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BEST RATED SALEM, OR PUBLIC PARKS

3 Best Public Parks in Salem, OR

Expert-recommended Top 3 Public Parks in Salem, Oregon. All of our parks actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence. You deserve only the best!

Riverfront City Park - Salem, OR Public Parks - Entertainment Image
Riverfront City Park - Salem, OR Public Parks - Park Image
Riverfront City Park - Salem, OR Public Parks - Scenic View Image
Best Public Parks in Salem OR - Riverfront City Park video
11+ YEARS IN TBR
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RIVERFRONT CITY PARK

(4.8 Score)
200 Water Street North East,
Salem, OR 97301 Directions

Since 2003

Specialty:

✓ Shelters ✓ Monuments ✓ Aquatic Center ✓ Jogging ✓ Statues ✓ Stone Benches ✓ Waterfalls ✓ Hiking Trail ✓ Cycling ✓ River Front Viewing Areas ✓ Amphitheater ✓ Open Space ✓ Foot Ball Courts ✓ Hills ✓ Ponds ✓ Gardens ✓ Walking Trails ✓ Bike Racks ✓ Walking and Biking Paths ✓ Open Grassy Recreation Areas ✓ Children’s Playground Spaces ✓ Riverside Viewpoints ✓ Public Art and Sculptures

"Riverfront City Park has over 23 acres of parkland with a separate children's playground. The park includes a kid-friendly playground with swings, slides, and other play equipment. The park hosts Salem's annual events, including the 4th of July celebration, the World Beat Festival, holiday tree lighting. The park continues to be a well-loved and vibrant community gathering place for many years to come. There is a lovely grassland full of squirrels and sports areas, and the park has public restrooms and parking facilities for visitors. Riverfront City Park has handicap-accessible areas.

2026 Update: Riverfront City Park is especially recognized for its beautiful waterfront setting and spacious open areas for outdoor activities. It Features of the park include a handcrafted carousel built with community support, pedestrian bridges connecting nearby green spaces, and an outdoor amphitheatre used for events and performances. The area also offers relaxing walking paths with views of the Willamette River. The park creates an enjoyable environment for both recreation and sightseeing, making it a popular location for families, walkers, and visitors looking for a peaceful urban escape."

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Price:

AMPHITHEATER:
Per Hour (Mon–Thurs) $71.00
Per Hour (Fri–Sun) $78.00
Per Day Commercial Rate (Mon–Thurs) $1,415.00
Per Day Commercial Rate (Fri–Sun) $1,550.00
Per Event Runwalkcontest (Mon–Thurs) $271.00
Per Event Runwalkcontest (Fri–Sun) $297.00
BOAT DOCK BOAT DOCK OVERLOOK:
Per Hour (Mon–Thurs) $37.00
Per Hour (Fri–Sun) $40.00
Per Day Commercial Rate (Mon–Thurs) $710.00
Per Day Commercial Rate (Fri–Sun) $778.00
Per Event Runwalkcontest (Mon–Thurs) $271.00
Per Event Runwalkcontest (Fri–Sun) $297.00

Contact:

(503) 588-6336 (503) 588-6261

Mon-Sun: 7am - 9pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

Bush's Pasture Park - Salem, OR Public Parks - Outdoor Activity Image
Bush's Pasture Park - Salem, OR Public Parks - Park Image
Bush's Pasture Park - Salem, OR Public Parks - Visitor Experience Image
Best Public Parks in Salem OR - Bush's Pasture Park video
10+ YEARS IN TBR
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BUSH'S PASTURE PARK

(4.8 Score)
890 Mission Street SouthEast,
Salem, OR 97302 Directions

Since 1878

Specialty:

✓ Playgrounds ✓ Slides ✓ Jogging ✓ Fitness ✓ Dog Parking ✓ Ponds ✓ Swings ✓ Walking Trails ✓ Stone Benches ✓ Soccer and Grassy Fields ✓ Restrooms ✓ Volleyball ✓ Skating ✓ Mountains ✓ Hiking ✓ Picnic Areas ✓ Football ✓ Open Space ✓ Gardens ✓ Walking and Biking Paths ✓ Open Grassy Recreation Areas ✓ Family Picnic Spaces ✓ Children’s Play Areas ✓ Scenic River Viewpoints ✓ Event and Gathering Areas

