City of Cottage Grove

Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce

Small Town, Big Heart

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Local Attractions

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In the lush southern edge of the Willamette Valley, Cottage Grove, Oregon, is a charming city steeped in a rich tapestry of Pacific Northwest history. Originally inhabited by the Kalapuya people, the area saw an influx of pioneers arriving via the Oregon Trail in the mid-19th century. Officially incorporated in 1887, the town quickly grew into a bustling hub for the timber and gold mining industries, fueled by the nearby Bohemia Mining District. This prosperous era left behind a legacy of resilient community spirit and architectural treasures that still define the town's identity today.

Cottage Grove boasts an impressive collection of historic structures that draw visitors from far and wide. Within and around the city limits, six beautifully preserved covered bridges stand as monuments to early 20th-century engineering, including the Chambers Railroad Bridge, which is the only remaining continuous bridge truss railroad structure in the United States. Visitors can explore these picturesque landmarks by embarking on the Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway, a scenic path that winds through the tranquil countryside and offers a glimpse into a bygone era.

Beyond its architectural marvels, the city features a vibrant downtown commercial district listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Strolling along Main Street reveals an array of boutique shops, cozy cafes, and beautifully restored buildings adorned with large-scale outdoor murals that depict local history. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Row River Trail offers miles of paved pathways perfect for cycling, walking, and wildlife viewing, stretching along the shoreline of the scenic Dorena Lake, a popular destination for boating and fishing.

Cottage Grove also holds a unique and celebrated place in cinematic history, serving as the backdrop for several iconic American films. Master filmmaker Buster Keaton shot his 1926 silent movie masterpiece, The General, in and around the town, utilizing the local landscape and railway infrastructure for his spectacular locomotive stunts. Decades later, the city hosted the cast and crew of the 1978 comedy classic National Lampoon's Animal House, filming its famous, chaotic parade climax right down Main Street—a pop culture milestone that the town still commemorates.

A visit to this Oregon gem is incomplete without exploring its unique natural and cultural landmarks, such as the Bohemia Gold Mining Museum, which preserves the rugged artifacts and stories of early prospectors. Every summer, the community comes alive with the Bohemia Mining Days festival, celebrating its heritage through living-history presentations and parades. Combining its cinematic fame, engineering marvels, and pristine natural beauty, Cottage Grove offers a captivating window into the heart of western Oregon.

Travel Lane County

Trip Advisor

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Fun Facts

The town is widely known as the "Covered Bridge Capital of Oregon" and "Covered Bridge Capital of the West," with six historic covered bridges located in and around the community.

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Upcoming Events

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