Salem, OR Hotels, Vacations, Tourism

The main – and perhaps the only – reason to visit SALEM is to see the modern, white Vermont-marble State Capitol (Mon–Fri 7.30am–5.30pm, Sat 9am–4pm, Sun noon–4pm; free), whose cupola is topped by a large gold-leaf pioneer, axe in hand, eyes to the West. At the entrance, there's a marble carving of explorers Lewis and Clark processing regally towards the Willamette Valley. There are hourly summer tours of the building as well (9am–4pm; free). Nearby, tree-lined Willamette University is the oldest university in the West. Historic Mission Mill Village , 1313 Mill St SE … more »