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Jacksonville Attractions
Historic Sites
Nestled among rolling hillsides of southern Oregon, lies the pristine town of Jacksonville, Oregon - a designated National Historic Landmark town.
A walkable early western mining town founded when gold was discovered in 1851, the early pioneers built beautiful homes which remain to this day. The quaint brick and wooden buildings now house an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and lodging. A "town for all seasons", Jacksonville has the most beautiful spring and fall foliage. Its temperate weather creates surrounding lush farm lands producing incredible wines and organic culinary specialties. Jacksonville was recently voted one of the "Top 10 Coolest Small Towns" by Budget Travel magazine. Take a stroll, cycle, rent a Segway, or in the summer months, hop aboard our town trolley to see it all. A trip up the hill to the Jacksonville Cemetery will offer a glimpse into the lives of people who founded Jacksonville in an era before modern medicine, when disease and the elements claimed the lives of the very young. This is truly one of the most beautiful cemeteries in America filled with granite and marble monuments, mossy trees, roaming deer, and spectacular views of Historic Jacksonville. Visit Jacksonville!
Britt Festival
The Britt Music Festival draws thousands of music lovers to Jacksonville throughout summer and early fall as world-class entertainers make their appearance on the Britt stage, known for its incredible natural acoustics. Britt's performance venue is a naturally formed amphitheater set among majestic ponderosa pines and native madrones on the beautiful hillside estate of 19th century photographer Peter Britt. The Britt Music festival offers a unique venue for the enjoyment of a wide range of genres including rock, folk, jazz, classical, country, dance, and more. The well known Britt Festival classical series not only makes Jacksonville the prime Northwest venue for classical entertainment but also a creative hub where entertainers themselves congregate annually to collaborate, perform together, and mentor students in Britt's educational programs.
Historic Jacksonville Trolley Tour
All Aboard!
The clanging of the trolley bell announces another trip through time. Climb on board, relax, and watch the sites go by as a period-dressed guide brings back to life a bygone era. Ride the trolley through and around our historic streets on a tour of discovery as the people, places, and events that lie hidden in the history of Jacksonville are revealed.
Tours begin at the Beekman Bank located on the corner of California and Third Street. There are five tours a day departing at 11:00am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:00pm. The fare is $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for ages 6-12, and free under 6 years of age.
The trolley is also available for private rental. We provide the trolley and pilot, you provide the party. For information call the Jacksonville Chamber information center at 899-8118.
Historic Self-Guided Audio Tours (download now!)
Take a walk through history! 19th Century Jacksonville comes to life in four narrated, self-guided audio tours featuring sounds of the era and voices of pioneers who settled Southern Oregon. The tour of Jacksonville’s Historic Commercial Core traces Jacksonville history through its businesses, fraternal orders, churches, and public buildings from the discovery of gold to the coming of the railroad. The Historic Home Tour views early Jacksonville through the architecture of its houses and the stories of the pioneers who built and occupied them. The Pioneer Cemetery Tour shares the stories of individuals who rest there—fortune seekers, dreamers, and opportunists—along with tales of hardship, Indian attacks, epidemics, and untimely deaths. The Woodlands Trails Tour offers a walk through time, nature, and history as it looks at Jacksonville’s two gold rushes and the native flora and fauna.(more…)
Rent tours for $5 at the Jacksonville Visitors Center, 185 N. Oregon Street, Jacksonville, and at businesses and inns throughout town. Download tours and maps for FREE by clicking on the “download” or “more” links above!
Jacksonville Woodland Trails
Jacksonville's Woodland Trail system provides miles of trails winding along Jackson Creek and above the town of Jacksonville through groves of madrone trees and wooded forests. These hills boast an abundance of wildlife including deer, raccoon, fox, coyote, and large birds of prey such as red tail hawks and the American Bald Eagle. In the springtime, the under story of the forest fills with a fanciful display of wildflowers including the rare Fritillaria gentneri, found only in Jacksonville.
