10 Fun Things To Do Near Wilsonville, Oregon (Local’s Guide For Easy Day Trips)
If you’re planning a trip to
Wilsonville, Oregon in
Clackamas County, or you’ve just moved here and are wondering what to do this weekend, you’re in a great spot. Wilsonville sits right off I‑5, just about 20 miles south of Portland, and it’s surrounded by wineries, farms, parks, and some surprisingly cool hidden gems.
Below are
10 things to do in and around Wilsonville that make for easy half‑day or full‑day adventures. All of them are within a short drive, and most are very family‑friendly.
1. Explore Memorial Park – Wilsonville’s Backyard Playground
If you want an easy first stop, head to
Memorial Park, Wilsonville’s largest and most popular park right along the
Willamette River.
You’ll find:
- Walking trails through tall trees
- Multiple playground areas for kids
- Sports fields and tennis courts
- Picnic tables and open lawns
- River access and peaceful viewpoints
On warm evenings, locals walk their dogs here or sit on the grass and watch the river flow by. If you’re road-tripping through Oregon and need to stretch your legs, this is an easy stop just a couple of minutes from the freeway.
Tip: Pack a simple picnic—sandwiches, chips, and drinks—and grab a shady table under the trees for a classic small‑town Oregon afternoon.
2. Go Wine Tasting in the Willamette Valley
Wilsonville sits at the north edge of the world‑famous
Willamette Valley wine country. That means you can be sipping Pinot Noir at a vineyard in about 10–20 minutes.
Nearby wineries and tasting rooms often visited from Wilsonville include:
- St. Josef’s Winery (Canby) – Laid‑back vibe, ponds, and outdoor seating.
- Beckham Estate Vineyard (just southeast) – Known for clay‑aged wines and scenic views.
- Multiple tasting rooms toward Newberg and Dundee, about 20–30 minutes away.
You don’t need to be a wine expert. Most tasting rooms are happy to explain the basics and help you find something you like.
Driving tip: If you plan to hit more than one winery, consider a designated driver, rideshare, or a local wine tour service. The country roads are beautiful but can be winding and dark at night.
3. Walk the River at Wilsonville Waterfront (Boones Ferry Park & More)
One of the best parts of Wilsonville is how close you are to the water. Along the Willamette River, you’ll find a few small but lovely spots to enjoy the view.
Popular choices include:
- Boones Ferry Park – A quiet spot along the river with picnic areas and a boat launch.
- Wilsonville Waterfront trail segments – Great for short walks, photos, or just watching boats go by.
On a calm summer day, the river almost feels like a long, slow-moving lake. You’ll see kayaks, paddleboards, and fishing boats drifting by.
If you’re coming from a big city, the slower pace along the river might be exactly what you’re looking for.
4. Visit the Oregon Korean War Memorial & Town Center Park
Right in Wilsonville, you’ll find the
Oregon Korean War Memorial at
Town Center Park. It’s a peaceful place to take a quiet walk and reflect.
The memorial features:
- Granite panels with names and history
- Flags and landscaping
- Benches and walking paths
Town Center Park itself is a central hub with:
- Open lawns for frisbee or casual games
- A splash pad for kids in summer
- Events and festivals depending on the season
If you like to mix history with your travel, this is a meaningful, quick stop that’s easy to fit into your day of exploring Wilsonville.
5. Take the Kids (or Your Inner Kid) to Bullwinkle’s / Family Fun Center
Looking for something high‑energy and easy to reach? Less than 10 minutes north of Wilsonville, in nearby
Tigard, is the
Bullwinkle’s / Family Fun Center (often just called “Family Fun Center”).
You’ll find:
- Go‑karts
- Mini‑golf courses
- Lazer tag and arcade games
- Batting cages
- Ropes courses and more
Is it touristy? A little. Is it fun? Absolutely—especially if you’ve got kids, teens, or just a group of friends who want to burn some energy after a long drive.
Money‑saving idea: Look for combo passes or online deals before you go. It can make a big difference if you’re there for several hours.
