Places to visit in Pendleton, OR.
Pendleton, Oregon, is a small town with a lot to offer visitors. The town is home to the Pendleton Round-Up, a world-famous rodeo event that attracts people from all over the country. This event celebrates the Wild West with various events, including music concerts, dances, and cowboy-themed meals.
Pendleton, Oregon, has a lot to offer for the adventurous traveler. The downtown area is rich in historical architecture, and the surrounding area has many natural attractions. From the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute to the Heritage Station Museum, there is something to please every visitor.
Pendleton Roundup Grandstand
Pendleton Roundup is one of the world’s most famous rodeos. It is held every year in northeast Oregon. Thousands of fans attend this annual event. It was founded in 1910 and has been the venue for cowboy and Native American heritage.
Pendleton Roundup is a community-owned event. It was initially planned as a horse race and cowboy exhibition. The organizers drew inspiration from Buffalo Bill’s Wild West shows and Portland Rose Festival. They wanted to promote authentic rodeo skills and showcase the Native American culture of the Northwest.
Today, Pendleton Roundup attracts tens of thousands of people. Professional and amateur rodeo enthusiasts and a diverse mix of tourists flock to this northwest destination each year.
During the four-day event, spectators can enjoy bull riding, steer roping, and team roping. In addition, a variety of other Western adventures are available in this area.
Pendleton Underground
The Pendleton Underground is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can visit one of the many underground structures that make up this historic district, which is located along the Oregon Trail. Some of the buildings have been restored and maintain their original state.
The underground in Pendleton, Oregon, has flaws, but it has its share of historical interest. The Pendleton Underground, which once extended for about 70 to 150 miles, was a significant part of a much more extensive tunnel network along the Umatilla River.
The Pendleton underground was home to several saloons, apothecaries, and opium dens. It was also the place to be during the late 1800s. The Cozy Room was one of the 18 bordellos that were a mainstay in the red light district in the late 19th century.
Tamastslikt Cultural Institute
If you’re traveling the Oregon Trail, you’ll want to stop at the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute. This is a fantastic spot to experience native artifacts, ancient tools, and even modern-day video footage. Located just a few miles east of Pendleton, Oregon, this site will surely entertain.
A visit to the Tamastslikt is an educational experience, with an extensive museum and a large living culture village. Visitors can participate in many activities, including watching a dance competition, learning about local lore, and catching a glimpse of some of the region’s best art. Alternatively, you can rent out one of the three meeting rooms for an event of your own.
The largest facility is the 14,000-square-foot Tamastslikt Museum, which boasts an interactive multi-media center, an extensive library, and classrooms for educational events. Other notable features include a community storage facility, an archive, and a visitor services wing.
Heritage Station Museum
If traveling through the great state of Oregon, you may want to check out the Heritage Station Museum in Pendleton. The central portion of the museum is contained in two buildings. A modern brick structure includes the gift shop and the administration offices. There are few exhibits in the halls.
Among the more notable features is the signal house. Its exhibits include a display of old military equipment and an explanation of how local WWII veterans survived the war.
To get the most out of your trip, allow at least 45 minutes. Although the main building is relatively empty, you will find some exciting relics to view and a pleasant breeze to cool you off.
While you’re there, you might want to drop by the nearby Fix Cabin state historic site. This building has been moved to a location where the historical significance is more apparent. You’ll find a bevy of tidbits to ponder, from the low roof to the chickenwire barriers.
Pendleton Center for the Arts
Pendleton Center for the Arts is a full-service art facility in Pendleton, Oregon. The center serves over 5,500 visitors annually with various art exhibitions, classes, and literary events.
The Center for the Arts is a multi-venue art facility with local and professional artists. In addition, they offer affordable live performances and art classes.
The center also serves as a community center. Their galleries are situated overlooking the Umatilla River. The center is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 am to 4 pm. They also host live music and dance recitals.