Looking for a charming riverside town in Southern Oregon? Head to Grants Pass! Surrounded by forests, vineyards, and the wild Rogue River, Grants Pass is perfect for rafting, wine tasting, and exploring small-town Americana. Whether you're cruising the river or strolling downtown, Grants Pass blends nature, culture, and relaxation.
Grants Pass, OR Highlights:
- For Adventure Seekers: Raft or jet boat the Rogue River – Experience thrilling whitewater or a scenic Hellgate Jetboat Excursion.
- For Families: Explore Wildlife Images Rehabilitation Center – Meet rescued animals and learn about wildlife conservation.
- For Wine Enthusiasts: Sip along the Applegate Wine Trail – Sample local vintages amid vineyard views and mountain backdrops.
- For Nature Lovers: Hike Cathedral Hills Trails – Scenic wooded trails ideal for hiking, biking, and peaceful walks.
- For Shoppers: Stroll Historic Downtown Grants Pass – Discover antique shops, cafés, murals, and a relaxed local vibe.
Best Time to Visit Grants Pass, OR
The best time to visit Grants Pass is from late spring through early fall (May–October). Warm, dry days are ideal for river trips, hiking, and wine tasting. Fall offers stunning foliage and harvest festivals. Winters are mild but wet, with fewer crowds.
How to Get to Grants Pass, OR
- If you are traveling by car: Located along I-5 in Southern Oregon, Grants Pass is about 30 minutes from Medford and 3 hours from Eugene or Redding, CA.
- By Plane: Fly into Rogue Valley International–Medford Airport (MFR), then drive 30 minutes to Grants Pass.
- By Bus: Greyhound and regional transit options connect Grants Pass to other Oregon cities.
Where to Stay in Grants Pass, OR
- Recommended for Families: Riverside Inn – Family-friendly hotel on the Rogue River with balconies and river views.
- For Couples: The Lodge at Riverside – Cozy riverside lodge with wine receptions, fire pits, and a romantic ambiance.
- For Budget Travelers: Best Western Grants Pass Inn – Comfortable rooms, breakfast, and convenient location off I-5.
Best Things to Do in Grants Pass, OR
1. Wildlife Images Rehabilitation & Education Center
Visit rescued animals and learn about wildlife on an exciting, family-friendly trip.
© Susan Kehoe/stock.adobe.com
-
What is Wildlife Images Rehabilitation & Education Center?
- Wildlife Images Rehabilitation & Education Center was founded in 1981 by famous wildlife rehabilitator J. David Siddon as a non-profit corporation and facility to provide care and treatment for sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife.
-
Where is the center located?
- The center is based on 24 acres of land next to Oregon’s famous Rogue River.
-
What facilities does the center have?
- The center features an animal sanctuary, a veterinary clinic, and an education center focused on raising awareness about the local environment and wildlife.
-
What can visitors do at the center?
- Visitors to the working rehabilitation center can take self-guided tours of the sanctuary and learn more about the animals in situ through interpretive signs and friendly docents.
11845 Lower River Rd, Grants Pass, OR 97526, Phone: 541-476-0222
2. Evergreen Federal Bank's Bear Hotel
See giant bear sculptures and enjoy an unusual, quick stop full of fun sights.
© Evergreen Federal Bank's Bear Hotel
-
What is Evergreen Federal Bank's Bear Hotel?
- Evergreen Federal Bank's Bear Hotel is a one-of-a-kind artwork museum and community center that showcases Evergreen's community art projects.
-
Why is it called the Bear Hotel?
- The name comes from the famous art project ‘BearFest’, which featured 182 fiberglass bears created by 85 artists and displayed in downtown Grants Pass.
-
What can visitors see at the Bear Hotel?
- The museum is home to a permanent art collection and a variety of community art projects, including the BearFest bears.
-
What events are hosted at the Bear Hotel?
-
The Bear Hotel hosts a variety of community events throughout the year that highlight
the beauty and artistic expression of Southern Oregon. Some events include:
- The Southern Oregon Adventure
- BearFest
- An Old-Fashioned Celebration of America
- Magical Christmas Murals
-
The Bear Hotel hosts a variety of community events throughout the year that highlight
the beauty and artistic expression of Southern Oregon. Some events include:
2101 NE Spalding Ave, Grants Pass, OR 97526, Phone: 541-479-3351
Attractions for Wine Fans
3. Troon Vineyard
Savor organic wines and explore vineyard views on a relaxing couples weekend.
© Troon Vineyard
-
What is Troon Vineyard?
