Springfield: Nature, History, Art and Theater

Springfield has many sides: Dorris Ranch is a park and hazelnut orchard, while the Thurston Hills Natural Area is dedicated to recreation and habitat restoration. There’s also local history, visual art, and live performances. If you’re looking for a hotel in Springfield, use this range of options as a starting point and consider whether nature, local history, art, or a specific event date will shape your stay.

Nature and Trails in Springfield

South of downtown is Dorris Ranch, a 268-acre park and commercial hazelnut orchard. The grounds serve as both a park and a hazelnut-growing site, making them a place of both natural and historical interest. Miles of trails wind through riparian forests and oak prairie habitats. Surfaces include gravel, paved sections, and natural trails.

The Thurston Hills Natural Area is in eastern Springfield. It covers 665 acres and is dedicated to recreation and habitat restoration. There are currently more than 12 miles of trails, though the total trail mileage may change. For specific plans, check the park area’s latest information. Four separate trails are specifically designated as mountain biking trails and are downhill-only. If mountain biking is part of your plans, keep this restriction in mind.

The two areas also differ in size and purpose: At 665 acres, Thurston Hills is larger than the 268-acre Dorris Ranch. While the ranch is described as a park and commercial hazelnut orchard, Thurston Hills focuses on recreation and habitat restoration. This lets you weigh different priorities for your trip without treating the two natural areas as the same.

History, Art, and Theater

Dorris Ranch is considered the first commercial hazelnut orchard in the United States and was established in 1892. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The history of hazelnut growing is therefore closely tied to the ranch. The Springfield History Museum offers another perspective: Its mission includes promoting awareness of Springfield’s history.

The Emerald Art Center has three separate galleries. One often features artwork by students from local elementary and secondary schools. The center also offers classes and lectures. If a class or lecture is important to your stay, check the current schedule in advance.

The Richard E. Wildish Community Theater hosts dance, plays, concerts, recitals, rehearsals, travelogues, debates, festivals, and small musicals. Since event dates can change, check the current schedule before traveling for a specific performance.

Planning Your Trip

Emerald Express (EmX) is a bus rapid transit system. Its routes include West Eugene, Downtown Eugene, the University of Oregon, Downtown Springfield, and the Gateway and RiverBend areas. If you’re planning to ride EmX, check the latest passenger information beforehand, as routes and services may change.

Whether you’re interested in a natural area, local history, a gallery, or a theater, Springfield offers different themes to shape your trip around. To choose a hotel in Springfield, first decide which of these priorities matters most to your stay; for classes, lectures, performances, and transit, check the latest information for each.

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