Mission Mill Museum

The Mission Mill Museum is a “must-see” attraction in Salem Oregon, located an hour south of Portland in the Willamette Valley.  It features an authentic Mill Museum, and series of restored Missionary Houses.  Allow 3-4 hours for your visit.  There is a café and gift shop on the premises.  The Mission Mill Museum is one of the most popular things to do in Salem Oregon.

Things to do at the Mission Mill Museum

Salem’s Wool Mill operated from 1889 to the early 1960’s, and was a key employer in the region, until widespread availability of synthetics shrunk the demand for wool products.  The Mission Mill Museum Tour begins along a narrow waterway where water was once channeled from the river, to a giant turbine that powered machinery in the factory.  Once inside the factory you will be taken through two floors of the original wool mill, and learn about every part of the fabric making process.  This is an excellent tour, and the wool mill has been meticulously preserved.

A guide will then take you on a fascinating tour inside the adjacent Mission Houses, constructed in the 1840’s.  These fully furnished houses provide an insight into daily life in the mid 19^th century.  There's also a 20-minute video documenting the life of the first missionaries in Oregon responsible for founding Salem’s Willamette University. 

Other attractions in Salem Oregon

Get information on other attractions in Salem Oregon.  While in Salem, you might also want to visit the nearby:

• Silver Falls - 23 miles east
• Enchanted Forest Theme Park | Salem - 9 miles south
• Oregon Garden - 15 miles east
• Aurora - 28 miles north

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