Ultimate WEEKEND Guide: 10 Wonderful Things to do in Wilsonville (And Cherish Forever)
Ready for a relaxing & refreshing Pacific Northwest getaway? Head to Wilsonville, Oregon!
With a charming vibe, abundant natural spaces, and top-rated restaurants, Wilsonville is a gem hidden in the heart of the Beaver State. Let’s explore everything you need to know in this guide on things to do in Wilsonville!
Let’s Explore: Things to do in Wilsonville
This post is sponsored by Explore Wilsonville. Big thank you to Cara and Alex for creating the following itinerary that I used on my visit – it was seriously perfect! All thoughts are my own. Happy traveling!
The Adventurer’s Guide on Things to Do in Wilsonville
This guide is ideal for 2 nights and 2 full days. Of course, there’s plenty of shopping, sightseeing, & dining to do in and around Wilsonville. So if you have the flexibility to extend your trip, then I encourage it!
Where is Wilsonville, Oregon?
Known as the gateway to the Willamette Valley, Wilsonville is a charming suburban town graced by the Willamette River.
For reference, Wilsonville is situated about 17 miles South of downtown Portland and 30 miles North of Salem.
Conveniently, it is accessible right off of 1-5.
If you live in western Washington like me, Wilsonville is a great road trip destination!
The closest major airport is Portland International Airport (PDX).
In terms of public transportation, there is a system of SMART buses and WES Commuter Rail.
1. Live a Sweet Adventure at Lux Sucre Bakery + Cafe
If I designed my dream cafe, it would look like this!
At first glance, this “casually chic” cafe is a pink lovers paradise. Complete with a retro telephone booth, floral wall, & trendy rattan egg chairs.
Definitely one of the most instagrammable places in Oregon!
Aesthetics aside, it’s impossible to ignore the unmatched quality of scrumptious, made-from scratch snacks. Macarons, cupcakes, cookies, & everything sweet.
I enjoyed a Pumpkin Cream Cheese Roll that was better than pumpkin pie…
Sweet tooth not calling? Try a sandwich or salad paired with craft beer, wine, or mimosas.
Check out Lux Sucre Bakery + Cafe’s menu.
While you wait for your order, peruse the wall of locally made goods. Handmade goods like macrame keychains, bar soap, & tea towels.
My eyes were drawn like a magnet to A Branch & Cord’s beautiful boho designs. I went home with a green rainbow keychain!
It’s no exaggeration to say that Lux Sucre impressed me on all levels. In terms of sustainability, I appreciated the glass cups and paper straws.
2. Explore Champoeg State Heritage Area
Of all the parks near Wilsonville, you simply can’t miss Champoeg State Heritage Area!
With 678 acres of riverfront, prairie, & woodlands, this park is vast.
Although there’s an obvious appeal for nature lovers, the remarkable history is sure to surprise you. (And bring out your inner history buff).
The story of this land involves Kalapuya Indians, pioneers, & the mighty power of Mother Nature through the Willamette River.
Back in the 1840s, Champoeg was a pioneer town of 200 people.
In fact, it was home to the 1st provisional government in Oregon, circa 1843.
Because of its location along the river, it thrived as a commercial center.
Until the flood of 1861.
Overnight, the ENTIRE town (which was built of wood) washed away.
Today, you can visit the prairie to see where the town once stood. Here, look for wooden posts indicating where the streets were.
Head to the visitor center to gain a clearer picture of the history.
Champoeg State Heritage Area – Things to do in Wilsonville
- Dive deep into local history at the museum (inside the visitor center)
- Watch a 15-minute film about Champeog – ask a ranger or volunteer in visitor center
- Walk or bike on 6 miles of trails
- Camp in full-hookup sites, walk-in sites, yurts, cabins, or group sites
- Play disc golf in the 18-hole course (discs available for purchase in the visitor center)
- Let your dog play in the off-leash “Exercise Area” (unfenced)
- Get a Peek Into Life in the 1800s at the Manson Barn & Kitchen Garden
- Check out the Pioneer Memorial Building & Monument, where the vote occured
- Relax by the river on the boat dock or Townsite Trail
- Get your nature fix in the Oak Grove Day-Use Area
- Go wildlife watching. Keep an eye out for black tail deer, beavers, &130 bird species
- Swing by the oldest store in Oregon, the Historic Butteville Store. Established in 1863.
- Explore the nearby Newell House Museum
- Pick up a book on Willamette Valley History or natural history in the visitor center’s gift shop
Park entrance is $5 for a day pass. If you have an annual Oregon State Parks pass ($30), this will get you in as well.
Be sure to confirm the hours of the visitor center by calling the number in the brochure below. I highly recommend planning your visit for a day when it is open!
View a brochure and map for Champoeg State Heritage Area.
3. Settle Into Your Home Away From Home: The Hilton Garden Inn
Wondering where to stay in Wilsonville, Oregon?
My recommendation is the Hilton Garden Inn Wilsonville Portland.
You’ll get the best-of-the-best in terms of atmosphere, cleanliness, & convenience.
When we walked through the doors, an upbeat ambiance and friendly team members created a warm welcome.
Our King Bed Deluxe Room felt similar to a studio apartment. From the closet to the workspace to the couch, there was a great separation of space.
My favorite part? It’s a tie between the luxurious Suite Dreams® by Serta bed and the stylish bathroom. I appreciate a relaxing shower while traveling. This one offered a hand-held shower head and Neutrogena body care.
Plus, the calming blue colors created a tranquil theme.
While winding down at the hotel, you can enjoy the large indoor pool & hot tub, play basketball outdoors, utilize the fitness center, or do laundry (if needed).
Last but not least, you’ll have incredibly easy access to fine dining at the Parkway Grille.
