Looking for a laid-back Pacific Northwest getaway? Head to Springfield, Oregon! Nestled next to Eugene and bordered by the Willamette River, Springfield is filled with outdoor adventure, quirky art, and local flavor. Whether you're kayaking, museum-hopping, or chasing craft beer, this town delivers small-town charm with big outdoors energy.
Springfield, OR Highlights:
- For Couples: Wander the Springfield Downtown Historic District – Stroll through colorful murals, vintage shops, and cozy cafés with small-town vibes.
- For Families: Laugh and learn at the Springfield History Museum – Explore interactive exhibits and dive into Springfield’s local heritage.
- For Adventurous Travelers: Hike the Middle Fork Path – Bike, jog, or walk this scenic riverside trail stretching through woodlands and wildflowers.
- For Pop Culture Fans: Snap selfies with The Simpsons Mural – See the official mural that ties Springfield, OR to the iconic TV family.
- For Beer Lovers: Sip and relax at PublicHouse – Enjoy craft brews, food carts, and live music in a historic church-turned-taproom.
Best Time to Visit Springfield, OR
The best time to visit Springfield is from late spring through early fall (May to September), when the weather is warm and dry—perfect for hiking, biking, and outdoor dining. Fall foliage and mild temperatures also make October a pleasant time to visit.
How to Get to Springfield, OR
- If you are traveling by car: Springfield is just off Interstate 5, about 2 hours south of Portland and minutes from Eugene.
- By Plane: Fly into Eugene Airport (EUG), which is around 20 minutes away by car.
- By Train: Amtrak serves nearby Eugene Station with connections to Portland, Seattle, and beyond.
Where to Stay in Springfield, OR
- Hilton Garden Inn Eugene/Springfield – Comfortable modern hotel with an indoor pool and convenient highway access.
- Best Western Grand Manor Inn – A solid option for families with free breakfast and easy access to local attractions.
- The Campbell House Inn – For a romantic retreat, stay in this charming bed & breakfast just across the river in Eugene.
Best Things to Do in Springfield, OR
⮕ Step Into the Past at Springfield History Museum
Explore local heritage, pioneer life, and the roots of this charming Oregon town
A part of the Springfield Public Library, the Springfield History Museum officially opened to public in 1981 in the restored Pacific Power and Light transformer station. The mission of the Springfield Museum is to foster an awareness of the Springfield history, to link past and present, and to promote an appreciation of the diversity of the local communities. The museum features rotating art and historical exhibits, the display of the museum’s permanent exhibits, and provide additional educational programming. The Springfield Museums is part of a cluster of five world-class museums, including the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum and the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden. The Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden is surrounded by a library, five museums, a lush park, and a cathedral. There is one more cathedral on the periphery of the Quadrangle.
590 Main St, Springfield, OR 97477, Phone: 541-726-3677
⮕ Get Inspired at the Emerald Art Center
Rotating exhibits, regional talent, and hands-on workshops in a creative downtown hub
Located in a historic building in downtown Springfield, Emerald Art Center is a place where new and established artists work together to create and show their art. It is also a place where the community can come and see local and national art shows and attend classes and other events. The Emerald Art Association was established in 1957 when a group of artists and art lovers decided to build an art league. The first building the group bought in 1974 was at 421 A Street and was used to exhibit fine art to the community. It became a center for teaching and learning art. The center moved to its new building in 1990 in the former Gerlach Drug Store. After extensive renovation, the new space could house the center’s growing collection, to have more space for community participation, to sponsor more exhibits, and to encourage children’s interest in the arts.
500 Main St, Springfield, OR 97477, Phone: 541-726-8595
⮕ Shop, Stroll, and Snack at The Shoppes at Gateway
Retail therapy meets dining and entertainment in Springfield’s go-to shopping destination
The Shoppes at Gateway, formerly Gateway Mall, is a shopping center located in Springfield, Oregon owned and managed by Balboa Retail Properties. It has 820,000 square feet of retail space. The mall opened in 1990 and is located next to Interstate 5, which runs between the cities of Eugene and Springfield. Located at the mall are a 17-screen Cinemark theater and 58 retail stores. In 2015, during the redevelopment the mall was renamed The Shoppes at Gateway and was partially converted to an outdoor mall. A few stores that were open during the time of the Gateway Mall and are still part of the mall: Cabela's, Cinemark, Kohls, Sears , Target, Oregon Sports and Ross Dress For Less.