- Established in 1972, Troon Vineyard is a Demeter Biodynamic® and Organic Certified wine estate located in the heart of the Applegate Valley.
-
How large is the vineyard and what types of wines are produced?
- The vineyard spans 40 acres and produces more than 20 varietals from wine-growing regions in Southern Europe, including Madiran, Cahors, Bandol, Languedoc, and Sardegna.
-
Where is Troon Vineyard located?
- The vineyard is nestled halfway between Grants Pass and Jacksonville in Oregon’s Applegate Valley.
-
What facilities does Troon Vineyard offer?
- Troon Vineyard features a stylish Mediterranean-style tasting room with a lovely shaded stone patio and a grassy area for picnics.
-
What kind of tasting experience does Troon Vineyard provide?
- Friendly and knowledgeable staff offer guided tastings of the winery’s award-winning wines.
1475 Kubli Rd, Grants Pass, OR 97527, Phone: 541-846-9900
4. Wooldridge Creek Winery
Taste wine and cheese while admiring scenic sights on a romantic summer trip.
© Wooldridge Creek Winery
-
What is Wooldridge Creek Winery?
- Wooldridge Creek Winery is a family-owned and operated wine estate that has been producing award-winning wines since the 1970s.
-
How large is the winery?
- The estate spans 180 acres, with 56 acres dedicated to vineyards.
-
What types of wines are produced?
-
The winery produces a limited range of single-varietal wines, including:
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Cabernet Franc
- Chardonnay
- Viognier
- Riesling
- Zinfandel
-
The winery produces a limited range of single-varietal wines, including:
-
What does the tasting experience include?
- The modern tasting room at Wooldridge Creek offers guided samplings of hand-crafted wine, cured meats, and artisan cheeses, with breathtaking views over the Applegate River Valley from the front patio or the surrounding gardens.
-
Are guided tours available?
- Yes, visitors can enjoy guided tours of the farm, the hillside winery, and the farm creamery and charcuterie.
818 Slagle Creek Rd, Grants Pass, OR 97527, Phone: 541-846-6364
Attractions for Couples
5. Rogue Creamery Dairy Farm
Tour the farm, meet cows, and enjoy award-winning cheese on a family visit.
© Rogue Creamery Dairy Farm
-
What is Rogue Creamery Dairy Farm?
- Rogue Creamery Dairy Farm is a USDA Certified Organic dairy with 68 certified organic grazing acres that has been producing award-winning cheese for the past 80 years.
-
Where does Rogue Creamery draw its inspiration?
- The creamery takes inspiration from the surrounding beauty and flavors of Southern Oregon’s Rogue River Valley.
-
What types of cheese does Rogue Creamery produce?
-
Rogue Creamery handcrafts:
- Cheddar cheese
- Blue cheese
- TouVelle using certified organic whole milk
-
Rogue Creamery handcrafts:
-
Where is Rogue Creamery located?
- Nestled along the banks of the rugged and scenic Rogue River, the creamery offers visitors a picturesque experience.
-
Does Rogue Creamery have a cheese shop?
- Yes, the onsite cheese shop sells a variety of the creamery’s products, along with cheese-related merchandise, kitchen accessories, and gift boxes.
6531 Lower River Rd, Grants Pass, OR 97526, Phone: 541-471-7292
6. Fort Vannoy Farms
Explore corn mazes or pick pumpkins during an affordable fall trip with kids.
© Fort Vannoy Farms
-
What is Fort Vannoy Farms?
- Fort Vannoy Farms is a working farm that produces a variety of fresh produce in the rich, fertile soil of the Rogue Valley.
-
What can visitors find at the Farm Stand Market?
-
The Farm Stand Market is at the center of the farm and sells
seasonal farm produce picked fresh from the farm, including:
- Berries and other fresh fruit
- Vegetables
- Homemade honey
-
The Farm Stand Market is at the center of the farm and sells
seasonal farm produce picked fresh from the farm, including:
-
Does Fort Vannoy Farms host seasonal events?
-
Yes, Fort Vannoy Farms celebrates the Harvest Season with a variety of
activities for children, including:
- A corn maze
- A pumpkin patch
-
Yes, Fort Vannoy Farms celebrates the Harvest Season with a variety of
activities for children, including:
-
Are there picnic areas at the farm?
- Yes, there are plenty of lovely places for picnicking with picturesque views.
5791 Lower River Rd, Grants Pass, OR 97526, Phone: 541-479-3765
7. Boatnik
Watch boat races and enjoy thrilling attractions during this exciting Memorial Day weekend event.
