26+ Best & Fun Things To Do In Corvallis, OR | 2024
Corvallis
You are going to Corvallis, Oregon, and you want to make it more fun by doing some fun things. Don’t look any further! You’re in the right place. We’re going to talk about the 26 best and most fun things to do in Corvallis, OR, so you can have the time of your life.
Corvallis is a hidden gem in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. It’s only 90 minutes from the busy city of Portland, the stunning Oregon Coast, and the rugged beauty of the Cascade Mountains. The city has a rich past, beautiful scenery, and a lively arts scene.
This fun place for families is called “Tree City USA” because it has a lot of trees and 47 city-run public parks. If you want to get the most out of your trip, you should also know when the best time is to go to Corvallis, Oregon.
26+ Fun and Awesome Things To Do In Corvallis, OR
1. Oregon State University
Start your trip to Corvallis by checking out Oregon State University. The university was founded in 1868 and has grown to become the top public research school in the state.
The campus is one of the most energy- and environmentally friendly in the country. It also has many tourist attractions, such as the Memorial Union, the LEED-certified Kelly Engineering Building, the Valley Library, the historic, 100-year-old Kearney Hall building, several sports facilities, and more.
Explore the university grounds on your own, and don’t miss the OSU grounds Way Arboretum. It has a large and varied collection of living woody plants, with over 65,000 plants from 95 families, 244 genera, and more than 1,000 species that are native to every continent except Antarctica.
Corvallis, OR 97331, United States
2. Osborn Aquatic Center
Today, the Osborn Aquatic Center is a fun place to get away from the heat of the summer. This community recreation center is a great place for people of all kinds to have fun in the water.
There are four pools at the Osborn Aquatic Center. Each one can be used for different things, like lap swimming, open recreation, toddler time, swim practice, swimming lessons, water polo competitions, and more.
Otter Beach, Corvallis’s popular outdoor water park, is right next to the pools and has all the latest amenities. The water park has a pool for fun, a splash pad, and big slides that both kids and people can use. There are lots of spots to sit and enjoy the view of the pool.
1940 NW Highland Dr, Corvallis, OR 97330, USA
3. Willamette Park And Natural Area
One of the interesting things to do in Corvallis, Oregon is to explore Willamette Park and Natural Area, which is the city’s biggest park. This large park and nature area covers 287 acres and gives you a taste of the wild in the city.
There are open meadows, play fields, a community garden, soccer fields, a disc golf course, picnic shelters, a playground, hiking and jogging tracks, and a multi-modal path that goes the whole length of the park.
The park also has views of and access to the Willamette River. Canoeists and kayakers like the boat dock and ramp. The park also lets you bring your pets and let your dogs run free in most areas.
When you go, keep an eye out for the many kinds of birds that like to visit the area. Also, go to neighborhood sporting events, community events, and workshops held outside in the park.
We can be reached at 1350 SE Goodnight Ave, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA.
4. Peavy Arboretum
The Peavy Arboretum is one of the best places to visit in this area. It is north of Corvallis and shows off Oregon’s long history of forests. By teaching people about nature outside, this arboretum shapes tourism for nature fans.
This 40-acre arboretum is owned and run by Oregon State University. It is a popular place for local gardeners to visit because it has many plant types, Native American sites, the Oregon State Forest Nursery, and more.
There are also trailheads and walking tracks in the Arboretum that anyone can use.
As one of the free things to do in Corvallis, you can hike or have a picnic surrounded by tall firs, cedars, and many native plants. You can also visit the peaceful Cronemiller Lake in the middle of the Arboretum and learn about forest ecology and conversation at workshops put on by the Arboretum.
NW Peavy Arboretum Rd, Corvallis, OR 97330, USA
5. Corvallis Museum
If you’re interested in history, one of the most interesting things to do in Corvallis, Oregon, is to visit the Corvallis Museum and learn about the town’s past.
The Benton County Historical Society takes care of the museum, which has four galleries with displays of art, artifacts, textiles, specimens, and historical papers about Corvallis.
The museum also has the Society’s collections, such as the famous Horner Collection, which is made up of a huge number of artifacts that give a unique look into the past of the Pacific Northwest, including the lives of many American tribes.
If you want to learn more about Corvallis’s interesting past, this museum should be on your list of things to do.
