Grants Pass OregonATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Grants Pass, Oregon.
1. Wildlife Images Rehabilitation & Education Center
ANIMAL SANCTUARY AND EDUCATION
Wildlife Images Rehabilitation & Education Center is a highly-rated wildlife sanctuary dedicated to rehabilitating injured and orphaned animals. Visitors can take guided tours to see various wildlife species including bears, wolves, and birds of prey in naturalistic habitats. The center offers educational programs about conservation and wildlife rehabilitation, making it both entertaining and informative for all ages.
2. The Glass Forge
ARTISAN GLASSBLOWING GALLERY
The Glass Forge is a premier glass art gallery where visitors can watch skilled artisans create stunning glass pieces through live demonstrations. The gallery showcases a wide variety of handcrafted glass art including vases, lighting fixtures, and decorative items available for purchase. Visitors can even sign up for hands-on glassblowing experiences to create their own unique glass souvenirs.
3. Bear Hotel Artworks Museum
UNIQUE ART EXPERIENCE
Bear Hotel Artworks Museum is a specialty museum housing an eclectic collection of art installations and creative exhibits. The venue transforms throughout the year to host various themed art exhibits and community events that showcase local talent. Its unique artistic environment and ever-changing displays make it a must-visit cultural destination in Grants Pass.
4. Schmidt Family Vineyards
PREMIUM VINEYARD EXPERIENCE
Schmidt Family Vineyards offers a picturesque wine tasting experience with beautifully landscaped gardens and mountain views. Visitors can sample award-winning wines produced from their estate-grown grapes while enjoying the serene atmosphere. The vineyard also features a restaurant serving wood-fired pizzas and other delicious fare that pairs perfectly with their wines.
5. Hellgate Jetboat Excursions
THRILLING RIVER ADVENTURE
Hellgate Jetboat Excursions provides exhilarating boat tours on the scenic Rogue River, combining natural beauty with adrenaline-pumping fun. The skilled boat captains navigate through the Hellgate Canyon, performing 360-degree spins and sharing fascinating information about the area's history and wildlife. Visitors can choose from various tour options, including dinner cruises that feature meals at their exclusive riverside lodge.
6. Riverside Park
SCENIC WATERFRONT RECREATION
Riverside Park is a beautiful 100-acre recreational area located along the Rogue River offering numerous amenities for outdoor enthusiasts. The park features walking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and a boat ramp for water recreation opportunities. As a historic landmark in Grants Pass, it serves as a central gathering place for community events and festivals throughout the year.
7. Grants Pass Museum of Art
CULTURAL ARTS CENTER
Grants Pass Museum of Art showcases rotating exhibitions featuring works by regional, national, and international artists in a welcoming gallery space. The museum offers art classes, workshops, and cultural events that engage the community in creative expression. Its downtown location makes it an accessible cultural hub that contributes to the artistic vibrancy of Grants Pass.
8. Rogue Theatre
HISTORIC PERFORMANCE VENUE
The Rogue Theatre is a beautifully restored historic venue that hosts a variety of live performances including concerts, plays, and comedy shows. The theater's charming architecture and excellent acoustics create an intimate setting for enjoying entertainment in downtown Grants Pass. Since its renovation, it has become a cultural cornerstone of the community, attracting both local and touring performers.
9. Schmidt House Museum
LOCAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Schmidt House Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history of Grants Pass and Josephine County through preserved artifacts and exhibits. Housed in a historic building, the museum showcases the development of the region from its early settlers through modern times. Tour guides provide engaging stories about local heritage, making history come alive for visitors of all ages.
10. Wooldridge Creek Winery
FARM-TO-TABLE WINE EXPERIENCE
Wooldridge Creek Winery is a unique destination that combines a vineyard, winery, creamery, and charcuterie in one beautiful location. Visitors can sample handcrafted wines paired with house-made cheeses and cured meats while enjoying panoramic views of the Applegate Valley. The sustainable farming practices and on-site production facilities offer an authentic farm-to-table experience for food and wine enthusiasts.
11. The Haul
LOCAL CULINARY HOTSPOT
The Haul is a popular dining establishment offering a diverse menu featuring everything from craft cocktails to pizza, tacos, and burgers. The restaurant's casual atmosphere and quality food make it a favorite gathering place for locals and tourists alike. Its central location in downtown Grants Pass makes it convenient for visitors exploring the area's attractions.
12. Troon Vineyard
BIODYNAMIC WINE DESTINATION
Troon Vineyard is known for its biodynamic farming practices and production of exceptional wines in the Applegate Valley. Visitors can enjoy tastings of their Mediterranean-inspired wines including unique varieties like Vermentino, Tannat, and Malbec. The vineyard's beautiful outdoor seating areas provide a relaxing environment to enjoy wine while taking in views of the surrounding mountains.
13. Caveman Bridge
ICONIC HISTORIC LANDMARK
The Caveman Bridge is a distinctive Art Deco-style bridge spanning the Rogue River and serving as an iconic symbol of Grants Pass. Built in 1931, the bridge features unique concrete arches and is illuminated at night, creating a beautiful reflection on the water below. The nearby Redwood Highway neon sign adds to the historic charm of this significant landmark that connects downtown to the northern part of the city.
14. Oregon Shakespeare Festival
WORLD-CLASS THEATER EXPERIENCE
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival is a renowned theater company located just 36 miles from Grants Pass in nearby Ashland. The festival produces high-quality performances of Shakespeare's works alongside contemporary plays in its multiple theaters, including the unique outdoor Elizabethan Theatre. With a season that runs from February through October, visitors can enjoy exceptional theatrical productions as part of a day trip from Grants Pass.
15. Oregon Caves National Monument
NATURAL UNDERGROUND WONDER
Oregon Caves National Monument features a marble cave system formed within the Siskiyou Mountains near Cave Junction. Guided tours take visitors through the cathedral-like chambers adorned with stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone formations created over thousands of years. The monument also includes hiking trails through old-growth forests and the historic Chateau at the Oregon Caves, making it a perfect day trip from Grants Pass.