Curator’s statement
Eugene, Oregon, has long been known as Tracktown, USA. Repeatedly hosting NCAA Championships, the annual Prefontaine Classic, numerous World and Olympic Trials and after a $200 million renovation of Historic Hayward Field, recently hosted the 2022 World Championships in Athletics. Eugene may be a small city, but it has outsized amenities thanks to its affiliations with the University of Oregon and Nike. The legendary life of Steve Prefontaine began and ended here.
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Things to do in Oregon
Historic Hayward Field — Since it hosts so many high-level high school, college and professional events per year, there’s a good chance they’ll be a meet going on when you visit. There’s a great museum, Hayward Hall, under the east grandstand and tours of the tower are available.
Pre’s Rock - A memorial for the runner who dared all to keep up with him and forever changed the sport.
Pre’s Trail — A popular 2.5 mile running loop a short distance from the University of Oregon campus
Day trips:
Coos Bay — If you’re a really big fan of Steve Prefontaine, his hometown is about a two-hour drive — there’s a small museum dedicated to Pre.
Oregon Coast Aquarium — Made famous in the movie “Free Willy”, this fantastic aquarium is in the charming coastal town of Newport — eat at Rogue Bayfront Public House while there
Oregon Sand Dunes - Ride a sand rail for thrilling spins on an unexpected massive sand dune.
Willamette Valley — Eugene is located about 70 miles south of Willamette Valley, famous for its 700+ wineries — practice how you pronounce the name of this valley!
Silver Falls State Park — Up to 7 miles of easy to-moderate hiking trails with ten waterfalls, some of which you can walk behind.
Mount Angel — Site of one of the biggest Oktoberfests in the country, this quaint town is worth visiting any time of the year, especially to see the Monastery.
Mount Angel Abbey — A beautiful campus founded in 1882 by a Benedictine community of monks on a hilltop overlooking the Willamette Valley— they produce and sell their own beer.
Places to eat & drink in Oregon
Track Town Pizza — The bench-style seating almost guarantees you’ll be enjoying your meal alongside a famous athlete.
McMennamin’s - Charming, repurposed houses and schools in neighborhoods that serve great meals with their own brewed beer.
McKenzie Brewery - Great microbrewery with clever runner-themed beers like “twisted meniscus IPA”.
Beergarden - Affiliated with an onsite brewery, this courtyard has a small collection of food trucks with various foods.
Need to know
It can be easier to get to Eugene by car or rail than by air. EUG Airport is a small regional airport with less than a dozen arriving flights per day; Amtrak has a regular stop in downtown Eugene.
A metro bus will take you from downtown to and from the University of Oregon campus / Historic Hayward field.
Travel Advisor
Dave Rintoul
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This guide is a part of our ongoing series on travel to Oregon. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Tammy Bux's guide, Oregon’s Best-Kept Secret: Columbia River Gorge.