"Bush's Pasture Park spans a lush 90.5 acres of running trails, wooded areas, and open meadows. This scenic park blends natural beauty with historical charm and offers a variety of recreational amenities for visitors of all ages. The park features two expansive grassy fields perfect for picnics, casual gatherings, or a game of frisbee, as well as three distinct playgrounds for children to enjoy. Bush's Pasture Park also boasts green meadows, tranquil water features, unique bridges, educational facilities, and classical architecture. Additional amenities include a baseball/softball field, footpaths, picnic areas, a large horseshoe area, four lit tennis courts, and an amphitheater. With plenty of shaded spaces, it’s an ideal spot to relax and unwind, especially in the evening.

2026 Update: Bush's Pasture Park's standout features are its connection to community attractions such as Salem's Riverfront Carousel, which adds a unique and entertaining experience for families and children. The park also includes pathways that connect visitors to nearby trails and surrounding green spaces. The park offers a calm environment featuring landscaped greenery, spacious grassy areas, and picturesque walking paths that extend alongside the natural surroundings and scenic walking routes along the riverfront, making it ideal for relaxation and outdoor recreation."

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Price:

AMPHITHEATER:
Per Hour (Mon–Thurs) $37.00
Per Hour (Fri–Sun) $40.00
LOWER LEFFELLE PICNIC AREA:
Per Hour (Mon–Thurs) $37.00
Per Hour (Fri–Sun) $40.00
Phillips' Field:
Per Hour $30.00
ROSE GARDEN GAZEBO:
Per Hour (Mon–Thurs) $37.00
Per Hour (Fri–Sun) $40.00
SOAP BOX DERBY TRACK:
Special Use (Mon–Thurs) $271.00
Special Use (Fri–Sun) $297.00

Contact:

(503) 588-6336 (503) 930-2734

Mon-Sun: 5am - 9pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

Minto-Brown Island Park - Salem, OR Public Parks - Entertainment Image
Minto-Brown Island Park - Salem, OR Public Parks - Outdoor Activity Image
Minto-Brown Island Park - Salem, OR Public Parks - Scenic View Image
Best Public Parks in Salem OR - Minto-Brown Island Park video
10+ YEARS IN TBR
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MINTO-BROWN ISLAND PARK

(4.8 Score)
2200 Minto Island Road South West,
Salem, OR 97302 Directions

Specialty:

✓ Swings ✓ Gardens ✓ Jogging ✓ Stone Benches ✓ Mountains ✓ Fitness ✓ Football ✓ Open Space ✓ Walking Trails ✓ Biking Rides ✓ Ponds ✓ Dog Parking ✓ Grassy Fields ✓ Skating ✓ Picnic Areas ✓ Event Conducting ✓ Volleyball ✓ Hiking ✓ Slides ✓ Playgrounds ✓ Event and Gathering Areas ✓ Scenic Viewpoints Along The River ✓ Access To Nearby Trails and Pedestrian Connections ✓ Family-friendly Outdoor Environment ✓ Public Open Spaces for Community Activities

"Minto-Brown Island Park covers more than 1,200 acres of green landscapes and forested sections, providing visitors with a spacious and carefully cared-for outdoor environment perfect for picnics, outdoor recreation, and family outings. The park features a wide range of amenities, including a playground, a reservable shelter, picnic areas, a dog park, and numerous walking, jogging, and biking trails. Guests can take advantage of fishing areas and a dedicated paddle boating section, adding to the park’s variety of recreational options. The park provides broad open areas where youngsters can stay active, discover new things, and take part in various outdoor activities. The park has fun play equipment for children and plenty of open space. The park also supports social and physically engaging activities, providing a great setting for skill development through sports like baseball—especially in the peaceful atmosphere of an evening game.

