The city of Medford is the county seat of Jackson County, Oregon.
David Loring named the area after Medford, Massachusetts.
The city is the fourth largest area in metro Oregon.
Medford was also a historical point of interest regarding railroad development, which is still evident today.
Besides remnants of industrialization like the railway system, Medford has much more to offer regarding tourist attractions and experiences.
Check out the free things to do in Medford, Oregon.
Uladzik Kryhin / Shutterstock.com
You definitely can’t miss exploring the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in Medford.
With its headquarters along Biddle Rd, you’ll access this enchanting natural preserve and be treated to the most impressive sites you’ll ever see.
The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest encompasses approximately 1.8 million acres that pass through seven counties in Oregon and the state of California.
Tami Freed / Shutterstock.com
This treasure trove of botanical diversity will bring you nature’s greatest wonders in the form of rivers, isolated wilderness areas, fisheries, landscapes, streams, meadows, and more.
The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest is a unique attraction in Medford, even more so when you have a knack for turning off your phone and getting lost in the wilderness.
davidrh / Shutterstock.com
Wandering the city streets of Medford is one thing, but you can take your trip to a new level by following some of the most picturesque trails in the city.
The Natural Bridge Loop, located off Highway 62, paints a more serene picture of Medford, as it is branded as a nature lover’s paradise.
On your two-mile hike beginning at the Natural Bridge Viewpoint, you’ll see towering trees decorating the pathwayleadingad you to the Upper Rogue Wild and Scenic River.
You’ll be led to a natural land bridge where you’ll spot beaver ponds, nesting birds, and dozens of plant species.
Eventually, you’ll walk along the picturesque footbridge crossing and see the flowing waters from the river accompanied by rock formations.
Check out the Natural Bridge Loop!
The city of Medford, like its neighbors, also has a lot of history.
One way to uncover some of its age-old stories is by visiting the Medford Railroad Park on Berrydale Ave.
The park, which covers 49 acres, was once the city’s sewer treatment plant before it was developed to become a Medford attraction.
Because it is a railroad park, built-to-scale steam trains offer free rides from the second and fourth Sunday of April to October.
Other park attractions include full-size cars, a caboose, hopper cars, and several modes of transport.
You can even spot a working telegraph system inside the park, where you can send and receive telegrams and an operating Garden Railway.
You might wonder if you’re in a smaller version of New York City when you visit Medford’s Hawthorne Park.
That’s because the park is home to a smaller replica of the Statue of Liberty, particularly at the northeast intersection of N Oakdale Ave and W 8th St.
The Statue of Liberty replica in Medford stands at seven feet on a 6.5-foot base.
Listed in the Smithsonian Art Inventory Catalog, this replica is one of the 200 pieces scattered across the country as part of the 40th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America in 1950.
If you don’t want to look for every one of these replicas, you might snap a couple of photos with the one in Medford.
You’ll find a lot of peaceful parks in Medford, but you should see Prescott Park off Hillcrest Rd.
Covering 1,740 acres, this Medford park treats visitors to a serene space where they can walk around and drown out the sound of the busy streets.
Prescott Park has a peak at 3,571 feet, giving you a panoramic view of the Rogue River Valley and Medford’s surrounding countryside.
Go for a walk, jog, or ride a bike along the paved trails of Prescott Park and enjoy the view from there.
Prescott Park is named after the late Medford Police Officer George J. Prescott, an enthusiastic supporter of the park before getting killed in the line of duty.
ZabMilenko at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
Medford is filled with natural sights and a quaint atmosphere perfect for those who want to enjoy peace.
If you want to rest and relax on a fabulous day, Bear Creek Park along Highland Drive offers the perfect space to do just that.
This 110-acre property also comes with an off-leash dog area, allowing you to let your furry friend sniff the grass and run around.
This Medford park has little league fields, a BMX track, an amphitheater, tennis courts, and a skate park.
If you want to get lost in your thoughts, Bear Creek Park also has a walking trail that spans 2.3 miles.
Dedicated gearheads will want to attend the Medford Cars and Coffee event on E Barnett Rd to get a glimpse of some of the unique rides in the city.
Medford Cars and Coffee is a weekly Sunday event at the Southern Oregon Orthopedics parking lot.
From 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m., you’ll see a fleet of vintage cars occupying the parking spaces, hoods propped up and all.
For some, this might seem like a usual sight, but for those who have an eye for automobiles, this is like Candyland, with a bevy of powerful engines and car mods.
If you are also a car enthusiast, stick around Medford on a Sunday morning to check out the hotrods on display.
The summer season can bring an unbearable heat wave even when you’re in Medford, and a quick trip to Hawthorne Park should keep you cool.
