Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Wilsonville, OR

  • Published 2023/04/03

Wilsonville can give you a taste of life in the peaceful suburbs.

This quaint city separates itself from others in Oregon through many family-friendly attractions, domestic shops, and leisure parks.

Established in 1847, it started as the small community of Boones Landing before it grew into modern-day Wilsonville.

A vacation in this city will often involve exploring parks and local stores and getting to know the city like locals.

If you’re looking for some fun, Wilsonville is home to an amusement center, golf course, and a few other entertainment venues.

Add this city to your list of travel destinations and uncover the best things to do in Wilsonville, OR.

Wander the Memorial Park

Playground at Memorial Park

M.O. Stevens, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

As the largest park in Wilsonville, the Memorial Park boasts natural terrain, playgrounds, and facilities for various recreation activities.

With a long list of areas to explore, the park is an excellent destination for families, pets, and individuals of different tastes and preferences.

Playgrounds, athletic fields, a skate park, and field courts are some places you can find in this vast, open park.

People at Memorial Park's Murase Plaza

M.O. Stevens, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

There’s also a comprehensive trail system with abundant nature and complimentary guides along your path.

You can learn about the area while you hike.

It’s also positioned close to the Willamette River and offers access to water recreation like swimming and fishing along the serene river.

All in all, Memorial Park spans an impressive 126 acres.

Immerse in fun activities while surrounded by constant backdrops of pure and simple nature.

Nature trail at Memorial Park

M.O. Stevens, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Visit the Carabella Vineyard

A guided walk along the Carabella Vineyard presents a fresh, picturesque experience that ends with tasting some of their finest bottles of wine.

The tour presents many sights to behold, from panoramic views of Willamette Valley and its nearby volcanoes.

You’ll also walk down a long, straightforward path through a series of verdant plants.

The wines at Carabella Vineyard are unique because of Mike Hallock, a geologist who brought the elements of volcanic soil to the flatbeds in Oregon.

Their wines are “premium volcanic wines,” which often feature sharp and striking flavors.

It’s a one-of-a-kind taste that you must try at least once in your lifetime.

Enjoy the Activities at Bullwinkle’s Wilsonville

Exterior of Bullwinkle's Wilsonville

M.O. Stevens, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Wilsonville is home to an exciting amusement venue situated along Town Center Loop.

Bullwinkle’s Wilsonville is a thrilling destination filled with heart-racing opportunities like their zipline, go-karts, and sky trail.

They also have facilities for bowling, a laser tag arena, and mini-golf.

You’re free to choose whether to play just one of their attractions or purchase a complete package with access to all rides within a limited time.

If you get hungry or thirsty, there’s a restaurant with plenty of comfort meals and drinks, like burgers and cocktails, to choose from.

A day of fun and excitement awaits those planning to visit Bullwinkle’s Wilsonville.

Add it to your bucket list.

Meet the Locals at Wilsonville Farmers Market

Visiting the local farmers’ market is always exciting because you get to see unique products from the community.

Wilsonville’s thriving farmers market happens every Thursday evening from June to September.

You can get fresh groceries, handcrafted baked goods, and other random items.

The best thing is that they’re either locally sourced or made by Wilsonville residents themselves.

There’s also live music to set up a warm, comfortable atmosphere throughout the market.

Visit the area to experience one of Wilsonville’s staple summer traditions.

Enjoy the Ambiance in Lux Sucre Bakery + Cafe

Get your fix of sweets, pastries, and coffee from this lovely cafe.

Lux Sucre Bakery specializes in upscale, dainty pastries that should please your eyes and taste buds.

The staff puts in great effort to craft beautifully-adorned pastries.

Besides the pastries, you might want to pay attention to the cafe’s lively, creative decor.

Lux Sucre Bakery + Cafe is a chic destination with plenty of picture-worthy backdrops, from colorful flower-painted walls to pastel pink chairs and neon signs.

If you’re not a fan of sweets, don’t worry because they also have savory foods on their menu.

Shop at the Wilsonville Town Center

Road loop of Wilsonville Town Center

Victoria Ditkovsky / Shutterstock.com

Wilsonville Town Center is a superb choice for shopping in the city.

In 2019, the city drew up plans to build a rich, commercial hub in the middle of Wilsonville, which led to the establishment of the Wilsonville Town Center.

You can find groceries, fast food restaurants, a dollar store, and a few local shops within the plaza.

You can have a leisure walk around the premises, browse the stores, and grab a quick bite to eat afterward.

There are plenty of stores and restaurants available to visit.

Wilsonville Town Center may stock the product you’re looking for in one of their shops.

Drop by Wilsonville Road to find the shopping mall.

Eat and Drink at the Vanguard Brewing Company

The start of Vanguard Brewing Company features an inspiring tale of turning a dream into reality.