© Boatnik
-
What is Boatnik?
- Boatnik is an annual boating festival held in Riverside Park in Grants Pass over Memorial Day Weekend.
-
How long has Boatnik been hosted?
- The festival has been hosted for over 60 years.
-
When does the festival begin?
- The festival begins on Thursday evening and offers a wealth of activities for the whole family.
-
What activities are available at Boatnik?
-
Boatnik features a variety of activities, including:
- Boat racing
- Bingo
- Carnival rides
- Arts and crafts
- Papa John's pizza-eating contest
- Chevy Drive It Home Golf Shoot-Out
- Monday Sundaes
- Numerous children's activities
-
Boatnik features a variety of activities, including:
-
What special events take place during Boatnik?
-
Other fun events include:
- A spectacular fireworks display
- The Boatnik Brewfest
- The Davis Shows Carnival
- Live entertainment and music concerts
- The World-Famous Tom Rice Memorial White Water Hydroplane Race
- A jet flyover on Memorial Day
-
Other fun events include:
Grants Pass, OR 97528
8. Grants Pass Museum of Art
Admire local artwork and discover new exhibits on an easy cultural outing.
© Grants Pass Museum of Art
-
What is the Grants Pass Museum of Art?
- Located in the heart of the historic old town, the Grants Pass Museum of Art highlights local and regional artwork and hosts an array of art-related events.
-
What kind of events does the museum host?
-
The museum offers events such as:
- Poetry readings
- Music events
- Workshops
-
The museum offers events such as:
-
What exhibitions are on display?
- The museum provides visitors with the opportunity to gain a more in-depth insight into different cultures from around the world with a variety of permanent and eight rotating exhibitions featuring art from local and international artists.
-
What additional programs does the museum offer?
-
In addition to exhibitions, the museum also hosts:
- Art and poetry workshops
- Live music performances
- Poetry readings
- Life drawing lessons
- Other signature events
-
In addition to exhibitions, the museum also hosts:
229 SW G St, Grants Pass, OR 97526, Phone: 541-479-3290
Where to Eat in Grants Pass, OR
- Recommended for Families: Wild River Brewing & Pizza – Casual spot for craft beer, wood-fired pizza, and hearty meals.
- For Farm-to-Table Cuisine: River’s Edge Restaurant – Upscale dining with seasonal dishes and Rogue River views.
- For a Local Favorite: The Twisted Cork – Cozy wine bar and bistro offering creative dishes and Oregon wines.
If you are interested in local events:
- For Classic Car Fans: Grants Pass Back to the ‘50s (July) – Vintage car show, music, parades, and retro flair in downtown.
- For Food & Fun: Boatnik Festival (Memorial Day Weekend) – River races, carnival rides, and fireworks on the Rogue River.
- For Music Lovers: Concerts in the Park (Summer) – Free live music in Riverside Park with family-friendly vibes.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30 Minutes of Grants Pass, OR:
- For Nature Lovers: Applegate Lake (30 min) – Swim, paddle, or picnic in a tranquil mountain lake surrounded by forest.
- For Cave Explorers: Oregon Caves National Monument (30 min to visitor center, more to caves) – Take guided tours through marble caverns deep in the Siskiyou Mountains.
- For River Walks: Rogue River Greenway (20–30 min) – Scenic path perfect for walking, cycling, and birdwatching.
- For Wine & Views: Applegate Wine Trail (20–30 min) – Sip and savor your way through beautiful vineyard landscapes.
- For Historic Explorers: Jacksonville, OR (30 min) – Gold rush town turned charming arts village with boutique shops and music festivals.
Frequently Asked Questions:
-
Where is Grants Pass located?
- Situated near the Applegate Valley in Southern Oregon’s Josephine County, Grants Pass is a newly revitalized city with a bustling downtown area, many historic buildings, and a tight-knit arts community.
-
What outdoor activities are available in Grants Pass?
- Visitors can enjoy white-water rafting on the Rogue River, wine-tasting in the surrounding Applegate Valley, and exploring the Oregon Caves National Monument.
-
What community events take place in Grants Pass?
- The city hosts numerous community events, including Concert in The Park.
-
What kind of dining and craft beverages are available?
- Grants Pass is home to plenty of farm-to-table restaurants, craft breweries, and art galleries.
-
Are there recreational activities outside the city?
- Yes, the outskirts of the town offer numerous outdoor and recreational activities.
Map:
Plan Your Trip