411 SW 2nd St, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
6. Corvallis Riverfront Commemorative Park
This beautiful 12-acre urban park along the Willamette River is one of the best places in Corvallis for family fun.
As a “downtown showcase,” this park has both paved and grassy areas, views of the Willamette River, many benches for resting, more than 350 ornamental trees and more than 5,000 ornamental plants, and a spray fountain pool.
Many sculptures in the park are just for looks. The decorative water fountain at the Helen M. Berg Plaza is one of the most famous parts of the park. People also like to go to the park for neighborhood events like the Red, White, and Blues Festival and the spring/summer Farmers Market.
You can jog, ride your bike, walk your dog, or just enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful art in this park.
2 NW 1st St, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
7. The Arts Center
The Arts Center, a place for visual arts to be shown, is one of the best things to do in Corvallis. The Art Center has been around since 1961 and was started by the Corvallis Arts Council. It provides art classes and camps for at-risk kids regularly.
In a historic Carpenter Gothic church that was built in 1889, the center has shows of modern art. The shows feature well-known workers from the area as well as established and up-and-coming artists from Linn and Benton counties.
Visit the art center, look at the displays, and buy something to remember your trip from the ArtShop, which has fine arts and crafts from more than 50 local and area artists.
700 SW Madison Ave, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
8. Irish Bend Covered Bridge
The Irish Bend Covered Bridge is a wooden bridge that was built in 1954 and is on the Oregon State University campus. It used to cross the Willamette River on Irish Bend Road.
The bridge was put on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. The Howe truss bridge is 60 feet tall.
Along with the nearby oak tree, the bridge is a famous tourist spot all year because of its important role in Oregon State University’s history and the farm research facility.
Midge Cramer Path, Corvallis, OR 97330, USA
9. Rose Garden In Avery Park
Couples looking for a sweet thing to do in Corvallis, OR should check out the Rose Garden in Avery Park. It has areas for fun and relaxation as well as some beautiful plants.
There are beautiful wrought-iron benches, a romantic arbor, and permanent works of art in the park. The nearby park is 75 acres big and has ball fields, playgrounds for kids, picnic booths, and a horseshoe court. The park also has well-known viewing places for locomotives and the river.
Take your partner through this lovely yard and enjoy the many types of roses, especially when they are in full bloom. At certain times of the year, you can also see events like Easter egg hunts and music in the summer.
Corvallis, OR 97333, United States
10. Whiteside Theatre
Going to the Whiteside Theatre to see a show at night is a fun thing to do in Corvallis, Oregon. This historic theater with 800 seats was built in 1922 and shows off Corvallis’ rich cultural history.
The theater has a beautiful exterior, but it also shows movies, live acts, and community events. The theater often has film events, live plays, and musical performances, so there are lots of different ways to have fun.
If you want to see a show, check their calendar for famous movie nights, which are like going back in time.
We can be reached at 361 SW Madison Ave, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA.
11. Corvallis Farmers Market
This weekend, shopping at the Corvallis Farmers Market is one of the best things to do in Corvallis, OR. The farmers market in Riverfront Commemorative Park is a great example of the rich Willamette Valley.
This market is open every Wednesday and Saturday from April to November. It’s a fun thing to do on a Saturday morning. Every Saturday, about 70 sellers come to the market to sell fresh food, artisanal cheeses, handcrafted goods, and gourmet treats.
Try some of the area’s famous berries and pick up a bottle of honey while you’re there. Enjoy live music acts that make the mood more festive, especially around holiday times.
NW 1st St, Corvallis, OR 97330, USA
12. Jackson-Frazier Wetland
One of the best places to visit in Corvallis, Oregon, is the beautiful Jackson-Frazier Wetland. This well-kept, protected 147-acre site can be used for study, education, and public access.
A lot of this site is wetland, mostly palustrine emergent, with rushes, sedges, and different kinds of grasses, like tall fescue, slough grass, meadow oxtail, and reed canary grass. There are small mammals, snakes, and birds living together in these wetlands.
A 3400-foot-long wooden boardwalk that runs through the wetland and is about 2/3 of a mile long is also set up in the area.
People can see the biodiverse scenery and beautiful bird species, such as sparrows, red-winged blackbirds, and great blue herons.
The address is 3600 NE Lancaster St, Corvallis, OR 97330, USA.