3000 Gateway St, Springfield, OR 97477, Phone: 541-747-6294
Where to Eat in Springfield, OR
⮕ Savor Thai Perfection at Ta Ra Rin
Authentic dishes, rich flavors, and a welcoming atmosphere in a local favorite
Ta Ra Rin is a warm, spacious traditional Thai eatery in Sheldon Plaza mall in Springfield, Oregon. Ta Ra Rin serves classic authentic Thai menu with a range of noodle and rice dishes. To maintain the highest quality, the menu does not rotate and there are no experiments with classic recipes since each recipe is tried-and-tested. All menu items are available for carry-out. Ta Ra Rin's founder and head chef Arna ”B“ Khongkhaning claims that authenticity is the secret behind her delicious dishes, cooked to perfection completely by hand and elegantly presented. Exotic flavors full of fragrant spices, healthy, fresh ingredients and friendly service have earned Ta Ra Rin great reputation and a loyal following.
1410 Mohawk Blvd, Springfield, OR 97477, Phone: 541-505-8987
⮕ Feast on Flavor at Coburg Pizza Company
Gourmet pizzas with inventive toppings, hearty portions, and hometown hospitality
Coburg Pizza Company is a cozy, spacious pizzeria in Springfield, Oregon, famous for pizzas with unusual and unexpected toppings (New York City Ruben with corned beef, Swiss Cheese, sauerkraut, Sriracha-1,000 Island sauce and pickles or The Route 66 with cream cheese, fresh spinach, herbed chicken, bacon, onion, garlic, tomatoes, provolone, romano, asiago, parmesan and balsamic vinegar.) The pizzeria is warm and inviting, with bright colored walls and a giant brick wood fire oven in its heart, where the magic happens. They also have great calzones, pastas and wings, but there are so many wacky pizza toppings to try, why bother with anything else. There is simply nothing like it.
1710 Centennial Blvd, Springfield, OR 97477, Phone: 541-484-6600
If you are interested in local events:
- Springfield Block Party (Summer) – Celebrate with music, food, art, and family-friendly fun downtown.
- Twilight Run at Dorris Ranch (June) – A scenic evening race through historic orchards and trails.
- Holiday Light Parade (December) – Sparkling floats and holiday spirit light up downtown streets.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Springfield, Oregon:
- Eugene (5–10 min) – Explore the University of Oregon, shop at the 5th Street Public Market, or stroll Alton Baker Park.
- Mount Pisgah Arboretum (15–20 min) – Hike scenic trails and spot wildlife in a lush nature preserve.
- Dexter Lake (25–30 min) – Paddle, swim, or fish at this peaceful reservoir with stunning mountain views.
- McKenzie River (30 min) – Head east to hike waterfalls, fish, or float down this iconic Oregon river.
- Willamette Valley Vineyards (30 min) – Sip regional wines in one of Oregon’s premier wine-producing areas.
- Cottage Grove (30 min) – Discover covered bridges, murals, and movie history in this charming small town.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Where is Springfield, Oregon located?
- Springfield is a city in Lane County, Oregon, located in the Southern Willamette Valley.
- It is part of the Eugene-Springfield Metropolitan Statistical Area.
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What public art attractions can visitors see in Springfield?
- Springfield has an amazing collection of public art and outdoor murals, including the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden.
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What parks and outdoor activities are available in Springfield?
- The city has 34 parks and 21 playgrounds for visitors to enjoy.
- The Springfield Community Birding Trail is a haven for bird-watchers.
- The banks of the McKenzie and Willamette Rivers are always lined with fishermen.
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What museums and art centers can visitors explore in Springfield?
- The Springfield Museum is located in the restored Pacific Power and Light transformer station.
- The Emerald Art Center is a place where new and established artists work together to create and showcase their art.
Plan Your Trip