MARION COUNTY, OR

County Offices
555 Liberty St. SE
Salem 503-588-6255
https://www.co.marion.or.us

Marion County Chamber of Commerce6
1110 Commercial St. N.E.
Salem 503-581-1455
https://salemchamber.org/

Marion County is situated in the Willamette Valley. Lush farmland, wineries, antique districts, and other rich historical treasures are all part of this delightful region. The county is a big part of the state’s wine country. Marion County is also home to the city of Salem – the state capital of Oregon.

Services
Salem serves as the main hub for the region and is home to several educational and healthcare institutions. Public and private schools ensure an outstanding education that includes programs for the gifted and talented, special education, and a wide range of extra-curricular activities. In addition to options for higher education within the County, students can choose from a selection of state-supported and private colleges and universities within the region.

Lifestyle
Marion County encompasses some of the state’s finest farmland and forests, punctuated by lush vineyards, historical sites, colorful markets, fine antique shops, festivals and fairs, golf courses, and cultural attractions. As historic as it is naturally beautiful, this region offers such wonderful attractions as the town of Aurora and its Antique shops. County parks provide an array of facilities and opportunities for outdoor adventure. Picnicking, backpacking, hiking, biking, camping, boating and water sports,  golfing, tennis, and winter sports are just a few of the possibilities for exercise and relaxation. Leisure hours can be filled with everything from theatre and concerts to horseback riding or kayaking on a river. The housing selection throughout the County tends to be exceptionally attractive and diverse. Choices include everything from bungalows in the heart of a small town to sprawling horse properties, small farms, and secluded country estates that are all but eclipsed by mature pines and greenery. With its blend of idyllic communities and pristine countryside, Marion County stands as a shining jewel at the edge of the Portland metropolitan region.

Aumsville
City Hall
503-749-2030
https://www.aumsville.us

Chamber of Commerce
503-769-3464
https://www.aumsville.us

Aumsville is located in the Mid-Willamette Valley just nine miles east of Salem, Oregon’s capital. Aumsville is a town with a long and historic past that spans more than 120 years. Its rich history is based on its central location for the area which made it the ideal trading center for local farmers. This was further solidified by the Oregon Central Railroad making it one of the key stops along its route during the early part of the century. Today Aumsville retains its small town charm and historic atmosphere. The town is also well known for its Annual Corn Festival.  It offers residents the convenience of its close location to Salem, and short driving distance to the Metro Portland area – while allowing them the opportunity to enjoy its calm simpler way of life.

Aurora
City Hall
503-678-1283
https://www.ci.aurora.or.us

Chamber of Commerce
503-939-0312
http://auroracolony.com/wp/

Located on the way between Salem and Portland and nestled in the lush Willamette Valley, it was originally founded as the Aurora Colony in the 1830’s. Today Aurora is known as the Antiques Capital of Oregon. Aurora is also famous for being the first town in Oregon to have a nationally designated Historic District, when in 1974 more than 20 historic structures were placed on the National Historic Register. The City has a small population that is dedicated to preserving the long history of Aurora. Many of the original structures built in the 1800’s still stand today and have been preserved by caring residents. Aurora offers its residents a simpler way of life that is punctuated by its history and today is enjoyed by visitors who make the short 25 mile drive from Salem or Portland and come to search for antiques and relaxation.

Gervais
City Hall
503-792-4222
http://www.gervaisoregon.org/

Chamber of Commerce
503-792-4222

Located north of Salem and south of Portland off Highway 99E, Gervais is a bustling community offering a small town atmosphere with easy access to I-5 and the Portland and Salem areas. As a small city of just over 2,000 residents, Gervais offers all of the charm that residents and visitors alike look for in a small town, while offering convenient access to the cosmopolitan amenities of the Portland Metro area to the north or the Salem area to the south. Residents enjoy a host of outdoor activities and a good choice of housing styles, all within a close knit community with a long history.

Keizer
City Hall
503-390-3700
https://www.keizer.org

Chamber of Commerce
503-393-9111
https://keizerchamber.com/

In November 2, 1982 an unincorporated area of Marion County north of the city of Salem, 4,713 acres or 7.36 square miles, was incorporated and the city of Keizer was born. At the time it became the 12th largest city in Oregon with a population of over 19,000. Today Keizer is the 14^th largest city in the state with a population just under 35,000. It is located in the center of the Willamette Valley and is recognized as the “Iris Capital of the World.” The City experienced a rapid amount of new growth in the mid to late 1990’s, making it one of the fastest growing cities in Oregon.  Throughout its growth the community preserved its small-town pride and maintained its charming nature. The city also takes great pride in its annual traditions such as the Keizer Iris Festival and the annual Miracle of Christmas lighting display.  The City of Keizer has many community, neighborhood and natural area parks, including the Keizer Little League Park. The city is also home to several museums and other cultural attractions. The surrounding communities also offer a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities that make this an exciting place to call home.

