
Steins Pillar is a 350-foot monolith of welded tuff that was formed when the Wildcat Caldera collapsed about 40 million years ago. It is a mild hike or short bike ride from the trailhead to the base of the rock.
The pillar was once underground, but over time, softer layers have been worn away, revealing it. It can be seen from a viewing place along Mill Creek Road.
Address: Prineville, OR 97754, United States.
13. Walton Lake
There are many free outdoor activities in Prineville, OR. One of them is to check out Walton Lake. This blue, sparkling gem is hidden in a mostly old-growth Ponderosa pine forest. Both tourists and locals can enjoy its recreational possibilities.
For outdoor activities like fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, sightseeing, bird watching, and shooting, Walton Lake is a great place to go.
Besides that, there is a grass trail that goes around the lake and gives you a lot of different views.
Address: NF-2220, Prineville, OR 97754, United States.
14. Puzzle Effect Escape Rooms
In less than 50 minutes by car from Prineville, Oregon, you can find Puzzle Effect Escape Rooms in Bend. One fun thing to do with family and friends nearby is to go on an immersive, obstacle-filled journey.
Players in Puzzle Effect Escape Rooms have to find hidden hints, solve puzzles, find secret passages, avoid lasers, break the safe, and work together to get out of the room before time runs out.
You have five different themed rooms to choose from, which makes it a great experience. Curse on the Emerald Seas, Pipe Works, Rescue, Sideshow, and Grim Sacks are some of the escape rooms that you can choose from.
Address: 61470 S Hwy 97 #4, Bend, OR 97702, United States.
15. Meadow Lakes Golf Course
One of the best places to play golf in Prineville, Oregon, is at the Meadow Lakes Golf Course. Meadow Lakes Golf Course was opened in 1993 and was built by Mr. Bill Robinson, who is Canada’s best golf course architect. The course goes over the beautiful Crooked River four times.
The course is pretty flat, so it’s a good task for both new and experienced golfers. The 18-hole golf course is spread out over a large area and is very well taken care of. It is 6,783 yards from the back tees and has a par of 72.
There is also a restaurant at the club where you can eat with your family and friends.
Address: 300 SW Meadow Lakes Drive, Prineville, OR 97754, United States.
16. Rimrock Springs Wildlife Refuge
Wildlife viewing at Rimrock Springs Wildlife Refuge, a haven for elk, deer, eagles, and other native species, is one of the unique things to do outside in Prineville.
There is a short paved trail (0.5 miles) in this area that goes to an open observation deck with a wide view of the other areas.
Enjoy a picnic in the peaceful Central Oregon scenery, take a beautiful drive through the refuge, or hike the nature trails. Keep an eye out for deer, pronghorn, and migratory birds.
Address: US-26, Madras, OR 97741, United States.
17. Rimrock Lanes
Rimrock Lanes is another fun thing to do with family and friends in Prineville, OR, at night. Try an exciting new game.
Rimrock Lanes has 18 lanes for bowling, so it can accommodate both casual bowlers and serious league players. The entertainment center also has different types of bowling, such as open bowling and club bowling for kids and adults. A game room with air hockey and pool tables is also there.
The entertainment center also has a restaurant and bar where you can get tasty food and cool drinks. It’s a full package for family fun.
Address: 2653 SW High Desert Drive, Prineville, OR 97754, United States.
18. Pioneer Park
One fun thing to do in Prineville, OR, with kids is to check out Pioneer Park. This 1.75-acre park is packed with fun things to do with your family.
The park has a pavilion with electricity, nine picnic tables, a playground for kids, bathrooms, and an old cabin with displays from the Bowman Museum. The park also holds several events every year, such as Western Daze, Picnic in the Park, and the Pioneer Queen Picnic.
Address: 120 NW 3rd St suite a, Prineville, OR 97754, United States.
19. Norm’s Xtreme Fitness Center
A round of fitness training at Norm’s Xtreme Fitness Center is a fun thing for fitness fans to do in Prineville, OR [city].
This exercise center has a sauna, free weights, elliptical trainers, resistance circuits, stationary bikes, treadmills, and a rowing machine, among other things.
You can also hire a personal trainer while you’re here to help you stay fit.
The business is located at 120 NW 3rd St, Suite A, Prineville, OR 97754, USA.
20. Barnes Butte Recreation Area
The Barnes Butte Recreation Area is famous for being one of the best places to visit in Prineville, Oregon. It is made up of welded tuff and is part of the Crooked River crater.
In the 1940s, there was a mercury mine in the area. Today, people can hike or ride mountain bikes in the area and see the Cascade Mountains, the Ochoco Mountains, and the Crooked River Valley all at once.
During your trip, get out into nature and look at rock formations, wildflower fields, and different ecosystems.
Address: Prineville, OR 97754, United States.
21. Prineville Adventure Park
Prineville Adventure Park has thrilling things to do that will get your heart racing. This park has a lot of outdoor activities that everyone can enjoy.
Archery, an MX track for motorbike racing, ATV racing equipment, mountain biking, hiking, and running can all be done at the Prineville Adventure Park.
During your trip, you can race over obstacles and take in the views of the Cascade Mountains and the woods nearby.
Address: 4275 SW Aviation Blvd, Prineville, OR 97754, United States.
22. Crook County Library
The Crook County Library is more than just a place to find information and community tools. It also has many programs for people of all ages.
The Crook County Library has been around since 1999 and is spread out over 17,500 feet. It has a huge collection of about 100,000 books, e-books, podcasts, newspapers, magazines, and Spanish-language books for both kids and adults.
There are also events for families, storytimes, fun English language classes, and book clubs for people of all ages at the Crook County Library, making it a great place for everyone.
Address: 175 NW Meadow Lakes Drive, Prineville, OR 97754, United States.
23. Hot Air Balloon Ride
A hot air balloon ride over Prineville, OR, today is another one-of-a-kind thing to do there. You’ll get to see beautiful views of Central Oregon from above.
Hot air balloon rides are some of the most amazing things you can do in Central Oregon with Big Sky Balloon Company. From the planes, you can see Smith Rock State Park, Wild and Scenic Crooked River Canyon, and the buttes and mountain ranges of the Cascades that are nearby.
Their flights happen in the morning when the air is stable and the wind is calm. Because of this, make sure to wear clothes because the high desert can get cool.
Address: 611 NE Jackpine Ct Unit 3, Redmond, OR 97756, United States.
24. Chimney Rock
One of the best things to do in Prineville, Oregon is to visit Chimney Rock, which is in the Deschutes-Ochoco National Forest.
These rocks look out over a bunchgrass area that the beautiful Crooked River canyon with its cliffs has carved out. This short walk goes up out of the canyon and along a dry waterfall to a lookout point with great views.
Chimney Rock is just beyond. From there, you can see the Three Sisters and rock swallow nests made of lichens in many colors.
Address: Chimney Rock Trail, Prineville, OR 97754, United States.
Get ready for your trip to Prineville, OR.
The Oregon city of Prineville is a fun place to visit with lots of things to do. Prineville has something special for every visitor, from fun things to do outside and beautiful drives to cultural experiences and fun things to do.
Central Oregon’s beauty and charm are waiting for you in Prineville, whether you want to relax, explore, or go on an adventure. Plan your next trip to this lively and varied place to have experiences that will last a lifetime.