Medford: City Park, Riverwalk and Pine Line Trail

Medford can be explored in different ways: enjoy recreational activities at Medford City Park, take a walk along the Black River, or head out on the Pine Line Trail, which is used for biking and walking. Other places to visit include the Simek Recreation Center for recreational ice skating and the Downtown Farmers Market. To plan your visit, it helps to organize these options around your interests—such as outdoor activities, sports and games, or local produce.

Recreation and sports at Medford City Park

Medford City Park was established in 1890 and covers 100 acres. Its facilities include a level-access outdoor swimming pool with locker rooms and playgrounds, including an inclusive playground. Sports facilities include tennis and basketball courts, as well as softball fields with a concession stand. The park also has a skate park and campsites.

The park also has facilities for visitors who want to spend time there: public restrooms and rentable park shelters are available. The park offers a range of options, from swimming and playing to sports and camping. Which ones you focus on during your stay depends on whether you’re looking for individual activities or a variety of recreational options.

Riverwalk and Pine Line Trail: a stroll or a longer route

The Riverwalk runs mostly through Medford along the Black River and offers a pleasant walk around the mill pond. Lookouts, benches, picnic areas and covered bridges line the route. It’s a good choice if you’d like to combine a walk by the water with places to stop and relax.

The Pine Line Trail offers something different: it is 26 miles long and intended for biking and walking. Access to the trail and its starting point are on Allman Street on the north side of Medford. The two routes thus differ in their character and use: the Riverwalk follows the Black River and loops around the mill pond, while the Pine Line Trail is a longer route for biking and walking.

More recreational activities in Medford

The Simek Recreation Center offers recreational ice skating. This adds an indoor recreational activity to the outdoor options. If ice skating is important to your plans, check the current hours in advance.

The Medford Downtown Farmers Market brings together local produce and handmade goods. Vendors offer fresh local produce, quality meats, baked goods, jellies and plants, along with a wide selection of handmade goods. Offerings from individual vendors may change over time.

Market locations may change: on Saturdays, the market is at the intersection of Highway 13 and Highway 64, and on Tuesdays, it is on Whelen Avenue in Medford. Since locations may change, check current market information before your visit. The two locations and days listed also give you specific details to consider when including a market visit in your plans.

A look at Taylor County’s history

In the wider Taylor County travel area, the Taylor County Historical Museum offers another historical attraction. Its exhibits cover the dairy industry, agriculture, home life and the military, as well as a large collection of taxidermy from the region. These topics provide insight into different aspects of local history.

In addition to the main museum, the Taylor County Historical Society maintains a print shop with numerous printing presses, a one-room rural schoolhouse and a log cabin. The schoolhouse is fully equipped with school materials from around the turn of the century. The log cabin contains artifacts that may have been used during the settlement of Taylor County. This wider view of the travel area therefore encompasses printing, school and settlement history, as well as the museum exhibits.

Whether you’re interested in walks, sports, local produce or history, Medford and the wider travel area offer a variety of themes to consider when planning your stay. The differences between the Riverwalk and Pine Line Trail, along with the many facilities at City Park, make it easier to choose activities that match your interests.

View the broader travel guide: Taylor.