Helix OregonATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Helix, Oregon.
1. Griswold Union High School
HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL LANDMARK
Griswold Union High School is a historic educational institution in Helix that showcases the town's commitment to education. The school building represents an important part of the local heritage and community development. Visitors can appreciate its architectural features while learning about the history of education in rural Oregon.
2. Helix Masonic Lodge
HISTORIC FRATERNAL BUILDING
The Helix Masonic Lodge stands as a testament to the town's social and fraternal history. This historic building has been an important gathering place for community members for generations. Its architecture and presence in the town center make it a notable landmark for visitors interested in local history.
3. First Building in Helix
TOWN'S ORIGINAL STRUCTURE
The First Building in Helix represents the origin point of this historic Oregon town. This structure offers visitors a glimpse into the early settlement days and pioneering spirit of the region. Its preservation serves as an important connection to the town's founding and development.
4. Kerley's Garage
VINTAGE AUTOMOTIVE HISTORY
Kerley's Garage stands as a reminder of early automotive culture in rural Helix. The garage has served the community for generations, providing essential services to locals and travelers alike. Its vintage charm and historical significance make it a worthwhile stop on any tour of Helix.
5. Blinn's Market
HISTORIC LOCAL STORE
Blinn's Market has long been a centerpiece of commerce in the small town of Helix. This historic establishment has provided essential goods to the local community throughout various eras of the town's development. Visitors can appreciate the authentic small-town shopping experience that reflects rural Oregon life.
6. P. Sones Hardware Store
CLASSIC RURAL HARDWARE
P. Sones Hardware Store represents a quintessential element of small-town American commerce. This historic establishment has supplied the tools and materials needed for building and maintaining the community for generations. Its continued presence speaks to the resilience and self-sufficiency of rural Oregon towns like Helix.
7. Helix Wheat Country
PICTURESQUE AGRICULTURAL LANDSCAPE
Helix Wheat Country offers visitors rolling fields of wheat with wind turbines dotting the horizon. The landscape is particularly stunning in spring when the young green wheat creates a vibrant contrast with the blue sky. This agricultural vista showcases the economic backbone of the region and provides excellent photo opportunities for travelers.
8. Tamastslikt Cultural Institute
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE
Tamastslikt Cultural Institute offers visitors an immersive experience into the culture and history of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla tribes. Located near Helix in Pendleton, this museum presents the Native American perspective on the settlement and development of the region. Its exhibits, cultural events, and educational programs provide valuable insights into indigenous heritage and contemporary tribal life.
9. Pendleton Round-Up
ICONIC WESTERN RODEO
The Pendleton Round-Up is one of America's most prestigious and historic rodeo events held annually in nearby Pendleton. This world-famous rodeo celebrates the Western heritage of the region with thrilling competitions, parades, and cultural events. Visitors from around the world gather to experience this authentic slice of American cowboy culture that has been a tradition since 1910.
10. Wildhorse Resort and Casino
ENTERTAINMENT AND LODGING COMPLEX
Wildhorse Resort and Casino provides a full-service entertainment destination near Helix with gaming, dining, and accommodation options. The resort, owned and operated by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, offers visitors a chance to enjoy modern amenities in a historically significant setting. Its proximity to Helix makes it a convenient option for visitors looking to extend their stay in the region.
11. Pendleton Woolen Mills
HISTORIC TEXTILE FACTORY
Pendleton Woolen Mills has been producing distinctive blankets, clothing, and textiles inspired by Native American designs since 1909. Visitors can tour the mill to witness the fascinating process of creating these world-renowned woolen products. The company store offers a wide selection of authentic Pendleton goods, making it a perfect shopping destination for quality souvenirs from the region.
12. Heritage Station Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
Heritage Station Museum preserves the rich history of Umatilla County in a complex of historic buildings including the former Pendleton Railroad Depot. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that tell the story of settlement, agriculture, and development in the region around Helix. Visitors can explore the authentic railroad caboose, one-room schoolhouse, and other structures that bring local history to life.
13. Oregon Trail Interpretive Park
HISTORIC PIONEER ROUTE
Oregon Trail Interpretive Park offers visitors the chance to walk in the footsteps of 19th-century pioneers near the Helix area. Well-preserved wagon ruts and interpretive displays help visitors understand the challenges faced by settlers traveling west. The park's scenic location provides both historical education and opportunities for hiking and outdoor recreation.
14. Echo Meadows
OREGON TRAIL HISTORIC SITE
Echo Meadows preserves one of the best remaining sections of original Oregon Trail ruts, just a short drive from Helix. This historic site allows visitors to connect with the pioneering spirit that shaped the settlement of the Pacific Northwest. The peaceful rural setting helps visitors imagine the wagon trains that once passed through this landscape on their journey westward.
15. Fort Henrietta Park
MILITARY HISTORY SITE
Fort Henrietta Park marks the site of a military outpost established in 1855 during the Yakima Indian Wars near present-day Echo. This historic park features interpretive displays that explain the fort's role in regional history and its connection to pioneer settlement patterns. The peaceful setting along the Umatilla River makes it an ideal spot for both historical learning and relaxation when visiting the area around Helix.