,"11":3,"12":0}">Located in the heart of the Umpqua Valley, Oakland, Oregon is a beloved small town brimming with history and charm.
,"11":3,"12":0}">The historic downtown area dates all the way back to the 1880s and perfectly captures the spirit of the Old West. This is one cute little town that definitely belongs on your bucket list. Check it out:
Established near the end of the 19th-century, Oakland is a quaint small town (pop. 942) overflowing with history.
In May 1968, it became the first city to be placed on Oregon's historic register.
The historic downtown area perfectly preserves the charm of a bygone era.
Visitors can take a self-guided, historic walking tour downtown, which has more than 80 points of interest.
The original brick storefronts date back to the 1890s, and many of the buildings are labelled with their former use.
Stearn's Hardware (pictured) has been in business since the 1800s.
As you stroll along this historic row, you'll find a wide variety of enchanting antiques, collectibles, gifts, and more.
This building served as a livery stable from the date of construction (estimated at 1884 or earlier) until 1935.
To catch a glimpse of some of the town's historic treasures up close, stop by the Oakland Museum.
This fascinating museum is filled with exhibits depicting everyday life in the 1800s.
Once inside, you can explore displays with period clothing, furniture, logging tools, and so much more. A wide variety of black and white photographs are also on display.
The museum is open from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. daily. Admission is free with suggested donation. Click here for more information.
Next door, you'll find the Lamplighter Inn. This cozy little cafe and bar has been a part of the Oakland community for more than three decades.
With a warm and casual atmosphere, this is the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat when you're in town.
Oakland may be small, but this thriving community knows how to party. Every year, they there are a number of fun events and festivals.
As part of the annual Living History Day, the whole town turns back time to the 1800s.
This fun celebration includes plenty of costumed characters, old-fashioned games, and hands-on activities like candle dipping, butter-churning and wool making.
You can even take an authentic stagecoach ride around town!
To learn more about this fun event, visit their Facebook page.
Have you visited this charming small town before? Share your thoughts, memories, and photos with us!
Then, check out our previous article: 16 Reasons Why Small Town Oregon Is Actually The Best Place To Grow Up.
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