13. Siuslaw National Forest
Exploring the Siuslaw National Forest is a fun thing to do in Corvallis, Oregon if you like being outside. The Siuslaw is made up of different ecosystems, from coastal woods to dunes, and covers more than 630,000 acres.
At 4,097 feet, Mary Hill is the highest point in Oregon’s Coast Range and the most visible hill west of Corvallis. It is in the forest. From the top, you can see the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Mountains in every direction.
During your stay, you can do fun things like fishing, camping, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, exploring tide pools, and riding off-road vehicles.
3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
14. Chip Ross Natural Area
The Chip Ross Natural Area is a nature lover’s dream. It’s on the north side of Corvallis and has trails and lookouts that make it great for hikes and picnicking.
This place is 125.6 acres and has lovely views of the Cascade Mountains, the Coast Range, the Willamette Valley, and Corvallis. The area has picnic tables and a 1.5-mile hiking path through oak woodland and hilltop habitats of upland prairie and oak savanna. Dogs are allowed to run free in this area.
People who come to the nature area can do things like hike and have a picnic. Hiking here at sunset is especially fun, and photographers can get great pictures.
NW Lester Ave, Corvallis, OR 97330, USA
15. Majestic Theatre
Seeing a show at the Majestic Theatre tonight is another fun thing to do in Corvallis, OR. The Majestic Theatre has been an important part of Corvallis’s culture since it opened in 1913. It has been the site of many shows and events.
This community-run theater with 800 seats puts on a wide range of shows, from plays and musicals to comedy nights and movie showings.
To see a show, check the theater’s calendar for shows put on by local artists, workshops, art shows, and community meetings.
115 SW 2nd St, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
16. Alsea Falls
Alsea Falls is in Oregon’s beautiful Coast Range, about 45 minutes south of Corvallis. It drops 30 feet into a peaceful pool surrounded by green trees.
Several trails around Alsea Falls offer different views. Some of these tracks lead to the smaller but just as beautiful Green Peak Falls. The Green Peak Falls drops 45 feet into the Green Peak River, which flows into the Alsea River.
There is a lot of fun and excitement at Alsea Falls. There are many things to do, such as hikes, biking, swimming, fishing, or just taking in the beautiful view of the falls.
If you go in the spring, you should check out the Alsea Falls Spring Fling, a mountain biking event that happens every year and draws people from all over the area.
In the United States, the address for Alsea Falls Recreation Site is Monroe, OR 97456.
17. Dixon Recreation Center
The Dixon Recreation Center is the center of all the fun things to do in Corvallis. It is on the campus of Oregon State University.
This brand-new building has indoor climbing walls, swimming pools, racquetball courts, two gyms, beach volleyball courts, multipurpose rooms, squash courts, indoor tracks and weight rooms, and a lot of different kinds of exercise equipment.
For one-of-a-kind things to do in Corvallis, go to the recreation center and do a variety of exercise classes, such as Zumba and aqua aerobics.
425 SW 26th St, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
18. Corvallis-Benton County Public Library
How to Spend Your Time in Corvallis, OR
The Corvallis-Benton County Public Library is more than just a place to find books. It’s a community hub and a sign of how much people in Corvallis care about learning.
This public library has been around since 1932 and has a huge collection of books, digital resources, and quiet places to read and study. The library has classes, book clubs, and reading times for kids all the time.
You can do more than just read. You can go to talks by guest authors, poetry readings, and cultural discussions, all of which will give you new ideas and keep you interested.
645 NW Monroe Ave, Corvallis, OR 97330, USA
19. Escape Corvallis
Want to do something fun with family and friends in Corvallis? Then, go to Escape Corvallis for an adventure that will pull you in and keep you guessing.
Escape Corvallis opened in 2016 and offers a set of tasks that are both fun and difficult. The goal is to get people to work together. You have five different themed rooms to choose from, which makes it a great experience. There are escape rooms like “Jailbreak,” “REC Room,” “Got Brains?”, Kids’ Room, and Happy Hour.
The address is 301 SW 4th St #280, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA.
20. Highland Bowl
The Highland Bowl is a fun place for families to spend hours today in Corvallis, OR. This theme park is a dream come true for both kids and adults.
With many lanes, the leisure center has something for both casual bowlers and serious league players. The building also has a playground with games that both kids and adults will enjoy.
