Champoeg State Heritage Park, Newberg, Oregon

Champoeg State Heritage Park in Newberg Oregon is an important site to the history of the Pacific Northwest. Kalapuya Indians would meet in Champoeg and gather food. Later they would meet French Canadian trappers in Champoeg to trade furs and goods. Eventually a pioneer town was built in the site, but a flood wiped it away. The town was rebuilt, with a government being erected. It was here that Indian Treaties were negotiated, signed, and then broken. Champoeg State Heritage Area is a place for visitors to remember the cultures of America, what happened in the pioneer days, and how the cities have grown since.

In order to bring this information to visitors a park has been created with a museum. The museum discusses archeological finds that have been made. They explore the meeting places, the rendezvous points, and even the first farm of Oregon. The first farm was built in 1829. It was owned by the French. The first American farm was in 1833. Soon after that a gristmill in Willamette Valley was created. Now the Pioneer Mothers Memorial Cabin sits at the important site, dating to 1931.

Archeologists have been working for years now to uncover artifacts and ruins of the long ago homes. Projects have worked on recreating a kitchen garden and apple orchard that has roots to the 1850's and 1860's. They have also restored an 1862 Manson barn, the oldest in Oregon for visitors to enjoy. The Butteville Store still exists though it is from the 1850's.

Part of the projects at the park has been to restore the natural wetlands, prairie and ecosystems of the valley. The city wants the western bluebirds and osprey to return. Annual celebrations to honor history are held. The Living History Programs teach visitors about the sites and 19th century prairie life. Summer Living History is an event that allows volunteers to demonstrate skills, crafts, gardening, games, and music which dates back to the 19th century. They host old time barn dances throughout the summer.

Lectures are held when guests of honor have the time. They tend to lecture during winter for students to learn. The museum store on the premises at Champoeg Heritage State Park gives something for visitors to take home to remind them of their time spent.

The state park is not just about the renovated buildings, hidden ruins, artifacts, and projects. The state park also has trails. Visitors can hike through the valley gazing at the foliage native to Oregon. They can imagine themselves in the past as the land would have looked back in the 19th century. Trees, hills, water, and much more run through the area.

Photographers will find many photos to take of the area. During the summer, camps are offered for children interested in learning archeology, as well as spending a few nights away from parents. They can learn old cooking, harvesting, and more from the staff at Champoeg Heritage State Park in Newberg, Oregon. Each year about a million visitors come to the park.