Area Attractions
Crater Lake National Park
The deep intense blue of Crater Lake is something one must experience in person to fully appreciate. Crater Lake's intriguing volcanic history forged its extreme beauty, causing it to become the deepest lake in the United States and the seventh deepest lake in the world. In the summer, visitors to Crater Lake can enjoy viewing the lake from the lodge area, a picturesque drive around the rim, or several viewpoints on one of the many trails. Other activities include tours of the lake, camping, backpacking, hiking, and fishing. Crater Lake Lodge is a spectacular spot for a meal, drink, or overnight stay. From October to June the lodge and rim drive are closed due to snow but winter activities such as cross country skiing and snowshoeing tours make it worth a visit..
Wild and Scenic Rogue River, Applegate River
The legendary Rogue River flows through the Rogue Valley and provides endless recreational opportunities for visitors to Jacksonville. From the deep volcanic cliffs of Hellgate Canyon to the pine covered mountains and meadows that greet the banks of the river, the Rogue River's campgrounds, parks, and whitewater provide an escape from your everyday world. From fishing for Salmon and Steelhead, to river rafting, kayaking, and jet boat excursions, the Rogue River's scenic beauty, abundant wildlife, parks, and beachfronts provide days of relaxation and exhilaration for people of all ages.
The Applegate River, just minutes from Jacksonville, winds through the Applegate Valley and is a favorite area for river activities including fishing, camping, and swimming. The Applegate Valley is an oasis of green pastures, sun drenched vineyards, and a host of boutique wineries open for tasting .
Mountain Lakes
The Oregon Cascades are dotted with beautiful high mountain lakes framed by snow covered peaks. Howard Prairie Lake and Lake of the Woods, a short drive from Jacksonville, are perfect for a day of picnicking, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and fishing. Nearby Emigrant Lake, near Ashland, provides the perfect locale for waterskiing and enjoying personal watercraft. There is also a beach area and waterslide for the entire family to enjoy.
Oregon Shakespeare Festival
Fifteen miles south of Jacksonville, in the town of Ashland, you can enjoy spectacular live theater. Founded in 1935, the Tony Award-winning Oregon Shakespeare Festival is among the oldest and largest professional non-profit theatres in the nation. Each year OSF presents an eight-and-a-half-month season of eleven plays in three theatres plus numerous ancillary activities, and undertakes an extensive theatre education program. But don't let the name fool you, there is something for everyone to enjoy ranging from Shakespeare to both classic and contemporary drama and comedy. Both evening and matinee performances are available.
Winery and Orchard Tours
The climate in the wine growing region of Southern Oregon is often compared to that of Bordeaux France. It's wine makers produce award winning wines that are finding their way into the hearts of not only American wine lovers, but are also receiving international acclaim being served in the finest restaurants and resorts both here and abroad. While Oregon wineries are being discovered, many small boutique wineries are still best kept secrets just waiting for you to discover them on a trip to Jacksonville.
The Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce has brochures and maps available and are happy to direct you to these businesses.
Harry and David
American homes relish receiving the Harry and David Catalog, showcasing gift baskets brimming with Rogue Valley pears, apples, and confections. If you're a fan, you're in for a treat - the orchards, manufacturing facility, and their flagship Harry and David Store are located right here in the Rogue Valley, just minutes from Jacksonville. You can visit the nearby Harry and David Store for a tour and taste many of the wonderful treats made right here in Southern Oregon.
World Class Golf Courses
The golf courses of the Rogue Valley include the award winning Eagle Point Golf Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones, ASGCA. With views of the surrounding Cascade and Siskiyou Mountains and all the facilities that you would expect from a world class golf club, Eagle Point Golf Club, together with other area courses such as Rogue Valley Country Club, Bear Creek Golf Course, and Stewart Meadows Golf Course, will deliver days of memorable, relaxing, exhilarating and challenging golf.
Ski Mount Ashland
At 7500 feet, Mt. Ashland is the highest point in the Siskiyou mountain range. Its north facing slopes collect an average 300 inches of snowfall annually. The Mount Ashland Ski Area offers 23 trails in addition to chute skiing and boarding in its famous bowl. All trails are easily accessed by 4 chairlifts. There are trails for all levels including beginners and advanced. The more challenging spots on the mountain encouraged the famous tagline: "If you can ski at Mount Ashland, you can ski anywhere!"
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