For family fun, the Highlands Bowl is a great place to go. Fun games aside, they also have a restaurant and bar inside that serve tasty food and cool drinks, making it a full family entertainment package.
The address is 2123 NW 9th St, Corvallis, OR 97330, USA.
21. Beazell Memorial Forest
The Beazell Memorial Forest is a unique place to visit near Corvallis, Oregon. It is about 10 miles west of the city. This conservation area, which covers 586 acres of temperate rainforest, shows how much Corvallis cares about protecting its natural history.
The forest is Benton County’s biggest park, and it has many trails that go through a wide range of landscapes, from dense forests to open fields.
You can do things outside during your visit, such as nature walks, birdwatching, hiking, biking, and horseback rides. The Plunkett Creek Loop Trail is another place to go. It gives you views of the Coast Range.
Philomath, OR 97370, United States
22. Chintimini Wildlife Center
The Chintimini Wildlife Center is one of the many interesting things to do in Corvallis today. This center, which is 9.4 acres, takes care of the mid-valley’s sick, injured, and orphaned native animals so that they can go back to their natural environment.
The Raptor Education Program also lives at the center. It includes great talks about birds of prey and how they live in the wild, as well as other educational displays.
At the nature center, you can go on a guided walk, see animals, hear educational talks, and do many other things.
311 NW Lewisburg Ave, Corvallis, OR 97330, USA
23. Trysting Tree Golf Club
This 18-hole championship course opened in 1986 and is located along the Willamette River in Corvallis, Oregon. It is called the Trysting Tree Golf Club.
Many people know Ted Robinson as an architect, and this golf course is fun for players of all skill levels. Beautiful Corvallis’s natural scenery can be seen from this golf club, which is a picture of comfort.
The golf club also has well-kept fairways and greens, difficult games, and a peaceful atmosphere. Whether you’re an experienced golfer or a beginner, you might want to take a lesson with one of their professional golfers to get tips and help.
The address is 34028 NE Electric Rd, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA.
24. Crystal Lake Park
Crystal Lake Park is one of our picks for fun things to do in Corvallis with family. The park covers 125 acres and is on the banks of the Willamette River. It provides a peaceful area for people to relax and enjoy leisure activities.
Soccer and baseball fields, a disc golf course, walking and jogging tracks, picnic areas, and a lake with lots of fish can all be found at Crystal Lake Park. There is also a native garden in the park that is a riot of color when the flowers are in bloom.
You can go to this park with your family and friends and do a lot of fun and sports things. You can also walk along the track and fish in the lake.
100 SE Fischer Ln, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
25. Reser Stadium
Going to an NFL game at Reser Stadium this weekend is one of the best things to do in Corvallis, OR. It has 35,548 seats and was opened in 1953. It is where the Oregon State University Beavers play their home games.
It’s fun to watch a game on this field. Not only football games but also many other sports events that you and your family can watch.
Check their calendar to see when the games are and cheer for your favorite team with the other fans.
660 SW 26th St, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
26. Tyee Wine Cellars
Your trip to Corvallis, Oregon, isn’t complete until you try some wine at the Tyee Wine Cellars. This wine cellar has been around since 1985 and is run by a family. They have one of the best Pinot Noirs for guests.
Estate Grown Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Gewurztraminer are what the winery does best. People can hike along the Tyees Beaver Pond Loop Nature Trail, taste wine, and have picnics on their historic farms.
Get in touch at 26335 Greenberry Rd, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA.
27. Fort Hoskins Historical County Park
The Fort Hoskins Historical County Park is one of the best places to visit in Corvallis, Oregon. It opened to the public in 2002.
The site, which covers 130 acres, was built by the U.S. Army to keep an eye on Oregon’s Coastal Indian Reservation. There are picnic tables, a drinking fountain, a grill, educational interpretive displays, and self-guided walks in the park that let people explore the resource’s history, plants, and views.
The address is 22953 Hoskins Rd, Philomath, OR 97370, USA.
Get ready for your trip to Corvallis, OR
Corvallis, Oregon, is a great example of how beautiful and lively the Pacific Northwest is. There are a lot of different things to do in Corvallis, from lively arts and culture places to beautiful natural areas.
Every site has a story to tell, and all of them add to the overall beauty of this city. Your heart will be changed by Corvallis whether you’re here for a day or ten years.