Champoeg State Heritage Area

Champoeg State Heritage Area Review

Pronounced "sham-poo-ee," this 615-acre state park on the south bank of the Willamette River is on the site of a Hudson's Bay Company trading post, granary, and warehouse that was built in 1813. This was the seat of the first provisional government in the Northwest. The settlement was abandoned after a catastrophic flood in 1861, then rebuilt and abandoned again after the flood of 1890. The park's wide-open spaces, groves of oak and fir, modern visitor center, museum, and historic buildings provide vivid insight into pioneer life. Tepees and wagons are displayed here, and there are 10 miles of hiking and cycle trails.

Newell House Museum. Robert Newell was among the inaugural American settlers in the Willamette Valley and helped establish the town of Champoeg; a replica of his 1844 home, now the Newell House Museum, was built inside the park grounds in 1959 and paid for by the Oregon State Society Daughters of the American Revolution. The first floor is furnished with 1860s antiques. Pioneer quilts and a collection of gowns worn by the wives of Oregon governors at inaugurations are displayed on the second floor. There's also a pioneer jail and schoolhouse. 8089 Champoeg Rd. N.E., 97137. 503/678-5537. www.newellhouse.com. $4. Mar.-Oct., Fri.-Sun. 1-5.

Pioneer Mother's Memorial Log Cabin. This 1929 construction of a pioneer cabin on the grounds of Champoeg State Park showcases artifacts from the Oregon Trail era. The cabin is part of the Newell House museum, which exhibits many furnishings, textiles, hand crafts, and firearms from Oregon's pioneer days. 8039 Champoeg Rd. N.E., 97137. 503/678-5537. newellhouse.com/PMMC.html. $4. Mar.-Oct., Fri.-Sun. 1-5.