Looking for vintage charm, farm-fresh flavors, and historic roots? Head to Aurora! Tucked between Portland and Salem, this small Oregon town is known for its 19th-century colony heritage, thriving antique scene, and Willamette Valley scenery. Whether you're shopping for treasures, touring historic homes, or sipping local wine, Aurora offers a peaceful and picturesque countryside escape.
Aurora, OR Highlights:
- For Antique Hunters: Explore Aurora’s antique shops – Discover vintage finds, collectibles, and restored furniture in charming storefronts.
- For History Buffs: Visit the Old Aurora Colony Museum – Step back into pioneer life at this museum complex preserving the 1850s utopian community.
- For Wine Lovers: Sip at Pheasant Run Winery – Taste estate-grown wines in a historic 1913 church turned tasting room.
- For Gardeners: Browse Terra Gardens or Out in the Garden Nursery – Shop native plants, garden art, and landscape inspiration.
- For Families: Enjoy a picnic or u-pick season at local farms – Berry farms and orchards dot the countryside with fresh produce and fun activities.
Best Time to Visit Aurora, OR
The best time to visit Aurora is from May through October. Spring and summer bring lush gardens and u-pick farms, while fall offers crisp air, colorful foliage, and seasonal harvest events.
How to Get to Aurora, OR
- By Car: Aurora is located just off I-5, about 30 minutes south of Portland and 20 minutes north of Salem.
- By Plane: The nearest major airport is Portland International Airport (PDX), roughly 45 minutes away by car.
- By Train: The nearest Amtrak station is in Oregon City (20–25 minutes away), with rental cars available nearby.
Where to Stay in Aurora, OR
- Recommended for Couples: Feller House Bed & Breakfast – A romantic B&B in a restored farmhouse with peaceful gardens and homemade breakfast.
- For Families: Oregon Garden Resort (Silverton) – Just 30 minutes away, offering spa services, a restaurant, and access to the Oregon Garden.
- For a Unique Stay: The Vintages Trailer Resort (Dayton) – Stylish retro trailers in Oregon wine country with firepits and cruiser bikes.
Best Things to Do in Aurora, OR
⮕ For history lovers: The Canby Ferry
Ride across the river and enjoy a quick, unusual scenic trip near Aurora.
The Canby Ferry is an historic cable ferry line connecting the cities of Aurora, Wilsonville, and Stafford via the Willamette River. The ferry service was founded in 1914 and has continued to operate historic passenger cars into the 21st century, offering service for pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists. As one of three remaining ferries on the Willamette River, the ferry service can transport up to 49 passengers at a time, with room for vehicles and bikes for an additional fee. Visitors can ride aboard the lovely M.J. Lee II cable-guided vessel, which is powered by an underwater cable and overhead line electricity. It is named in honor of Millard Jerome Lee, the first child born in the city of Canby following its incorporation in 1870.
Mountain Road and North Locust Street, Aurora, OR 97002, Phone: 503-650-3030
⮕ For cultural travelers: Old Aurora Colony Museum
Explore pioneer artifacts and discover historic sights on an affordable educational outing.
Old Aurora Colony Museum showcases exhibits dedicated to the history of the former Aurora Colony, a Christian utopian communal society founded by William Keil in the mid-19th century. At the peak of its operation, the colony was home to 600 residents and a wide variety of civic structures, including a fruit orchard and a hotel. Following its dissolution in 1883, the colony's former buildings were preserved on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, visitors can learn about the history of the colony and neighboring Bethel Colony at the museum, which showcases exhibits focusing on Colony families, history, and handiwork. Five buildings are showcased on the museum complex, including an ox barn, a tie shed, and a family kitchen.
15018 2nd St NE, Aurora, OR 97002, Phone: 503-678-5754
Attractions for Couples
⮕ For wine lovers: Pheasant Run Winery
Taste local wines and relax in a cozy setting on a romantic afternoon.
Pheasant Run Winery is a local Aurora winery known for its sustainably-grown Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Grigio estate grape varietal wines. All wines crafted by the award-winning winery are produced in small lots from hand-selected estate grapes grown onsite at the winery's vineyards, which are located just a few minutes from the winery's historic tasting room facility. Estate grapes are also sold to a number of other local wineries and produced in regional award-winning wines. Visitors can stop in at the winery's delightful tasting room throughout the week, located within a century-old bank building originally constructed for the 1905 Portland World's Fair. Wine samples showcase the company's delicious varietals and blends, including favorites like its Bank Robber Big Red Blend and Bank Roll White Blend.
21690 Main St NE #9222, Aurora, OR 97002, Phone: 503-678-3131
⮕ For event goers: Aurora Colony Vineyards and Winery
Sip bold blends and admire vineyard views during a peaceful weekend getaway.
