Attractions and Places To See around Cottage Grove - Top 8

Cottage Grove is rich in history, particularly known for its covered bridges and historic downtown. You can visit the Mosby Creek Covered Bridge, the oldest remaining covered bridge in Lane County, or the unique Currin Covered Bridge, painted two different colors. The Historic Downtown District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, featuring early 20th-century buildings and murals depicting community history. The Bohemia Gold Mining Museum and Cottage Grove Museum also offer insights into the region's past.

Yes, Cottage Grove offers several family-friendly options. The covered bridges, such as Mosby Creek Covered Bridge and Currin Covered Bridge, are great for exploration. The Covered Bridges Scenic Cycleway and Row River Trail are suitable for family bike rides or walks. Additionally, parks like Baker Bay County Park on Dorena Lake provide campgrounds, picnic areas, and swimming spots.

The area around Cottage Grove is ideal for outdoor activities, especially cycling and hiking. The Covered Bridges Scenic Cycleway is a popular choice for cyclists, connecting six covered bridges. The Row River Trail offers 14 miles for hiking and biking. For more cycling routes, you can explore options like the 'Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway' or 'Currin Covered Bridge – Mosby Creek Covered Bridge loop from Cottage Grove' on the Road Cycling Routes around Cottage Grove guide.

The best way to experience the covered bridges by bike is via the Covered Bridges Scenic Cycleway. This route largely follows the Row River and connects six different covered bridges, including the Mosby Creek Covered Bridge and Currin Covered Bridge. There are multiple starting and stopping points, allowing you to customize your ride length. You can find detailed cycling routes in the Cycling around Cottage Grove guide.

Cottage Grove is surrounded by natural beauty. Cottage Grove Lake and Dorena Reservoir are popular for boating, kayaking, swimming, and fishing. You can also explore the Row River Trail, which winds through picturesque landscapes. Baker Bay County Park on Dorena Lake offers various recreational facilities. Further afield, Brice Creek Falls and Spirit Falls provide opportunities to enjoy waterfalls and hiking.

The best time to visit Cottage Grove for outdoor activities is typically during the spring, summer, and early fall months (April to October). During these periods, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, making it ideal for cycling the Covered Bridges Scenic Cycleway, hiking the Row River Trail, and enjoying the lakes.

Yes, the Currin Covered Bridge has been refurbished and is open to pedestrian and bike traffic, making it accessible. Many of the paved sections of the Row River Trail may also offer accessible options for enjoying the scenery.

East of Cottage Grove, the Bohemia Mountains were a significant gold rush site in the mid-1800s. While mining operations have ceased, the area still features ghost towns and abandoned mines. The Bohemia Gold Mining Museum in Cottage Grove provides extensive insights into this historical period with artifacts, photographs, and ore samples.

The Historic Downtown District of Cottage Grove is known for its vibrant murals. There are 21 murals depicting the community's history, which you can explore on a self-guided tour through the downtown area. This offers a unique way to learn about the city's heritage.

Cottage Grove is known as the 'Covered Bridge Capital of the West' due to its six covered bridges. Highlights include the Mosby Creek Covered Bridge, the oldest in Lane County, and the Currin Covered Bridge, unique for being painted two different colors. The area also boasts the only remaining covered railroad bridge west of the Mississippi River, the Chambers Railroad Bridge. These bridges are popular for cycling, history enthusiasts, and photographers.

Yes, Cottage Grove Lake (also known as Cottage Grove Reservoir) and Dorena Reservoir are popular spots for water-based recreation. These artificial lakes offer opportunities for boating, kayaking, swimming, and fishing. Parks like Baker Bay County Park on Dorena Lake provide amenities for visitors.