4 Old-Timey General Stores In Oregon

Oregon is about as far West as you can get in the United States, and there’s certainly a strong old-timey Western theme throughout the state, thanks in part to the Oregon Trail. Oregon’s longstanding general stores serve as time capsules that we can step into and imagine life as it was in the past. These highlighted spots each have their own story and continue to stand tall, building on those legends as the future marches on. Today, some remain nearly the same as they were 150 years ago, while others have evolved to ensure they can continue to be enjoyed for generations to come. Let's take a look at these old-timey general stores everyone should try to visit when in Oregon.

​Historic Butteville Store

The Historic Butteville Store, located in Aurora, still retains its general store appearance today. That’s a good thing since it’s the oldest continually operated store in Oregon. The location dates back to 1851. By 1870, it had evolved, adding a whiskey distillery behind the active general store. The alcohol business was a hit for the store, which eventually added a saloon selling local Weinhard beer where the patio is located today.

​Throughout the store's history, numerous owners and products were featured, including grain, tobacco, and gasoline. At one point, it also served as a community recreation center, and today it sandwiches, cold drinks, and locally handmade ice cream alongside provisions for campers. Since 2009, it has been owned and preserved by the Parks and Recreation department as part of Champoeg State Park.

​N. P. Smith Pioneer Hardware Store

​The N.P. Smith Pioneer Hardware Store sounds exactly like the kind of old-timey place that transports you into the past. It was built in 1909 in Bend, Oregon, by Nicholas Paul Smith. It quickly became a prominent staple of downtown Bend. It was not only the first store in the area, but the location conveniently served the stagecoaches that passed through town. Smith ran the store, and his family lived on the floor above. The original hardware store closed in 1930; from there, Smith transitioned to selling gasoline. The pumps he eventually installed were the first in town.

​Although Smith died in 1955, his daughter, Marjorie, continued to live in the house into the 1980s. The building is still the oldest standing wooden structure in Bend and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Today, the bottom floor still serves as a commercial space selling home supplies, decor, and gifts, and it retains much of its original appearance.

Kam Wah Chung & Co.

Kam Wah Chung & Co. is possibly the most unique entry on this list of old-timey stores. It specifically showcases the lives and success of Chinese immigrants in Oregon. Kam Wah Chung, which translates to "Golden Chinese Outpost", was built in 1865 as a trading post in John Day, Oregon. Most of its customers were Chinese immigrants living in nearby cities, drawn to the area for the work available due to the East Oregon gold rush. Immigrants Ing "Doc" Hay and Lung On bought the building's lease in 1887, and the location went on to be a haven for immigrants, an herbal medical office and store, and even a Chinese temple for a time.

“Doc” Hay’s herbal medicine practice expanded until it gained widespread recognition beyond Oregon. Lung On remained a successful businessman and opened the first car dealership in Eastern Oregon. During its heyday, the store sold supplies and dry goods to immigrants and locals, including miners. The location has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973. Today, it's a museum and state park preserving a special era in Oregon and Chinese American history. The museum is filled with thousands of historical artifacts, including goods still on display from the period, as well as the largest collection of Chinese documents in the U.S.

The McKenzie General Store

The McKenzie General Store, located in McKenzie Bridge, Oregon, was initially built in 1932. The store is situated on the McKenzie River, offering scenic views of the surrounding area and Oregon’s natural beauty. The store has always been a place where locals thrive and travelers are welcome. Throughout its lifetime, the location has served as both a grocery store and a post office. The store’s beautiful location and step-back-in-time vibe bring locals joy every time they see it, evoking memories of their first visit.

Tourists will find the location a great place to stop and stock up on supplies before heading out on one of the nearby outdoor adventures, such as the 26.5-mile McKenzie River Trail, which is perfect for bike riders. In 2016, three local "river families" came together with the goal of transforming the general store’s location. Since then, it’s been a place to buy organic and local goods, enjoy a local craft beer or wine, or sit down at the Obsidian Grill Restaurant and have a good meal before or after an adventure. All the food at the on-site restaurant is locally sourced, featuring Oregon-raised meat, and they host live music on a regular basis.

Step Into The Past

These general stores showcase different aspects of Oregon’s history, including historical frontier life and its early Chinese immigrant culture. Today, they still serve the state of Oregon’s locals and visitors as community hubs, memorials to a bygone era, and modern expressions of their original retail roots. Whether you’re looking for Oregon history, a scoop of local ice cream, or a cold brew, these unique old-timey locations are worth visiting.