A home brew kit from 1990 paved the way for over 30 years of brewing experience, which allowed the owner to invent the popular beers in the brewery.

Vanguard Brewing Company opened its doors in 2015 and achieved relative success.

They now sell a range of 12 different beers and meals like sandwiches and pizzas that pair well with the drinks.

Their brews have several distinct flavors—citrusy, malt, crisp, light, and more—which cater to the diverse palates of their customers.

Join a Class in the Kitchen at Middleground Farms

Middleground Farms present a cooking and dining experience within the premises of an elegant, rustic farm.

You can learn how to elevate your cooking skills in this venue through fun, hands-on classes held inside the barn.

They’ll provide the necessary ingredients and equipment with most of the materials sourced from their greeneries in the exact location.

Once the lessons are over, you can enjoy the product of your hard work.

Gather around beautiful Barnwood tables and partake in a family-style lunch or dinner inside the cozy barn or outside in the embrace of nature.

Other events they hold include wine-tasting and dining without the cooking lessons.

Find them at Homesteader Road and make sure to reserve a table.

Explore the Sights of Murase Plaza Park

The grounds of Murase Plaza Park

M.O. Stevens, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Murase Plaza Park is one of the leisure destinations in Wilsonville, Oregon.

It’s located along Memorial Drive and is most known for an assortment of playground facilities.

This includes swings, slides, climbing structures, splash pads, and a barn-inspired playhouse.

Night scene at Murase Plaza Park

M.O. Stevens, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In 2015, the park underwent a renovation to make way for new playground features and a fun slide.

Besides play areas, the Murase Plaza Park is also home to a historic barn from 1901, which they redecorated to include modern furniture and amenities.

You can also trek a few walking trails.

One of them leads you to the Memorial Park, the largest park in the city.

Unwind at Kohl Creek Golf Course

Play a casual game of golf in a lush, pristine nine-hole course anchored on the natural beauty of Wilsonville’s rural charm.

The area spans about 3,150 yards and features an array of towering trees, open plains, and a mid-sized pond along the premises.

There’s also a quaint cabin clubhouse selling food, drinks, and essential golf equipment.

Lessons are also offered for all golf players, which you can do in groups or in private.

Kohl Creek Golf Course is a tranquil destination perfect for a leisurely day, away from the city and into the comfort of this peaceful oasis.

Explore the Lavender Fields at Barn Owl Nursery

Founded in 1982, this family-owned nursery grew from specializing in a few herbal plants to harvesting over 100 different types of lavenders and herbs in Oregon.

Barn Owl Nursery has come a long way as a small, quaint shop in Wilsonville.

Their product selection includes a range of lavenders and herbs, lavender-infused products, essential oils, tea blends, and more.

If you visit from mid-June to the end of July, you’ll see vibrant lavenders of different kinds blooming sweetly in their fields.

During harvesting seasons, they’ll sell their lavenders freshly cut, straight from those fields.

Don’t miss out on those precious sights and drop by Barn Owl Nursery at Newland Road.

See a Movie at Regal Wilsonville

Regal Wilsonville is the city’s attraction for seeing the latest film releases in a charming, classic cinema.

Located within Town Center Loop, this theater offers a premium moviegoing experience with few lines and crowds.

See the latest blockbusters in an air-conditioned, secluded area with a high-tech sound system and a sizable movie screen.

A concession stand offers the usual movie snacks and drinks like fresh popcorn, sweet candy, and cold soda.

Regal Wilsonville is easy to visit if you’re looking for casual entertainment in a quiet city.

Explore the Wilsonville Old Town Square

Shops along Wilsonville Old Town Square

M.O. Stevens, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Life in the city isn’t complete without a shopping destination.

Wilsonville Old Town Square is one of the city’s shopping plazas, containing an array of small and big businesses.

It opened in 2011 as a pedestrian-friendly community center that could become a hub for commercial activity in the city.

You won’t have to leave Wilsonville because this town square has almost everything, such as knick-knacks, apparel, essential items, and restaurants.

Exploring Old Town Square is a friendly leisure activity you can do with your family or friends.

This town square also has a theater and holds live concerts regularly.

That said, Wilsonville Old Town Square offers not just a place to buy your daily needs but also to unwind with great entertainment.

Take a Break at Hilton Garden Inn

Once you enter Hilton Garden Inn, you’ll see contemporary architecture in the form of unique chandeliers, an electric fireplace, and chic furniture.

Meanwhile, their rooms harbor a simple, cozy feel with basic white bedsheets and a few paintings hanging on the walls.

Hilton Garden Inn is a three-star hotel in Wilsonville that boasts helpful amenities.

