The first settlers in the Willamette Valley were the Kalapuyans. They created villages in the area that would later become Eugene. These individuals occupied the region for thousands of years before French fur traders settled seasonally in the valley at the beginning of the 1800s. While their settlements were concentrated in Northern Marion County, they extended south to the Eugene area. Diseases shuttered the social fabric of the Native Americans’ society in the region, and the arrival of Anglo-American settlers forced many Indians into reservations by the late 1800s. The residents named the city after Eugene Franklin Skinner, who arrived in 1846 with 1,200 settlers. The territory incorporated Eugene as a city in 1862. Eugene experienced significant growth because of educational institutions. The first institution was Columbia College and later the University of Oregon. The city developed throughout the 20th century with increased employment and an improved economy. Did you know that the first Nike shoe was used in Eugene during the 1972 U.S. Olympic trial? Eugene’s growth and development led to more businesses, including high-tech industries. Today, Eugene and the surrounding metro area are known as the Silicon Shire due to the tech presence in the region. Landowners should expect more growth in the area in the short term and long term.

Eugene is the perfect place for you if you have always wanted things to do regardless of time or season. One of the most rewarding things you should do is explore the visual and performing arts in the city. Ranging from music, concerts, comedy, and Broadway, Eugene offers you the best entertainment options in Oregon. Its internationally-acclaimed artists will keep you entertained day and night.
Enjoy nature at the Cascades Raptor Center, a natural center and wildlife hospital for raptor birds. It is one of the top attractions in Eugene, taking care of more than 200 injured raptor birds annually. It would help if you also visited the Museum of Natural and Cultural History, the largest of its kind on the west coast. You will familiarize yourself with the city’s culture and history at the museum.
Sports enthusiasts should not miss visiting the Autzen Stadium north of the University of Oregon campus and home to the Oregon Ducks. The stadium has a capacity of 54,000 fans, but it hosts more people, especially in every home game. The stadium also provides extra meeting space for recreation and pre-game activities.
Eugene offers Oregon’s best recreational facilities and activities due to its beautiful environment. Popular venues include the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail, Mount Pisgah Arboretum, and Skinner Butte Park. Such places offer the best outdoor activities, such as biking, hiking, picnicking, and playgrounds. Explore the city and learn about the countless things you can do.