Mill City
City Hall
503-897-2302
http://www.ci.mill-city.or.us/

Chamber of Commerce
503-897-5000
https://nschamber.org/

Mill City has the largest population of all the North Santiam Canyon communities and is considered the hub for many services and activities. The North Santiam River flows through the center of town. This has the effect of splitting the town between Marion County and Linn County. The river is a key part of the outdoor recreation in the region and Mill City is well known for its fishing and whitewater rafting. The river is a very popular launching point for many whitewater kayakers.  The city has three parks in the city limits: Kimmel Park, Hammond Park and Memorial Wayside Park. Stores, restaurants, a post office, a pharmacy, a museum, a senior center, a library and antique shops occupy the city. Mill City offers residents and newcomers everything they need for their daily life and for their weekend pleasures.

Mt. Angel
City Hall
503-845-9291
https://www.ci.mt-angel.or.us/

Chamber of Commerce
503-845-9440
https://www.mtangelchamber.com/

Nestled between farmland and foothills, Mt. Angel is located 18 miles northeast of Salem and 40 miles south of Portland. The town was founded in the late 1800s by German settlers who infused the town with their Bavarian heritage and architecture. To the downtown is highlighted by Bavarian style buildings and the area is also home to the Benedictine Mt. Angel Abbey. Each year since the mid 1960’s the town has held its now famous Oktoberfest, held in September. This celebration draws thousands of visitors from all over the map. Mt. Angel is also an outdoor enthusiasts dream, and biking is a favorite activity in and around the city due to its varied and rolling terrain. The area is also known for its variety of farms that grow everything from Christmas trees to pumpkins. Mt. Angel is one of those charming American Cities that still retains the strong sense of attachment to its heritage.

Salem
City Hall
503-588-6255
https://www.cityofsalem.net

Chamber of Commerce
503-581-0972
https://salemchamber.org/

Salem is the capital of Oregon and the second largest city in the state. The city is located in the center of the lush Willamette River valley, 47 miles from Portland. Salem is located an hour from the Cascade mountains to the east and an hour from the coastal ocean beaches to the west. Salem has a population of just around 150,000 residents. Salem is an economically diverse city with a strong local business base and very dedicated local government. The city also has an excellent school system and five institutions of higher education. In addition there are more than 10 public or private universities and colleges located within a 40 minute drive of Salem.  In addition to its strong business environment, the city offers a wide array of restaurants, hotels and tourist attractions. The city also has several historic sites and museums that appeal to residents and visitors alike. The city also has several events each year that appeal to many different tastes – from sports tournaments to art festivals. Salem has an active downtown that includes several parks and the historic district. For the outdoor enthusiast there are more than1,800 acres of park land available. Being in a valley that is surrounded by pastures, orchards and vineyards, the city of Salem offers a relaxing lifestyle that has the benefit of every urban luxury for its residents.

Silverton
City Hall
503-873-5321
https://www.silverton.or.us

Chamber of Commerce
503-873-5615
https://www.silvertonchamber.org/

Silverton was incorporated in 1885. In its early days the town was a trading and banking center in western Oregon. In addition the town was famous for the lumbers mills that were driven by the Silver Creek. Timber was a driving force for local industry, and the Silver Falls Timber Co. was once the largest sawmill of its kind in the world. Metal piping was also part of the economy. Today the town maintains its historic charm and offers its residents a relaxing lifestyle. One of the most famous attractions in the town is The Oregon Garden – a world class botanical garden that includes more than 20 specialty gardens and wetlands. Soon it will be home to a luxury resort as well. Residents and newcomers can enjoy a more casual lifestyle and still be less than an hour drive from the Portland Metro Area and all of its urban amenities.

Stayton, Sublimity
City Hall
Stayton
503-769-3425
https://www.staytonoregon.gov
Sublimity
503-769-5475
https://www.cityofsublimity.org

Chamber of Commerce
503-769-3464
http://www.staytonsublimitychamber.org/

Stayton and Sublimity are located at the base of the Cascades foothills at the junction of Highway 22 and the Cascade Highway, just 14 miles east of Salem. That short distance however separates the bustling activity of the city from the relaxed recreational lifestyle of this area. These cities are also located on the way to the popular recreational lakes of the area, making them the ideal stopping point for area visitors. The cities offer their residents the small town feel that so many families are looking for today. The area has mild wet winters and moderate summers, making for beautiful and lush greenery as far as the eye can see. The area has a great and growing mix of small businesses and large industries. This economic base combined with the close proximity to outdoor recreation and transportation arteries make Stayton and Sublimity a great home for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts and business owners.

Wooburn
City Hall
503-982-5228
https://www.woodburn-or.gov/

Chamber of Commerce
503-982-8221
https://woodburnchamber.org/

Woodburn is located in the center of the Willamette Valley. This location combined with its mild climate makes the area known for its commercially grown tulips, iris, grass seed, and poppies. Woodburn is home to more than 18 commercial nurseries – supplying plants to garden centers around the nation. The area is also home to several Christmas Tree Farms and orchards. All of this lush landscape helps to add to the enjoyment of residents who can also stroll down tree lined streets or eat in one of the many restaurants in the historic downtown, or just enjoy the outdoor beauty the area has to offer. Woodburn is also home to one of the largest retail outlet centers in the area, the Woodburn Company Stores which has more than 80 retailers. Woodburn offers its residents the opportunity to enjoy nature and live the small town life with access to all the necessities of modern life.