Bush's Pasture Park and Barn in Salem, Oregon
Rose Garden, Art, Historic Attractions and Walking Trails
Jun 22, 2009
Bush's Pasture Park is located just south of Salem's downtown business district. This 90 acre park is home to spacious lawns, orchards, old oak groves, a large rose garden and both paved and natural paths for walking, running or bicycling. The park is home to the Bush House and Bush Barn Art Center. Festivals and sporting events call the park home throughout the year.
Bush House
Celebrating 19th Century Salem, this Victorian beauty offers interesting, historical exhibits to its guests. Asahel Bush II finished the historic home in 1878, and his family resided there for the better half of a century. Guests can view many of the original Bush family belongings, arranged throughout the house. Tours of the Bush house are given most afternoons with a minimal admission. The house is closed to visitors on Mondays. Touring the Bush House and park are enjoyed by many local schools and youth groups.
Salem Art Fair and Festival
The Salem Art Fair and Festival is held the 3rd weekend in July at Bush's Pasture Park. The event is hosted by Salem's Art Association, showcasing top artists around the United States and Canada. The Bush Barn Art Center is home to the Salem Art Association year-round. The fair and festival include live performances by regional and national performing arts and musical groups, hands-on activities for kids, art exhibits in the Bush Barn Art Center, food courts and Northwest wines and beers available in the wine and beer gardens. Tours of the historic Bush House Museum are also available during the festival.
Whether to visit the park for an event or just for fun, the park is a favorite summer-time oasis, as the tall trees provide needed shade from the hot, Oregon sun.
Sporting Events at Bush Park
Although Bush's Pasture Park is an excellent place to take a stroll, it is also home to many sporting events held throughout the year. The Annual Bush Park Cross Country Run Series occurs during August, on a series of weeknights. The event is hosted by the Willamette Valley Road Runners, Salem's Running and Walking Club. The event includes a variety of running and walking event, culminating with Trophy Night on the last evening of the series. Bush's Pasture Park is also home to Willamette University sporting events, such as baseball, track and tennis.
Bush's Pasture Park is located along Mission and High streets just south of downtown and near Salem Hospital. For even more gardens and history, the Historic Deepwood Estate is located just to the east of Bush's Pasture Park.
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