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All United States Oregon Salem

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Salem

2 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Salem, Oregon

Updated December 30, 2021

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Unusual Attractions in Salem

The Museum of Mental Health

Salem, Oregon

Oregon State Hospital Museum of Mental Health

An institution that preserves the history of institutionalization.
Docked.  Note the upper cable to which the ferryboat is tethered.

Salem, Oregon

Wheatland Ferry

This incongruous small ferry across the Willamette River north of Salem, Oregon has been operating continuously since the 1850s.
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The Ice Mountain bobsled roller coaster.

Turner, Oregon

Enchanted Forest

This charmingly homemade amusement park has been growing for 40 years.
7 miles from Salem
The Slough in late afternoon.

Dallas, Oregon

Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge

A haven for wildlife amid the farmlands and development of the Willamette River Valley.
10 miles from Salem
The Gordon House by Frank Lloyd Wright

Silverton, Oregon

The Gordon House

The only house in Oregon designed by the famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright.
12 miles from Salem
Entrance sign. (Wikimedia Commons)

Mount Angel, Oregon

Mount Angel Abbey Museum

World's largest porcine hairball sits in a collection maintained by Benedictine monks.
15 miles from Salem
Erratic Rock State Natural Site

McMinnville, Oregon

Erratic Rock State Natural Site

A 36-ton remnant of the last Ice Age now resides amid picturesque vineyards.
18 miles from Salem
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