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Albany is a city of about 56,000 people in Oregon's Willamette Valley, where the Calapooia River meets the Willamette about 10 miles from Corvallis. Founded in the late 1840s by the Monteith brothers, it grew as a river port and railroad town, and today it keeps one of the largest collections of historic buildings in Oregon.
Hundreds of 19th- and early 20th-century homes line the Monteith, Hackleman and downtown historic districts, from the 1849 Monteith House to Victorian and Craftsman houses that open for summer tours. The volunteer-built Albany Historic Carousel and Museum, with hand-carved animals, is a local favorite, and the Albany Regional Museum covers the town's past. Talking Water Gardens shows how treated water can create a lush wetland.
Albany is known for its large Veterans Day parade and for the Northwest Art and Air Festival, with hot air balloons each August. It is a good base for a drive to the covered bridges of Linn County and the wineries of the Willamette Valley.
A downtown museum where volunteers carve and paint animals for a working carousel set on a restored 1909 Dentzel mechanism. Watch carvers at work, then ride among horses, dragons and other creatures. Rides cost a few dollars; it is a great stop for families and craft lovers.
The 1849 home of Walter and Thomas Monteith, founders of Albany, considered one of the most authentically restored pioneer houses in Oregon. Period furnishings show life in the 1850s, and the house hosted early political meetings. Open seasonally; check days before you go.
A large residential historic district near downtown with blocks of 19th-century homes in Italianate, Queen Anne, Gothic Revival and other styles. It is ideal for a self-guided walking tour with a map from the visitor center. Summer and holiday parlor tours open some homes to visitors.
A historic neighborhood east of downtown with many small Victorian and Craftsman homes built for working families from the 1870s to the 1910s. It complements the grander Monteith District. Walk the quiet tree-lined streets, and note that the houses are private homes.
A downtown museum with exhibits on Albany's pioneers, river trade, railroads and businesses, plus changing displays and a research library. It is free, with donations welcome, and is a good first stop before walking the historic districts. Check opening hours, as they are limited.
A 50-acre engineered wetland beside the Willamette River where treated water flows through ponds and waterfalls before returning to the river. Trails and bridges loop through the marshes, which attract herons, ducks and other birds. Free to visit; it is best in the early morning.
A 1940 Art Deco courthouse in downtown Albany, the seat of Linn County, built on the site of earlier courthouses. Its clean stone facade is a downtown landmark. Combine a look at the building with a stroll along First Avenue's shops and restaurants and the nearby riverfront.
A riverfront park on the Willamette near downtown, home to the River Rhythms summer concert series with free shows on Thursday evenings. It has lawns, a stage and a walking path along the river. Bring a blanket or low chair and arrive early for popular concerts.
A summer festival held each August at Timber Linn Memorial Park, with hot air balloon launches at dawn, evening balloon glows, art booths, music and food. The early morning launches are the highlight. Expect cool mornings, so bring layers, and arrive early to find parking.
A red 1939 covered bridge over Crabtree Creek east of Albany, set beside a small park where Roaring River meets the creek. It is one of several covered bridges on a scenic Linn County driving loop. Bring a picnic and walk through the bridge; there is a small parking area.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: M.O. Stevens, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: M.O. Stevens, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: M.O. Stevens, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
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Photo: Kirt Edblom from Albany, Oregon, United States, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Kirt Edblom from Albany, Oregon, United States, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Kirt Edblom from Albany, Oregon, United States, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
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Photo: Kirt Edblom from Albany, Oregon, United States, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: M.O. Stevens, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
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Photo: M.O. Stevens, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: M.O. Stevens, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: M.O. Stevens, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: M.O. Stevens, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
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Photo: Unknown author, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Unknown author, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
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Photo: Gary Halvorson, Oregon State Archives, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Gary Halvorson, Oregon State Archives, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Gary Halvorson, Oregon State Archives, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Gary Halvorson, Oregon State Archives, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Gary Halvorson, Oregon State Archives, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Joe Mabel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Joe Mabel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Joe Mabel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Joe Mabel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Joe Mabel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Gary Halvorson, Oregon State Archives, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Gary Halvorson, Oregon State Archives, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
