7 Best Courthouse Squares In Oregon

Any town that wants to be taken seriously must get certain things right, and the first on the list is the aesthetic appeal of its courthouse square. Although beauty means different things to different people, and may include the ambiance of a place even more than the ornate layout of a structure, there are certain courthouses that you cast your eyes on and you instantly feel goosebumps. Fortunately, Oregon has a decent number of such courthouse squares. Starting with Enterprise, the following seven small towns in Oregon have the best courthouse squares.

Enterprise

Enterprise is a neat, small town with a beautiful courthouse constructed about 115 years ago. The building that houses the Wallowa County Courthouse was designed by Calvin R. Thornton, a highly accomplished architect from La Grande, Oregon. It was then constructed from locally quarried Bowlby Stone into a three-story rectangular building and was subsequently added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001. Today, surrounded by green grass and shady trees, the Wallowa County Courthouse serves as the symbolic heart of the town. When in the area, check out the nearby Bookloft, a small, cute bookstore with lots of new and used books to peruse. After this, pass by The Commons Coffee House for decadent pastries and a caffeine fix, before crowning the day at the well-groomed Enterprise City Park, a lovely space ideal for walking or people-watching.

Dallas

Located at the intersection of Court and Main streets, the Polk County Courthouse in Dallas is a prominent civic landmark with a history that dates back to the 1800s. The courthouse was completed in 1899 after the original version, along with much of Main Street, was razed during an inferno that consumed the town a year earlier. The structure is the brainwork of Delos D. Neer, who also designed the Benton County Courthouse, the state's oldest. A homemade quiche at New Morning Bakery should set the tone for the day, after which you can amble through the town and enjoy its restful rhythm. Delbert Hunter Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a cool place to drift into bliss, especially as you admire the many native trees and well-labeled plants. Dallas City Park, which may turn out to be the star of the show, has paths along a singing river, cute bridges, grassy fields, wildflowers, and a spectacular Japanese garden.

Astoria

You will find the majestic Clatsop County Courthouse one block north of the imposing Captain George Flavel House Museum, and you will immediately be smitten by the large Classical Revival building and its nostalgic feel. It was designed by architect Edgar Marks Lazarus, once one of Portland’s most prominent designers. Although the color palette is somewhat restrained, the terra-cotta detailing is richly sculptural. When in the area, don’t miss the county jail, located on the southwest corner of the courthouse grounds. Keep in mind that Astoria itself is a stunning town with epic attractions, such as the Oregon Film Museum, which celebrates the legacy of film and television production in Oregon. There is the aforementioned Flavel House Museum, a must-visit for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, or anyone who appreciates the charm of the Victorian era. Finally, pass by the highly fancied Bowpicker Fish and Chips, especially if you have a craving for tender and flaky albacore.

Dayton

Dayton Courthouse Square is a wooded area in the heart of downtown that brims with mementoes of the town's history. In the 1850s, Joel Palmer, an enterprising gentleman and a suave leader during the years of friction between settlers and local Native Americans, offered this block of city lots for use as a public square in hopes of securing the Yamhill County Courthouse. When Lafayette was picked as the first County Seat in 1858, the block became a city park, a memorial to those early days. Juanita's Cafe y Neveria, known as one of the best-kept secrets in the Willamette Valley, serves authentic Mexican food at incredibly affordable price points. After enjoying delicious chicken enchiladas, consider stopping by Soiree Dayton for a nice gift to surprise your loved ones. Glassware, books, kitchenware, soaps, chocolate, plants, shawls, and other interesting knick-knacks are all up for sale in this downtown small business. For some serenity, there's the Yamhill River, which runs through the town, and the nearby Lafayette Locks Historical Park, a cool place to enjoy the sound of water through the rapids.

Heppner

Heppner’s courthouse square is anchored by the Morrow County Courthouse, an imposing edifice that doubles up as one of the oldest continuously operating courthouses in the state. The man for whom the courthouse is named, Jackson L. Morrow, was a pioneer merchant and legislator as well as one of Heppner's earliest residents. The Morrow County Courthouse was designed by Maryland native Edgar M. Lazarus, whose other works include Apperson Hall on the Oregon State University campus and Vista House in the Columbia River Gorge. When in the area, DeSpain Pizza is just across the street from the courthouse and is known for serving delicious pizza with a buttery garlic crust. Meanwhile, Flood Town Books is well-organized, with a wide selection of awesome books on display, while the Morrow County Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the local area's history and culture.

Canyon City

Canyon City is in Oregon's Grant County, named for Ulysses S. Grant, who served as the president of the United States from 1869 to 1877. The Grant County Courthouse building is an eye-catching, two-story stucco, stone, and concrete structure on landscaped grounds in the heart of town. Although the original version harks back to the mid-1800s, the present edifice was constructed much later in the 1950s. Nab a comfy chair at Squeeze-In Restaurant & Deck, and enjoy a delicious custom omelet loaded with hash browns and smothered in hollandaise sauce. After getting filled up, work your way to the deceivingly small Grant County Historical Museum, where four rooms are packed with storied items on display. Although a quick visit may take 45 minutes, set aside four hours if you want to read every sign. Also, note that the museum often closes for the winter. Before leaving town, pass by Jim's Antique Shop, whose welcoming owner offers vintage Native American art and jewelry as well as distinctive Western vintage items you may have never seen before.

Moro

The Sherman County Courthouse, built in 1899, serves as the hub of county business and justice in Sherman County. It is one of only three county courthouses in Oregon that have been used continuously since their construction in the 19th century. The style is that of understated Queen Anne architecture, which was formerly among the most popular, especially for government buildings. Moro City Park is a great stop if you have kids who need to get some play time, while the nearby Sherman County Historical Museum, one of the best small-town museums in the state, displays some incredible pieces of history in a clean, neat, and well-maintained space. The traditional culture, exploration, and settlement exhibits are exceptionally well-presented and engaging. If spending the night, the Tall Winds Motel is conveniently located right off Route 97.

So, although Oregon may draw you with its famed coastline, a scintillating stretch with dramatic sea cliffs, spectacular white-sand beaches, and unique rock formations, don't skip its cornucopia of small, charming towns with a laid-back atmosphere and heart-gripping backdrops. Some of these small Oregon towns have courthouse squares that will leave you blown away.