The meeting rooms, an indoor pool, an onsite restaurant, and a fitness center make Hilton Garden Inn a great place to stay while you’re in Wilsonville.

It’s also close to the vibrant shopping scene in Oregon, like Woodburn Premium Outlets, which is about 20 minutes away from the hotel.

They also have pet-friendly rooms.

Check out the offerings at Hilton Garden Inn.

Traverse through the Woodlands at Graham Oaks Nature Park

A pond at Graham Oaks Nature Park

M.O. Stevens, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

While in Wilsonville, you never run out of reasons to explore nature.

Opened in 2010, Graham Oaks Nature Park is your go-to spot for some outdoor pastime by yourself or with the whole family.

At 250 acres, this public park features three nature trails through a restored oak woodland environment.

It’s notable for its array of woodland wildlife and serene plazas.

Trail at Graham Oaks Nature Park

M.O. Stevens, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

While hiking around the paths, learn about the place’s history through the erected interpretive signs.

Be sure to keep your eyes open for Western bluebirds and gray squirrels!

The park is also open from sunset to sunrise, so you have ample time to be one with nature when you visit.

Graham Oaks Nature Park is on Southwest Wilsonville Road.

Landscape of Graham Oaks Nature Park

M.O. Stevens, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Enjoy the Waterfront at Boones Ferry Park

The grounds of Boones Ferry Park

M.O. Stevens, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Boones Ferry Park offers stunning waterfront scenery amidst its usual park amenities.

This park spans seven acres.

It sits near the Willamette River on top of a steep bank and an undeveloped land just a few walks to the west.

Its walking trails are ideal for a bit of sightseeing and meditative strolling.

There are also a basketball court, a gazebo, and a playground onsite.

Boones Ferry Park is home to the historic Tauchman House that’s available for event rentals.

You can find this park along Southwest Boones Ferry Road.

Tee Up at Charbonneau Golf Club

Charbonneau Golf Club blends the challenge of golf play and seamless nature vistas.

Designed and built in 1957, this golf course is the brainchild of Ted Robinson Sr.

It offers a 27-hole layout grouped into three, each with challenges for every golfer and their expertise level.

It takes pride in its lush and rolling fairways, which add to the charm of the place.

The golf facility also comes with a driving range and two practice-chipping greens for first-time golfers.

If you’re ready to flaunt your golf skills, why not try signing up for the facility’s leagues and tournaments?

Charbonneau Golf Club is on Southwest Charbonneau Drive.

Admire the Unique Geological Formations at Coffee Lake Wetlands

If you’re looking for some nature gems in Wilsonville, Coffee Lake Wetlands may be one of them.

This preserved natural area is a part of the Ice Age Tonquin Geological area.

Most of the site had survived the great disaster of the Missoula Floods.

This paved the way for geological formations to mold within this wildlife and fishing habitat.

Marvel at the basalt hummocks and kolk ponds you can find on this site that most birds in the area call home.

Keep your binoculars ready to spot American kestrels and some common marsh wrens.

Coffee Lake Wetlands is near Boeckman Road.

Play a Round of Board Games while Sipping Beer at Ordnance Brewing Taproom

Solve your indoor entertainment blues in Wilsonville with a trip to Ordnance Brewing Taproom.

This farmer-owned taproom sits near the original site of the old homestead of the ancestors of the first owners.

The taproom features over 15 tap beers and other experimental brew options.

It comes with comfortable indoor lounges and pet-friendly outdoor seating areas.

It also has board games onsite and two TV screens for your entertainment.

So, come by for the homely atmosphere and stay for the flavorful beers.

Ordnance Brewing Taproom is on Southwest Wilsonville Road.

It also has another location in Boardman.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Join the Sunflower Festival at Lee Farms

Since 1869, the family-owned Lee Farms has served the community for over seven generations.

They’ve made improvements to their business, adding more products and crafting new events to keep up with the times and bring something new to the table.

One example is their renowned Sunflower Festival which typically occurs from August to September.

Explore 120 acres of abundant farmlands, learn about the various types of sunflowers, and pick up a few of those sunflowers to bring home as souvenirs.

Lee Farms is located in Tualatin, Oregon, less than ten minutes from Wilsonville.

Besides the sunflower festival, they hold seasonal activities like Easter egg hunts, pumpkin patches, berry festivals, and Christmas tree hunting.

They also have a farmers’ market, selling a selection of farm goods and handcrafted pastries like fresh pies and shortcakes.

Final Thoughts

There’s no shortage of attractions in Wilsonville, Oregon.

The city has a great shopping scene, its own amusement venue, and a handful of relaxing spots like parks and farms.

Wilsonville has become a family-friendly place to visit with its assortment of destinations.

Get to know a rare city with hints of rural charm in Wilsonville, Oregon.

Book your trip today!

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