Aurora Colony National Historic Site

Antique lovers rejoice!

If you love antiquing, wandering through quaint historic buildings, and exploring museums, Aurora is for you. Although it is not far from I-5, Aurora feels like a hidden gem of a town. The town may be small, but it has a big history. The active community keeps visitors coming with many annual events.

The history of the Willamette Valley is on display in this historic town

Before the civil war, and before Oregon was a state, the town of Aurora in the Northern Willamette Valley was settled as a utopian commune in 1856 – reinventing themselves in the new land on the west coast.  A recent immigrant from Prussia, Wilhelm Keil brought his religious followers over on the Oregon Trail from Missouri to find a spot to create a new society. They found fertile soil, plenty to eat, and plenty of supplies to build a new town and a new life.  The green rolling hills must have seemed like the perfect idyll for their new Eden. The society did not last long, though, and it disbanded in 1883.  They left behind a cohesive community of buildings that looked as if they had been picked up and brought over straight from New England – all clad in white. The homes and businesses have been lovingly maintained over the years and now house a thriving group of antique shops, restaurants, and one fabulous museum.  The history and artifacts of the Aurora Colony are on display at the Old Aurora Colony Museum located in the center of the very walkable downtown.  A favorite stop to eat is at Filberts Farmhouse Kitchen.  Locals know that a filbert is the original name of the hazelnut which grows well throughout the Willamette Valley.

Find an event you’d like to attend on their website or Facebook page and make a plan to visit this beautiful little town!

Filbert’s Kitchen restaurant

1877 Band Practice

Aurora Colony Museum

Streets lined with historic buildings