Salem, Oregon

Salem is the capital city of Oregon, and has something for just about everyone. From beautiful vistas and parks, to outstanding performing and visual arts, to quaint shopping and amazing dining experiences, Salem perfectly encapsulates exactly what it means to be an Oregonian.

Currently in Salem 46° RAIN Humidity: 92 Visibility: 2 Wind: CLM 10-day forecast

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Area Attractions Oregon Gardens of Eden Whether you enjoy just walking through gardens, the activity of gardening or are an armchair gardener, you’ll find plenty of inspiration when you visit the region’s public gardens. Salem A City with Diverse Appeal This Eden-like region is filled with diverse venues and attractions that appeal to a wide range of travel interests. The city and its surrounding area hold undeniable appeal. Salem Area's Recreational Secrets Salem is known for state government, unique historic museums, wineries and gardens. However, the region also boasts outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities that are a well kept secret. Enchanted Forest Oregon's premier theme park of fun and amusement. Storybook Lane, western town, old Europe village, water-light show, Haunted House, Big Timber Log Ride, Ice Mountain roller coaster and more rides. Fun for all ages! Silver Falls State Park, something for any length of stay Whether you are looking for a quick day trip, to hold a conference or an extended camping trip, Silver Falls State Park offers something for any length of stay. Gordon House in Silverton at the Oregon Garden The state's only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house originally occupied a scenic setting, near the Charbonneau development in Wilsonville.

Salem Lodging Red Lion Hotel Salem is located off I-5, minutes from downtown. Our 150 guest rooms feature free high-speed wireless Internet, indoor pool, fitness center, sauna, restaurant, lounge and much more. Pacific Highway Inn in Salem Come stay with us for the best in friendly hospitality. At the Best Western Pacific Highway Inn, we offer our guests a clean and comfortable place to rest and an easily accessible location. Mill Creek Inn We have 109 spacious guest rooms including rooms for the physically challenged, mini-suites and large two-room suites. Each room is beautifully decorated with up-to-date color schemes, rich wood accents and restful artwork. Experience the Best Western Dallas Inn & Suites in Dallas, Ore., the perfect small town getaway. Conveniently located near Western Oregon University, golf courses, wild bird refuge and Oregon's largest gambling casino: Spirit Mountain Casino. Phoenix Inn Suites in North Salem Phoenix Inn offers easy access to I-5 and is close to the Historic District in downtown Salem. The location makes this hotel perfect for the leisure and business traveler. Phoenix Inn Suites in South Salem Located minutes off I-5 and Kuebler Boulevard, Phoenix Inn is an all-suite hotel in the heart of historic downtown Salem. The Shilo Inns Suites – Salem is conveniently located off Interstate 5 one mile from the State’s capitol buildings and state fairground complex.

Salem is centered in the heart of the Willamette Valley-one of the most fertile and agriculturally productive regions in the world, between Portland and Eugene at the crossroads of Interstate Highway 5 and Oregon Highway 22. Salem is the county seat of Marion County. Also within its city limits is a portion of Polk County to the west, giving Salem an incorporated grand total of 45 square miles.

Salem has twice been selected an "All-America City" by the National Civic League, in 1961 and 1982. Salem's quality of life continues to improve every year. Salem is among the nation's leaders, meeting selection criteria posed by firms considering possible economic development sites. The region scores high with favorable labor, taxes, educational institutions, cultural offerings, governmental services, developable sites, quality of life and transportation.

History: Salem was incorporated in 1857, and is one of Oregon's oldest cities. The Indian name for the locality was Chemeketa, said to mean "meeting or resting place." It may also have been the name of one of the bands of Calapooya Indians.

In 1840-41, the Jason Lee Mission was moved from the Willamette River upstream to a site on Mill Creek. In 1842, the missionaries established the Oregon Institute. When the mission was dissolved in 1844, it was decided to lay out a townsite on the Institute lands. Either David Leslie, one of the trustees who came to Oregon from Salem, Mass., or W.H. Willson, who filed plats for what is now the main part of the city in 1850-51, selected the name "Salem." Salem is the anglicized form of the hebrew word Shalom, meaning peace.

Salem was not the original state capital site. Back in 1851, the provisional government moved the capital from Oregon City to Salem; then in 1855 it was move to Corvallis, only to move back to Salem the same year.