Aurora Colony Vineyards and Winery is a lovely local winery located on lands once belonging to the historic Aurora Colony, known as one of the Willamette Valley's favorite local wineries today. The winery is overseen by vintner John Moore and showcases delicious wines produced from estate grapes, including favorite varietals like Pinot Noir, Malbec, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. Visitors can stop in for full tasting flights at the winery's public tasting room, which showcases stunning outdoor landscaping with gorgeous water features. Live music performances are showcased at the tasting room throughout the week, both inside the tasting room and outside on its spacious outdoor patio. A tasting room kitchen is helmed by executive chef Vance Wilson, showcasing gourmet European-influenced tasting pair plates and appetizers.
21358 Oak Ln NE, Aurora, OR 97002, Phone: 503-678-3390
⮕ For golfers: Langdon Farms Golf Club
Play a scenic round and enjoy a fun, easy outing with friends.
Langdon Farms Golf Club is one of Oregon's top-ranked golf courses, located just 15 minutes south of Portland's downtown district in the city of Aurora. The course has been rated as one of the Portland area's best golfing choices by OregonLive, considered to be the best-conditioned public golf course in the city's greater metropolitan region. Year-round dry conditions make the course a must-play for golf enthusiasts, showcasing gorgeous landscaped terrain areas with challenging obstacles along fairways. After hitting the links, visitors can enjoy excellent regional cuisine options at Langdon's Grill, which also offers a full-service bar with fantastic happy hour specials.
24377 Airport Rd NE, Aurora, OR 97002, Phone: 503-678-4653
Where to Eat in Aurora, OR
⮕ For foodie: Filberts Farmhouse Kitchen
Savor hearty dishes and enjoy a family-friendly meal in a charming farmhouse setting.
Filberts Farmhouse Kitchen is a delightful restaurant located with Aurora's historic colony district, housed within the 1865 Mohler farmhouse building. Curated antiques from the region's colony days are displayed within the restaurant's elegant dining area, which overlooks beautiful outdoor orchards and historic colony buildings. Classic American comfort food is served up throughout the week at lunch and dinner, including house specialties like chicken cassoulet, sauteed prawn butternut squash risotto, coastal seafood mac and cheese, and signature house bone-in pork chops with Pinot Noir and caramelized apple shallot demiglace. Shareable appetizers range from iron-skillet cornbread to deep-fried brussels sprouts with bacon marmalade.
21317 OR-99E, Aurora, OR 97002, Phone: 503-908-3264
More Places to Eat in Aurora, OR
- Recommended for Families: White Rabbit Bakery – Cozy café with sandwiches, organic baked goods, and espresso drinks.
- For a Special Occasion: Langdon Farms Grill – Scenic views, classic American fare, and a peaceful golf course atmosphere just minutes away.
If you are interested in local events:
- For Antique Lovers: Aurora Colony Days (August) – Parade, artisan vendors, vintage sales, and family fun in the historic district.
- For Holiday Cheer: Christmas in Aurora (December) – Enjoy holiday lights, festive markets, and seasonal sales throughout town.
- For Gardeners: Spring Garden Palooza (May) – A local favorite event with plants, workshops, and expert gardening tips.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30 Minutes of Aurora, OR:
- For History Fans: Oregon City (25 min) – Explore museums, river views, and the historic end of the Oregon Trail.
- For Wine Tastings: Dayton & Dundee (30 min) – Discover top-tier Pinot Noir and beautiful vineyard views.
- For Garden Walks: Oregon Garden (Silverton) (30 min) – Stroll themed gardens, fountains, and rare plants in a botanical wonderland.
- For Scenic Views: Champoeg State Heritage Area (15 min) – Walk trails, view wildlife, and learn pioneer history along the Willamette River.
- For Family Fun: Bauman’s Farm & Garden (25 min) – Enjoy seasonal attractions like pumpkin patches, cider, and kid-friendly activities.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Where is Aurora located?
- Aurora is a delightful historic city within the greater Salem, Oregon metropolitan region, best known as the home of the Aurora Colony Christian utopian settlement in the mid-19th century.
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What historical attractions can visitors explore in Aurora?
- Though the settlement has long been disbanded, visitors can learn about the region's colony history at the Old Aurora Colony Museum, which preserves many of the colony's former structures.
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What is the Canby Ferry?
- The Canby Ferry line offers service across the Willamette River, one of the region's oldest operating ferry lines.
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How far is Aurora from Portland, and what can visitors do there?
- Portland's downtown district is just half an hour away, home to hip microbreweries, farm-to-table restaurants, and eco-friendly tourist attractions.
Plan Your Trip
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