YAMHILL COUNTY, OR

County Offices
535 NE Fifth Street
McMinnville 503-472-9371
https://www.co.yamhill.or.us

Chamber of Commerce
417 NW Adams Street
McMinnville 503-472-6196
https://mcminnville.org/

Founded in 1843 as one of four original Oregon Counties, Yamhill County is situated in north Willamette Valley. Lush farmland, wineries, antique districts, and other rich historical treasures are all part of this delightful region. The county is the heart of the state’s wine country, although logging and timber-related products are the mainstay in the western quadrant. Nearly 20 wineries are scattered in the eastern section, producing the greatest number of award-winning wines in the state. Like Sonoma County in California, Yamhill is home to enchanting bed and breakfasts and relaxing getaways that take advantage of the wine country’s relaxing ambiance.

Services
McMinnville serves as the governmental hub and commercial center for the county, home to regional educational and healthcare institutions like Linfield College, a campus for Chemeketa Community College, and Willamette Valley Medical Center. 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 Yamhill County, students can choose from a selection of state-supported and private colleges and universities within the Portland Metro region.

Lifestyle
Yamhill County encompasses some of the state’s prime farmland and deep 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 popular attractions as the Herbert Hoover House or the 1855 Military Blockhouse in Dayton’s public square. Some may be interested in exploring a unique page of history like Howard Hughes’ Spruce Goose “flying boat” from the World War II era. Others will want to visit the County Historical Museum in Lafayette for a comprehensive glimpse of yesterday. Historical significance and recreation combine in beautiful Lafayette County Park, where the visible remains of a 275-foot dam and lock system were once used to allow stern wheelers to navigate up the Yamhill River to McMinnville.

Eight other 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 in Yamhill County. Leisure hours can be filled with everything from theatre and concerts to horseback riding at the Flying M Ranch, a first-rate lodge and dude ranch near the base of the Trask Mountains. The housing selection throughout Yamhill 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, Yamhill County stands as a shining jewel at the edge of the Portland metropolitan region.

Lafayette
City Hall
503-864-2451
https://www.ci.lafayette.or.us

Chamber of Commerce
503-472-6196
https://mcminnville.org/

Those who appreciate the intimacy of a very small town with a strong sense of history will want to Lafayette, located northeast of McMinnville. The city is well known for its wonderful antique stores, anchored by the Lafayette Schoolhouse Antique Mall. Nearly 100 dealers display their treasures in a 1910 former schoolhouse. An added attraction in Lafayette is the Yamhill County Historical Museum and Barn, providing a fascinating glimpse of pioneer memorabilia and a barn that houses early tools and farm machinery. A real feeling of “community family” prevails in Lafayette, where friends and neighbors greet each other by name. Residents find that nearby McMinnville is convenient for expanded services, shopping, healthcare resources, cultural events and venues, and higher education.


McMinnville, Amity, Carlton
City Halls
McMinnville

503-434-7302
https://www.mcminnvilleoregon.gov/
Amity
503-835-3711
https://www.cityofamityoregon.org/
Carlton
503-852-7575
https://www.ci.carlton.or.us

Chamber of Commerce
503-472-6196
https://mcminnville.org/

Before gaining a glamorous reputation as a wine-producing center, the community of McMinnville was best known as the home of Linfield College. The influence of such a respected institution for higher education has enriched the city, encouraging a vital cultural community and contributing to the excellence of public and private schools. An unparalleled quality of life is available in the McMinnville area, including attractions, amenities, and services like the Renshaw Art Gallery, Chemeketa Community College, cultural groups, and a major healthcare institution combine to provide residents with an unparalleled quality of life within the context of a small-town environment. As the hub of Oregon’s wine country, McMinnville provides amenities to surround small towns like Carlton City and Amity. Both of these areas feature acres of lush vineyards.

Newberg, Dundee, Dayton
City Halls
Newberg

503-537-1240
https://www.newbergoregon.gov/
Dundee
503-538-3922
https://www.dundeecity.org
Dayton
503-864-2221
https://www.daytonoregon.org

Chamber of Commerce
503-538-2014
https://www.chehalemvalley.org

Scenic beauty, small-town charm, and close proximity to Portland are all attractions to these North Willamette Valley communities. This area claims some of Oregon’s largest wineries as well as bed and breakfast inns, fine restaurants, and quaint boutiques. The college town of Newberg leads the way in amenities, home of the renowned George Fox University. Excellent schools, attractive housing, and premier recreational amenities ensure a high quality of life in a pastoral setting. Champoeg State Heritage Area lies to the southwest, providing recreational opportunities that include an amphitheater for summer concerts. The community of Dundee maintains a close relationship with nearby Newberg through shared school and park districts.


Sheridan, Willamina, Yamhill
City Halls
Sheridan

503-843-2347
https://www.cityofsheridanor.com/
Willamina
503-876-2242
https://www.willaminaoregon.gov/
Yamhill
530-662-3511
https://cityofyamhill.org/

Chamber of Commerce
503-472-6196
https://mcminnville.org/

Ideally located between Portland and the Oregon Coast, the small cities of Sheridan, Willamina, and Yamhill offer the charm of wine-country living in close proximity to McMinnville’s amenities. As the largest of the three communities, Sheridan is home to restaurants from elegant to casual. One of the premier destinations is Middle Creek Run bed and breakfast, where 97 acres of old-world comfort and natural beauty create a relaxing retreat. The 1902 Queen Anne Victorian home has been lovingly renovated and furnished with premier collections of art, antiques, and exotic treasures.

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