Condon OregonATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Condon, Oregon.
1. Thirtymile Creek
SCENIC NATURAL WONDER
Thirtymile Creek is one of the top attractions in Condon, offering visitors beautiful natural landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities. The creek provides a peaceful setting for hiking, photography, and wildlife observation throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility of this natural area while experiencing the authentic beauty of rural Oregon.
2. Gilliam County Historical Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Gilliam County Historical Museum complex is located at Burns Park along Route 19 and features several restored historic buildings. Visitors can explore a train depot, caboose, church, barber shop, jail, school house, and the Silas A. Rice Log House, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's past and the pioneer lifestyle of early settlers.
3. Condon City Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION HUB
Condon City Park serves as a central gathering place for locals and visitors alike, hosting various community events throughout the year. The park features the Summer Concert series organized by the Oregon Frontier Chamber of Commerce, providing entertainment in a picturesque outdoor setting. Families can enjoy the green spaces, picnic areas, and recreational facilities that make this park a beloved local attraction.
4. Hotel Condon
HISTORIC LODGING EXPERIENCE
Hotel Condon stands as one of the five largest employers in the city and represents an important part of the local economy and tourism industry. The historic hotel offers visitors comfortable accommodations with a touch of old-world charm in the heart of Condon. Guests can experience authentic small-town hospitality while staying in this landmark establishment that connects them to the region's heritage.
5. Condon Golf Course
9-HOLE SCENIC PLAY
The Condon Golf Course is a 9-hole facility operated by the City of Condon, providing recreational opportunities for both locals and visitors. Golfers can enjoy the challenging course set against the backdrop of the region's rolling hills and open landscapes. The well-maintained greens and fairways offer an enjoyable experience for players of all skill levels in a relaxed small-town atmosphere.
6. Condon Public Swimming Pool
REFRESHING COMMUNITY WATERS
The Condon Public Swimming Pool is a popular recreational facility operated by the City of Condon, offering relief during warm summer months. Visitors and residents alike can enjoy swimming, splashing, and relaxing in this community-centered amenity. The pool serves as a gathering place for families and provides swimming lessons and aquatic activities for people of all ages.
7. Historic Main Street
NORMAN ROCKWELL CHARM
Condon's Historic Main Street runs along Oregon Route 19 and features a Norman Rockwell-esque small-town atmosphere that captures the essence of rural America. Visitors can stroll through the charming downtown area, admiring historic buildings and discovering local businesses, shops, and eateries. The picturesque main street serves as the heart of the community, hosting various events throughout the year including the Fall Festival in November.
8. Condon Movie Theater
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Condon Movie Theater was recently purchased by the Condon Arts Council with plans to restore it into a vibrant event space. This historic venue represents the community's commitment to preserving cultural landmarks while adapting them for contemporary use. Once restoration is complete, the theater will serve as a gathering place for performances, film screenings, and cultural events in this small but arts-focused community.
9. Fossil High School Dig Site
HANDS-ON PALEONTOLOGY EXPERIENCE
The Fossil High School Dig Site offers visitors the unique opportunity to dig for real fossils on the school grounds just south of Condon. Amateur paleontologists of all ages can uncover ancient plant and animal remains from the region's rich fossil beds dating back millions of years. This hands-on educational experience provides a tangible connection to the prehistoric past of the area.
10. The Fossil Museum
PREHISTORIC REGIONAL TREASURES
The Fossil Museum showcases an impressive collection of prehistoric artifacts and specimens found in the surrounding region. Visitors can examine detailed exhibits that explain the geological and paleontological significance of the John Day Fossil Beds area. The museum provides educational information about the ancient ecosystems and extinct creatures that once inhabited this part of Oregon millions of years ago.
11. John Day Fossil Beds National Monument - Clarno Unit
ANCIENT VOLCANIC LANDSCAPES
The Clarno Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument features dramatic rock formations created by ancient volcanic mudflows that preserve a diverse array of plant and animal fossils. Visitors can hike short trails to observe the towering Clarno Palisades and explore this fascinating geological window into Oregon's subtropical past. The site offers interpretive displays explaining how this area transformed from a lush jungle to the semi-arid landscape seen today.
12. Oregon Paleo Lands Center
EARTH SCIENCE EDUCATION HUB
The Oregon Paleo Lands Center serves as a comprehensive educational facility featuring regional natural history displays, maps, guides, and travel advice for exploring the John Day Fossil Beds region. Visitors can gain valuable insights into the area's geological significance and prehistoric ecosystems through interactive exhibits and informative presentations. The center offers scheduled and custom trips for all ages, making it an excellent starting point for exploring the fascinating paleontological treasures of the region.
13. Ghost Town Gulch
WESTERN FRONTIER RELIC
Ghost Town Gulch provides visitors with a glimpse into the frontier past of eastern Oregon, showcasing abandoned structures and remnants of early settlement. The atmospheric site evokes the boom-and-bust cycle of many Western communities during the region's development. Explorers can wander through this haunting reminder of pioneer life while appreciating the rugged determination of those who once called this area home.
14. Local Game Bird Reserve
WILDLIFE VIEWING PARADISE
The local Game Bird Reserve near Condon offers nature enthusiasts an opportunity to observe native bird species in their natural habitat. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, photography, and hiking while experiencing the diverse ecosystem that supports various wildlife populations. The reserve represents the region's commitment to conservation and provides a peaceful retreat for those seeking connection with Oregon's natural environment.
15. Summit Springs Village
COMMUNITY & CULTURAL CENTER
Summit Springs Village is one of the five largest employers in Condon, serving as an assisted living center that plays an important role in the community. The facility hosts various events and activities that are open to visitors, providing cultural engagement opportunities beyond its primary residential care services. As a central part of Condon's social fabric, Summit Springs Village offers insight into the close-knit community values that define this small Oregon town.