2026 Update: Minto-Brown Island Park is a popular waterfront park that offers scenic river views, relaxing green spaces, and family-friendly recreation in downtown Salem. The park creates a peaceful atmosphere where visitors can enjoy outdoor activities, community events, and riverside walks."

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Price:

PARK SHELTER:
Per Hour (Mon–Thurs) $37.00
Per Hour (Fri–Sun) $40.00
PERMIT FEES:
Permit Fee $31.00
Permit Fee – Expedited $62.00

Contact:

(503) 588-6336 (503) 588-6261

Call for Hours

TBR® Inspection Report:

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RIVERFRONT CITY PARK REVIEWS

Traveling on a road trip with a toddler made us look for parks specifically. This one I chose because where I'm from they have a riverfront park that is beautiful, so I figured I'd go to the one here. It was amazing!! Green grass everywhere, beautiful looking globe thing, a clean bridge and walk way. It was a perfect stop.

This is such a beautiful Park. Because it's located on the riverfront. I like to watch birds and the wildlife there. So much to see. Check out the bridges. They're beautiful. It's a clean place with good restrooms and a wonderful carousel for the kids. Many events are held at this wonderful place, concerts, Art festivals, pow, wows, indigenous days, Easter egg hunts, etc. Come check it out. You'll be happy you did!.

Very pretty city park, walking distance to many local restaurants and bars! The park has a nice playground for kids, plenty of open space for catch with the dog or relaxing in the sun, and walking trails along the river. Also features the planet Earth sculpture!.

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BUSH'S PASTURE PARK REVIEWS

Bush Park is definitely one of the most beautiful places and parks in Salem. The community surrounding the park, the visitors who come from all over, the sunsets, the rose garden. Our community has surely, and continues to, come together to try to make Bush Park an invaluable asset to Salem.

Beautiful park with lots of amenities for picnicking, playing with the pup, and entertaining the littles. My godson loves playing hide and seek among the oaks. My husband loves walking the grounds for exercise. Honestly can’t think of a more perfect spot in town.

I would love to suggest this beautiful, gigantic park when people are in the Salem area. It is large enough to have more than two soccer fields. It offers tons of walking, running trails, some sport fields, and a beautiful Japanese garden right in front of the entrance. Such a wonderful place to immerse into Mother Nature.

MINTO-BROWN ISLAND PARK REVIEWS

I enjoy walking my dog on the miles of trails. Trails in this park are clearly marked, and are asphalt, gravel or dirt. After heavy rains some trails can become inaccessible due to flooding, but overall they seem well maintained. The park provides dog waste bags and trash receptacles at various points, as well as a few portable toilets.

Great place for a long or short hike with or without your pooch! The trails are large and fairly clear of mud, depending on the trail you decide to hike. There are always people here either at the dog park or walking around the park taking it all in. Don't forget to hike with a buddy if you're planning on hiking the long trails because they will take you far into the expanse of Salem's rural areas.

Minto Brown Park is one of the great features in salem. There are miles of trails for hiking as well as access to the Willamette river. A playground for kids and a dog area to let your furry friend run around.

TBR® Inspection Score Report

RIVERFRONT CITY PARK Total Inspection Points: 116/120
Acknowledgments: 9
Legitimate Ratings: 9
Location Proximity: 9
Reviews Accuracy of 5.6K: 9
Business Hours: 10
Business Images: 10
Contact Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Experience: 10
Page Maintenance: 10
Social Media: 10
Website Standard: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

BUSH'S PASTURE PARK Total Inspection Points: 115/120
Acknowledgments: 8
Legitimate Ratings: 8
Reviews Accuracy of 3.8K: 9
Business Hours: 10
Business Images: 10
Contact Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Experience: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Online Chat: 10
Social Media: 10
Website Standard: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

MINTO-BROWN ISLAND PARK Total Inspection Points: 114/120
Acknowledgments: 8
Legitimate Ratings: 8
Reviews Accuracy of 3.0K: 8
Business Hours: 10
Business Images: 10
Contact Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Page Maintenance: 10
Social Media: 10
Video: 10
Website Standard: 10