Between Salem And Eugene Is Oregon's Small City On A River With A Charming Downtown And Outdoor Fun

Oregon is one of the nation's most underrated states, as it is filled to the brim with interesting cities and towns that travelers should keep on their radar. One location in particular is a picturesque, historic city with beautiful river views and a friendly small-town atmosphere  — it's a great place to start exploring some of what the Beaver State has to offer. Located along Willamette Valley's eastern edge between Salem and Eugene is Lebanon, a small city with history and charm. Situated along the South Santiam River, Lebanon's welcoming nature is reflected in its official motto, "The City That Friendliness Built."

Lebanon was first founded in 1847 by a couple from Indiana, who built a log cabin and store near the river that quickly expanded into a small village. In 1909, a fair was held to celebrate the village as the valley's premier area for strawberry-growing, an event that turned into the beloved annual Strawberry Festival. Today, Lebanon is home to over 20,000 residents, and maintains a friendly, small-town vibe that invites visitors to stay a little while longer. "After living in Lebanon for a year now, I can clearly see why this is the town that friendliness built," wrote one local on Facebook.

Visitors will find that Lebanon offers a mix of attractions to explore. Tours of historic Main Street take you past fascinating galleries and even haunted locations. Outdoorsy travelers can enjoy the abundance of green space and recreational opportunities within and around the city, from scenic lakes to popular parks for the family. Lebanon is only 37 miles southeast of Salem and about 45 miles northeast of Eugene, with the nearest airport being Eugene Airport. 

While Lebanon is not the most well-known city with this name in the country — that honor goes to Tennessee's vibrant "Cedar City" — Lebanon, Oregon still holds its own. Take downtown, for example, which houses plenty of historic buildings that add tons of character to the area. One of the best ways to learn about the area's history is to join the annual historical downtown tour held each December, where you'll learn about buildings such as Main Street's Kuhn Cinema, first opened in 1935. Since reopening in 2005 after extensive restorations that preserve the original Art Deco style, it is considered to be one of Lebanon's most haunted locations. Visitors can also take a self-guided tour any other time of the year by following the route map PDF Guide listed on the event page. 

The downtown area also offers a host of unique businesses and eateries that cater to various interests. For example, the Linn County Arts Guild is a gallery and artist haven celebrating the artistic talents of the local community. It hosts contests, shows, and events — and you can even purchase some hand-made artwork, such as jewelry,  paintings, and more. Visitors can also soak in the coziness and Parisian elegance of Bloom Boutique & Tea House, a great spot for a friendly afternoon tea. Or, enjoy wood-fired pizza and a family-friendly atmosphere at the highly-rated Conversion Brewing. 

Downtown Lebanon is at its most active during the annual Strawberry Festival, held during the first weekend of June. The beloved festival draws tens of thousands of people to the city. According to the Albany Visitors Association, attendees can expect live music, firework show, carnival rides, parades, and a complimentary slice of the world's largest Strawberry Shortcake.

Lebanon is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts. The city is situated in the Willamette Valley, which, in addition to serving as Oregon's premier wine region, is renowned for its diverse outdoor recreation. Lebanon is filled with scenic parks, with its largest and most popular being River Park, situated right along the banks of the South Santiam River. With its baseball fields, horseshoe pits, grills, and playground for the kids, this park has a 4.5 rating on Google and is praised for its wide-open green spaces. Less than a mile away, families can also enjoy the playground at Ralston Park, a local favorite — it's also the historic location of the log cabin built by the city's founders.

One of Lebanon's most scenic spots for outdoor recreation is Cheadle Lake. Referred to as the city's "crown jewel" by Build Lebanon Trails, this former mill pond has been converted into a stunning 100-acre lake where you can fish and boat (but swimming is not allowed). Cheadle Lake is surrounded by the 35-acre Lebanon Community Park, which features lush trails that offer views of the tranquil waters.

With its blend of small-town charm, historic attractions, and easy access to some of the state's most beautiful landscapes, Lebanon is well worth a stop on your next trip to Oregon. In the area and looking for more outdoor fun? Head 30 miles northeast towards Silver Falls State Park, Oregon's largest state park and home of the breathtaking 177-foot South Falls.