6. Wander Through Champoeg State Heritage Area
About 20–25 minutes south of Wilsonville, just across the river near St. Paul, is
Champoeg State Heritage Area (pronounced “sham-POO-ee” or “sham-POEG” depending on who you ask).
This park is a mix of history and nature:
- Beautiful riverside trails
- Open fields and oak groves
- Historic sites where early Oregon settlers met
- Picnic areas and campgrounds
If you like calm walks, bird‑watching, or biking, Champoeg is an easy and rewarding day trip from Wilsonville. It feels like you’ve stepped far out into the countryside, even though it’s not far from town.
Local feel: On weekends, you’ll see plenty of Oregon families biking the flat trails, often with kids in tow behind their bikes. It’s a very relaxed, friendly place.
7. Enjoy a Farm Visit or Pumpkin Patch in Clackamas County
If you’re in Wilsonville in the late summer or fall, you’re in farm‑country heaven. Around Clackamas County, you’ll find:
- U‑pick berry farms (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries)
- Pumpkin patches in September and October
- Corn mazes, hayrides, and farm stands
A short drive in almost any direction from Wilsonville will lead you to a farm or stand selling fresh produce. Many of these small farms feel very local and low‑key—the kind of place where you pay for berries at a little shack and chat with the owners.
If you’re visiting from a big city, walking through rows of berries with a small bucket in your hand can feel surprisingly relaxing. Plus, the fruit tastes incredible when you’ve just picked it yourself.
8. Head to Woodburn Premium Outlets for Shopping
About 20–25 minutes south of Wilsonville, straight down I‑5, you’ll hit the
Woodburn Premium Outlets, one of the largest outlet malls in the region.
Expect:
- Big brand clothing and shoe stores
- Home goods and kitchenware shops
- Food court and snack spots
On rainy Oregon days (and there are plenty), this is a popular choice for both locals and visitors. If you’re on a budget, set a spending limit before you go—it’s easy to get carried away with “just one more store.”
Travel tip: Try to go early in the day or on weekdays to avoid crowds, especially around holidays and back‑to‑school season.
9. Stroll Historic Downtown Oregon City & Willamette Falls
About 20 minutes northeast of Wilsonville sits
Oregon City, one of the oldest cities in the American West and the original capital of the Oregon Territory.
Here you can:
- Walk historic downtown streets with cafes and shops
- Ride the Oregon City Municipal Elevator for great views
- Visit viewpoints overlooking Willamette Falls
- Learn local history at the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center
Willamette Falls is one of the largest waterfalls by volume in the United States. It’s partly surrounded by old mills, which gives it a unique industrial‑meets‑nature feel.
If you like photography, the overlook areas are perfect for river and city shots, especially around sunset.
10. Take a Day Trip Into Portland (Then Escape Back to Wilsonville)
One of the biggest perks of staying in Wilsonville is how close you are to
Portland—without being stuck in the middle of big‑city traffic all the time.
In about 25–30 minutes, you can be:
- Browsing Powell’s City of Books
- Shopping and dining in the Pearl District or Downtown
- Exploring the Portland Saturday Market (seasonal)
- Checking out food carts, coffee shops, and breweries
After a busy day in the city, it’s nice to drive back down I‑5, watch the traffic thin out, and return to the quieter pace of Wilsonville.
If you prefer staying in a calmer, suburban area with easy freeway access, Wilsonville makes a smart base for exploring both Portland and the Willamette Valley.
Final Thoughts: Wilsonville Is Small, But Perfectly Placed
Wilsonville itself is a fairly small city, but that’s part of the charm. It’s:
- Calm and convenient for families and road‑trippers
- Close to wine country, farms, and the Willamette River
- Within easy reach of Portland, Oregon City, and Champoeg
Whether you’re here for a weekend or using Wilsonville as a base for a longer Oregon trip, you’ll find plenty of things to do within a short drive.
Now it’s your turn:
Have you visited Wilsonville or nearby spots like Champoeg, Oregon City, or the Woodburn Outlets? What was your favorite thing to do?
Share your experiences in the comments and let others know what you loved most. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend who’s planning a trip to Oregon or driving up and down I‑5—you might just help them discover their new favorite stop.
Comments
Post a Comment