Located along E Main St, Hawthorne Park is a 20-acre tract home to Medford’s largest seasonal splash pad.
So if you’re looking for a way to beat the heat without spending anything, make your way to this park and have a go at the sprinklers.
The open green area also makes an excellent place for those who want to set up a small picnic with their friends and family.
Other facilities in the park that you might want to try are a playground, a skate spot, and futsal and basketball courts.
Walk towards the pillars under the I-5, and see a couple of murals on display.
Art lovers are in for a real treat when they visit the Rogue Gallery and Art Center on S Bartlett St.
This Medford attraction is owned by a non-profit organization and houses several rotating exhibits throughout the year.
Get a glimpse of the finest works of art you’ll ever see in Medford, portrayed via several media.
There are three exhibition spaces inside the gallery, meaning you’ll spend some time browsing the displays.
The Rogue Gallery and Art Center was founded in the 1960s by artists, educators, and local leaders.
Sherri R. Camp / Shutterstock.com
Situated along the Sams Valley near Medford is the infamous Table Rocks, one of the many places you’ll need to visit if you want to make the best of your trip.
Table Rocks will position you in front of a breathtaking landscape you won’t find anywhere else.
This former sanctuary for Takelma Indians is decorated with beautiful wildflowers and a grassy summit.
Ahturner / Shutterstock.com
Spring is always a great season to traverse the trail leading up to Table Rocks because it’s when the flowers bloom.
You can pick between hiking up the Lower Table Rock, a 5.4-mile trip that rises to 780 feet.
Otherwise, you can take the Upper Table Rock, a 2.8-mile trip that rises to 720 feet.
RomanPDX / Shutterstock.com
Cheer for some of the athletes in Medford during some of the sporting events at the Lithia and Driveway Fields.
Owned and operated by the city of Medford, Lithia Driveway and Fields can be found along Lowry Lane.
This recreational area is home to the largest municipal installation of FieldTurf in the US, sporting about 1.5 million square feet of synthetic grass.
Medford’s Lithia and Driveway Fields have accommodated over 47,000 youth and adult games since its establishment.
During your trip to the city, swing by this place because you might see some action at the baseball and soccer fields.
Touring the city of Medford doesn’t need to cost a lot of money.
A peaceful walk around the area is enough to reach the best sites in the city.
After you’ve enjoyed your walk, a small picnic is one of the best ways to relax and take a breather.
You’ll find this experience most enjoyable in Lone Pine Park, a 3.56-acre property that’s serene, peaceful, and quiet.
Whip out your favorite book as you snack on some sandwiches or lay down on the grass under a tree to nap.
Lone Pine Park is a small area in Medford, and it’s perfect for those who want to revel in the simplicity of the city while enjoying sweeping views.
There are several annual events to look out for when in Medford, but perhaps one of the biggest ones is the Pear Blossom Parade and Festival.
The Pear Blossom Parade and Festival is held in Downtown Medford and is a highly anticipated event because of the many festivities in store for residents and visitors.
The Pear Blossom Parade usually kicks off with local kids pulling their wagons, an adorable sight out on the streets.
Besides the parade, there are other events, such as pageants, street fairs, cornhole tournaments, and much more.
Keep in mind that a few events at the fair will ask for admission fees.
The Pear Blossom Parade has happened in Medford for over 50 years and is a great way to learn more about the city’s culture and heritage.
Uncover a piece of history at the Medford Townsite Marker at the intersection of S Ivy and W 8th St.
The townsite marker has a short inscription etched onto it, revealing the background to Medford’s discovery.
The townsite marker is mounted onto a large slab or rock erected by the Southern Oregon Historical Society.
Walking around, you’ll also see nearby markers like the Scion of the Washington Elm, the Shone-Charley House, and more.
Ahturner / Shutterstock.com
Lovers of the great outdoors should have a blast hiking Roxy Ann Peak, which sits at the eastern edge of Medford.
An enchanted forest will greet you on your way to Roxy Ann Peak, and it will run for about 3.5 miles with a 700-foot elevation gain.
Your ascent to Roxy Ann Peak will take you to various wonders visible from Medford, including the Table Rocks, Mt. McLoughlin, Mt. Thielsen, and more.
Ahturner / Shutterstock.com
But it’s a different story once you get to the top, with views like Pilot Rock and California’s Mt. Shasta gracing your eyes.
The trail heading to Roxy Ann Peak is decorated with madrone trees and wildflowers, adding only to the area’s natural beauty.
ZabMilenko at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Getting the most out of your trip to the stunning city of Medford doesn’t need to cost a lot of money.
Stick to this list of the free things to do in Medford, Oregon, and you should have a great time even on a budget.
Plan your trip today!
Discover the world.
© All rights reserved.
