Thank you for considering Ontario, Oregon as your vacation, reunion, business meeting, or site-seeing destination! We’d like to assist you in getting you the information you need. Our most requested piece of information, the recreational visitor guide (available here), is included in all of our visitor packets. Fill out our visitor or relation packet request form for even more information on Ontario, Oregon!
Fun Things to See and Do in the Area
Four Rivers Cultural Center and Museum
The Four Rivers Cultural Center and Museum is the hub of Ontario’s cultural offerings. It celebrates the area’s early settlers and the convergence of the four local rivers: Snake, Malheur, Owyhee, and Payette. An assortment of programs, exhibits, and events are presented throughout the year at the Four Rivers Cultural Center. Guests who tour the museum gain knowledge about the Japanese-Americans, Basques, Hispanics, Europeans, and Northern Paiute who established themselves in the region throughout the past decade. In addition, the gift shop carries a wide arrangement of souvenirs and one-of-a-kind gifts.
Reel Theatre
The Ontario Reel Theatre was established in 1999 and has enjoyed being the “Hometown Theater” ever since. The Ontario location is locally owned and operated by Casper Management, Inc, headquartered in Boise, Idaho. Going to the movies remains a more affordable entertainment option in comparison to a night out to a concert, amusem*nt park or professional sporting event. Visit the Reel Theatre for your movie needs!
Breweries
Ontario contains one residential brewery: Beer Valley Brewing Company. It is an award-winning microbrewery specializing in the production of strong ales. The Beer Valley Brewing Company produces six brands year-round, with the occasional seasonal brand. Berts Growler Garage boasts a craft beer bar of over 30 taps, with a rotating selection of microbrews, sangria, hard ciders and kombucha tea. In addition, Red Apple Marketplace has a Growler refill station. Whether you are seeking food or beverages, the city of Ontario possesses a diverse menu.
Shopping
Ontario has six major shopping areas that include an array of unique stores, specialty shops, and chain stores. Our historic downtown allows for endless hours of tax-free shopping, dining, and relaxation. More than 20 shops line the quaint streets with a variety of wares to satisfy practically any need. From art and antiques to delectable foods and authentic eateries, you will be able to discover a shop suitable for all your shopping cravings.
Everyone will find delight in the friendly, hometown ambiance seen in our local stores as they enjoy a day away from the commotion of daily life.
Salons and spas offer hair, skin, and relaxation treatments for those wishing to unwind from stress. Restaurants, coffee shops and juice shops provide a place for people to gather and chat with friends. Musicians and avid hobbyists will also stumble upon their essential instruments and supplies. Visit the local jeweler for a bit of sparkle. Stroll into stores for appliances, furniture, seeds, electronics, heating, and air conditioning. Numerous other stores provide customers the opportunity to find a perfect gift for that special someone.
Community Concerts & Live After 5 Events
Housed alongside the Four Rivers Cultural Center is the Hikaru Mizu Garden; this Japanese garden is a memorial to the local Japanese-American interns during World War II and those who fought in the war for America. The garden promotes itself as a sanctuary of peace, encouraging visitors to reflect on the past, contemplate the future, and enjoy the present. Live After 5 events are hosted in the Hikaru Mizu Garden.
The Meyer-McLean Performing Arts Theatre seats 645 persons and displays entertainment productions such as musicals, concerts, and symphonies. The Four Rivers Cultural Center also boasts an 18.000 square-food conference center that can accommodate up to 700 people. Whatever the occasion, Ontario’s cultural center is more than willing to bring the community together.
Outdoor Recreation
Residents and visitors in the Ontario area are served by numerous facilities that provide year-round access to recreation. The community is committed to the health and wellness of its citizens. The parks and recreation department maintains and manages city parks, public tennis courts, and a skate park. For information about classes and acitivties, call (541) 889-7686.
In addition to the plethora of amenities made possible by the parks and recreation department, the area is perfect for leisure interests such as hunting, fishing, and water sports. The diverse terrain and scenery function as wonderful routes for both cyclists and motorists. Avid hunters will discover plenty of wild game to satisfy their sportsmanship: chukar, pheasant, quail, grouse, deer, duck, and geese. Fishermen will find no shortage of fish in the area’s rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs. These waterways are also suitable for boating, water skiing, and swimming. The Country View Golf Course is a 9-hole golf course complete with the putting green, driving range, and snack shop.
Our five public parks are ideal for picnicking, walking, football, baseball, and fishing. The Ontario State Recreation Site and boat launch area presents countless opportunities to enjoy the Snake River. There are also 20 public and private tennis courts within the city limits of Ontario.
Fun Events Year-round
The Ontario Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors and participates in a variety of events and festivals throughout the year. Visitors will find no shortage of activities in town. For more event information, please take a look at our online event calendar. If you looking for something specific, please contact us at our office.
Historical Mural Tours
Founded in 1992, the Vale Heritage Reflections Mural Society holds the mission of “working together to create a community where the buildings are outdoor galleries and walls are windows into the area’s rich Oregon Trail heritage; a community with diversified economy and a brighter tomorrow.” The first Vale mural was painted in 1993 and the town currently displays several murals along with four welcome sculptures.
Oregon Trail History
The following locations dot the Oregon Trail in Malheur County and make for excellent tourist attractions. The Owyhee Dam and Lake house Oregon’s longest lake at 53 miles long. The Paiute Indians were the initial settlers of Leslie Gulch and Succor Creek. The rock formations of Leslie Gulch came together from volcanic eruptions that date to 15 million years in the past. Historic Oregon Trail ruts can be viewed between Vale and Nyssa on Lytle Boulevard. Keeney Pass is an ideal location to take in the terrain that early pioneers passed through on their journey to what is now the Stone House. The Farewell Bend State Park served as a rest stop for travelers on the Oregon Trail whereas the Snake River was one of many rivers that served as an obstacle to pioneers, particularly at Three Island Crossing.
