Need a fun day trip or weekend escape in Southern Oregon? Head to Central Point! Taste world-famous cheeses, explore local wineries, and enjoy outdoor adventures near mountains and rivers. Whether you're savoring artisan foods, hiking scenic trails, or strolling small-town streets, Central Point offers a relaxed, flavorful getaway just minutes from Medford.
Central Point, OR Highlights:
- Rogue Creamery: Visit this internationally renowned creamery to sample award-winning cheeses like the famous Rogue River Blue.
- Lillie Belle Farms Handmade Chocolates: Indulge in gourmet chocolates crafted from local and organic ingredients right on site.
- Ledger David Cellars: Enjoy wine tastings of boutique Southern Oregon varietals at this cozy urban tasting room.
- Doskow Adventure Park: A new addition offering zip-lining, climbing walls, and other outdoor fun for families and adventure seekers.
- Don Jones Memorial Park: Relax in this large, family-friendly park featuring playgrounds, splash pads, and scenic open spaces.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Central Point is during the spring through fall (April–October). Mild weather is ideal for wine tasting, hiking, farmers markets, and outdoor festivals. Summer is particularly lively with events and berry picking, while fall offers colorful foliage and harvest celebrations.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Central Point is located along I-5, just 5–10 minutes north of Medford, and about 4.5 hours south of Portland.
- By Plane: Fly into Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport (MFR), just a 10-minute drive from Central Point.
- By Train: Amtrak service is available nearby in Klamath Falls; car rental recommended for full exploration.
Where to Stay
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Medford-Central Point – Comfortable and convenient lodging near the airport and downtown.
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Central Point – Family-friendly hotel with an indoor pool and easy access to Southern Oregon wineries.
- The Lindsay Lodge (nearby Jacksonville) – Scenic, boutique lodging set along the Applegate River, ideal for romantic getaways just a short drive away.
Best Things to Do
⮕ Crater Rock Museum
Explore dazzling minerals and look at fossils on an unusual educational trip.
Crater Rock Museum is a 12,000-foot museum operated by non-profit Roxy Ann Gem and Mineral Society. The museum showcases one of the best collection of rocks, gems and minerals on the West Coast. It includes a world-class of minerals, collection of petrified woods, Native American artifacts, fossils and more. The museum has a nice gift shop with the local artists’ artworks, a community meeting rooms, a workshop and exhibit areas. Guided tours are available by appointment. The museum rooms are available for rent for meetings and social gatherings. From time to time, the Roxy Ann Gem and Mineral Society offers classes such as a course on the basics of shaping and polishing stones to be used in the jewelry making.
2002 Scenic Ave, Central Point, OR 97502, Phone: 541-664-6081
⮕ TouVelle State Recreation Site
Walk along riverbanks or enjoy a picnic during a relaxing summer outing.
TouVelle State Recreation Site is a 51-acre state park located near Central Point, Jackson County, Oregon, about 9 miles from Medford, on the bank of the Rogue River and at the foot of Table Rocks.. The park is a popular destination for fishing, bird-watching, hiking, picnicking and swimming. There is a boat ramp at the lower end of the Rogue. The adjacent Denman Wildlife Refuge teems with local and migratory birds. Salmon and Steelhead run through the river seasonally on treks to and from the ocean. The park is great for family gatherings or group picnics and has a large picnic shelter great for large groups, several smaller shelters, four horse shoe pits and several volleyball courts.
Table Rock Rd, Central Point, OR 97502, Phone: 800-551-6949
⮕ Rogue Creamery
Savor award-winning cheeses and discover artisan dairy stuff on a quick visit.
Established 85 years ago in the Southern Oregon’s Rogue River Valley, Rogue Creamery produces eight handmade blue cheese recipes, cheddar cheese and TouVelle. Over the last half century, their blue cheeses have received numerous international awards and are often called ‘the best blue cheese in the world.” The creamery uses certified sustainable whole milk from Rogue Creamery’s dairies located along the banks of the scenic Rogue River. Rogue Creamery dairy is USDA Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth. Rogue Creamery is dedicated to holistic, organic, and sustainable cheese-making processes. Their local dairy owns 68 certified organic grazing acres in Josephine and Jackson counties.
311 N Front St, Central Point, OR 97502, Phone: 541-665-1155
⮕ Laurel Hill Golf Course
Play a scenic round or admire mountain views on a peaceful retirement day.
Laurel Hill Golf Course was designed in 1977 by the late Harvey Granger who moved to the Rogue Valley in the early 60’s. The course has an elegant rustic clubhouse, nine challenging holes of golf and a picturesque driving range. Laurel Hill is a popular golf course because it is challenging enough for expert players, but short enough not to scare beginners. In addition, Laurel Hill has forty years of experience devoted to providing great golf together with great food and drink and a friendly atmosphere. In addition to challenging golf, the course is known for great natural beauty. The majestic oak, fir and pine trees create a cathedral-like feel and provide the abundant shade to offset the summer heat. The course is open to the public year-round.
9450 Old Stage Rd, Central Point, OR 97502, Phone: 541-855-7965
Where to Eat
- The Point Pub & Grill – Classic neighborhood pub serving burgers, local brews, and hearty American fare.
- Buttercloud Bakery & Café (Medford) – Popular café known for incredible biscuits, breakfast sandwiches, and homemade pastries.
- Arbor House Restaurant (nearby Talent, OR) – Upscale dining offering fresh farm-to-table cuisine in a cozy setting.
If you are interested in local events:
- Oregon Cheese Festival (March) – Annual two-day event featuring local and national artisan cheesemakers, wineries, breweries, and culinary artisans.
- Central Point Parks & Rec Summer Concert Series (Summer) – Free concerts held in Don Jones Park featuring live music and food trucks.
- Harvest Festival at Rogue Creamery (Fall) – Celebrate the fall season with food, music, farm tours, and cheese tastings.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Central Point, Oregon:
- Medford (5–10 min) – Enjoy shopping, Rogue Valley wine tasting rooms, and food tours in this growing regional hub.
- Jacksonville (15–20 min) – Stroll a charming 19th-century town packed with historic buildings, shops, and the famous Britt Music Festival.
- Upper and Lower Table Rock Trails (10–15 min) – Hike to the top of volcanic plateaus offering spectacular views of the Rogue Valley.
- Rogue River (20–30 min) – Go rafting, fishing, or take a scenic drive along one of America’s Wild and Scenic Rivers.
- Rogue Valley ZipLine Adventure (25–30 min) – Experience thrilling zipline courses with panoramic views of Mount McLoughlin and the surrounding valley.
Frequently Asked Questions:
-
Where is Central Point located?
- Central Point is a city in Jackson County, Oregon, situated in the Rogue River Valley. It is a part of the Medford metropolitan area.
-
What cultural attractions can visitors explore in Central Point?
- Central Point is home to the Crater Rock Museum, which features a world-class collection of minerals, petrified woods, Native American artifacts, fossils, and more.
-
What outdoor activities are available in Central Point?
- The TouVelle State Recreation Site is a popular park on the bank of the Rogue River, at the foot of Table Rocks. It is a great destination for fishing, bird-watching, hiking, picnicking, and swimming.
-
What is Central Point known for in the food industry?
- Rogue Creamery in Central Point produces organic cheeses and world-famous blue cheese that has won numerous international awards.
-
When is the best time to visit Central Point?
- The best time to visit Central Point is in July, during the famous Jackson County Fair.
Plan Your Trip