4. Discover a Dinner of Pacific Northwest Cuisine at Parkway Grille
After a day of exploring Champoeg State Heritage Area, walk a few steps from your room to dine at the Parkway Grille Bar + Restaurant.
Take your pick of private tables/booths (with pillows!), lounge chairs by the fireplace, or bar seating. It’s quite a relaxing atmosphere!
Renowned Chef Dolan Lane is known for staying in touch with local harvests and collaborating with farmers. So, you can expect seasonal-inspired dishes like Autumn Ravioli – homemade ravioli, roasted squash, autumn spices, parmesan, sage, & spiced pumpkin seeds.
To start, we enjoyed a Caesar Salad & Baked Goat Cheese dish as appetizers.
For entrees, we loved the Autumn Ravioli & Fish & Chips.
Don’t forget about dessert!
View breakfast, dinner, & happy hour menus.
5. Cozy Up at Corner Coffee Shoppe & Wild Grains Bakery for Breakfast
Love cinnamon rolls?
Then you’re in for a heavenly treat at Corner Coffee Shoppe!
I’m not exaggerating when I say these are the BEST cinnamon rolls ever. And, large enough to share!
For drinks, we chose from their menu of seasonal specialties. An Apple Pie Latte & Apple Crisp Iced Tea.
On a chilly morning, it was lovely to eat a warm pastry and soak up the comforting vibes.
Looking for gluten free options?
We’ve got you covered. Connected to the cafe is Wild Grains Bakery, the newest gluten free bakery in Wilsonville.
Looking for more coffee shops in the Pacific Northwest? Follow me on Instagram for more favorites!
6. Go for a Morning Stroll at Town Center Park
After you’ve had your fill of freshly baked goods, it’s time for fresh air.
5-acre Town Center Park is only a few steps away, so you can walk from the cafe.
Pay your respects at the Oregon Korean War Memorial.
The memorial includes the names of Oregonians who were killed or missing in action, plaques with the timeline of the war, a statue of General Douglass MacArthur, and flags.
For a more hands-on educational experience, bring this worksheet with you.
At the time of our visit, we were lucky to enjoy holiday decorations.
In the summer, kids can have a blast in the water feature (open approximately June-September).
7. Create Unforgettable Memories Over Lunch at Abella Italian Kitchen
For an authentic Italian experience, visit Abella Italian Kitchen for lunch.
As an appetizer, I recommend a cup of minestrone soup & garlic bread. (While you do receive complimentary bread, the garlic is worth the splurge!)
Both were flavorful and worthy of sharing.
In true vacation fashion, we ordered drinks – an Aperol Spritz & Italian Margarita. Both were delicious and complemented the food well!
For entrees, we ordered a plate of Fettuccine Alfredo with Salmon and a classic Spaghetti with Meatballs.
10/10, can’t wait to go back!
Prepare for your visit by checking out the menu.
8. Stretch Your Legs Memorial Park
Besides being the largest and oldest of Wilsonville’s parks, it offers tons of recreational opportunities.
Here, you’ll find:
- Walking trails with riverfront views
- Pickleball, tennis, basketball, & beach volleyball courts
- Disc golf course
- Skate park
- Fenced dog park
- Community garden
- Picnic shelters
- Playground
Check out a map of the park.
For us, we head straight to the trails.
Of course, we stopped at the Boat Dock for views of the beautiful Willamette River.
Along the way, the peaceful trails helped us wind down. Noticing the little things – like licorice ferns growing on maple trees.
9. Catch a Stunning Sunset at Coffee Lake Wetlands
Is a trip complete without seeing at least one sunset? We don’t think so!
That’s why we couldn’t wait to visit Coffee Lake Wetlands.
While this area is primarily preserved for wildlife, new projects are increasing access for visitors.
The best of these is Tivoli & Ovlanka Park. You’ll find it at the intersection of SW Villebois Dr N and SW Coffee Lake Drive.
Here, observe a land that was once home to Megafauna including Mammoths, Giant Bison, & Teratorns (giant birds).
Walk on the sidewalk along Boeckman Road. Catch sunset, watch for birds, and stop to read signs about the valley’s past and present wildlife.
All in all, this is a pretty quick stop. So, plan on arriving ~10-15 minutes prior to sunset.
10. Treat Yourself to Dinner & Drinks at Vanguard Brewing
No trip to Wilsonville is complete with a brewery visit. So for our last night we ate at Vanguard Brewing, and I encourage you to as well!
Located less than 5 minutes from our sunset spot, veteran-owned Vanguard Brewery provides locally made craft beer, seriously tasty pizza, and an outdoor beer garden (pups welcome).
We opted for Son of a Peach, Helvetia Cider and a rotating Cider.
For food, we enjoyed a delicious Hawaiian BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza that we literally ate in the blink of an eye… It was that good!
Other yummy options include loaded tots, brewers salad, & taco pizza.
This post was all about things to do in Wilsonville.
Amazing Things to do in Wilsonville Oregon – Post Summary
- Live a Sweet Adventure at Lux Sucre Bakery + Cafe
- Explore Champoeg State Heritage Area
- Settle Into Your Home Away From Home: The Hilton Garden Inn
- Discover a Dinner of Pacific Northwest Cuisine at Parkway Grille
- Cozy Up at Corner Coffee Shoppe & Wild Grains Bakery for Breakfast
- Go for a Morning Stroll at Town Center Park
- Create Unforgettable Memories Over Lunch at Abella Italian Kitchen
- Stretch Your Legs Memorial Park
- Catch a Stunning Sunset at Coffee Lake Wetlands
- Treat Yourself to Dinner & Drinks at Vanguard Brewing
Have questions about planning your trip? Leave them below, I’d love to help you out!
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