A Complete Guide to Visiting Independence and Monmouth, Oregon

Whether you’re exploring Oregon wine country or visiting someone at WOU, you might find yourself in the fine towns of Monmouth or Independence, Oregon.

Since Monmouth has become our “home base” when we’re not traveling the world, we decided to do some research. What are the best things to do? What are the best restaurants in Monmouth (and its close neighbor, Independence)? What do new residents and visitors need to know?

This post will cover:

– Facts to know about Monmouth and Independence, OR
– Hotels and other accommodations around Monmouth
– Where to eat in Monmouth and Independence
– Things to do in and around Monmouth/Independence
– Best day trips from Monmouth, Oregon

Updated: April 2023. Originally published: Oct 2018.

About Monmouth and Independence

Pioneers from Independence, Missouri first settled in Independence in 1847. Others moved in to Monmouth in 1853 and established a college soon after. Now called Western Oregon University, or WOU, it happens to be the oldest public college in Oregon.

Here are some more trivia tidbits for you:

– Monmouth was the last dry town in Oregon! Alcohol was not officially allowed until 2002.
– Monmouth has been named Tree City USA.
– Independence has been known for hops production, both now and in previous centuries.

Where is Monmouth, Oregon? Monmouth is a small town on route 99W, bordered to the East by Independence, OR and surrounded by Willamette Valley farmland. It’s only a 15 mile drive southwest from downtown Salem, OR.

Where is Independence, Oregon? Independence is just across the Willamette River from South Salem, bordered on the West by Monmouth, OR.

Monmouth, Oregon weather: Like most of the Willamette Valley, Monmouth has dry, sunny summers; and mild, wet winters. Temperatures rarely drop below freezing or rise above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Except during mid-summer, rain is a common occurrence.

Population of Monmouth: just above 10,000

Population of Independence: just under 10,000

County: Polk

Zip code: 97361 (Monmouth), 97351 (Independence)

Transportation: The area is served by the Cherriots regional bus route, which connects Monmouth and Independence to Dallas and Salem a few times a day. As of 2023, there is a free trolley circulating between the two towns (details below).

The business districts are less than a mile long and are walkable, thanks to sidewalks on all main streets. Cycling for sport is common, especially in the wine region, though designated bike lanes are not always available.

Accommodation: Monmouth and Independence Hotels

If you’re looking for places to stay in Monmouth, there is one motel in Monmouth and a new hotel opening in Independence, with more accommodation options in nearby cities.

College Inn (also known as Courtesy Inn) is the only hotel in Monmouth at the moment. It’s a very basic motel, a stone’s throw from the Western Oregon University campus.
Check photos, availability, and room rates at College Inn here >>

The Independence: A Trace Hotel opened Fall 2019. The riverside location is steps from the shops and restaurants of Independence. The hotel offers bicycle services, spa, gym, and restaurant.
Check photos, availability, and room rates for The Independence Hotel here >

MaMere’s Guest House (B&B) is a family-run bed and breakfast in a historic house just blocks from WOU and Monmouth Main Street. Learn more here >

Other top lodging options nearby include Best Western Dallas (7 miles) and these top accommodations in Salem.

As soon as we moved in, we asked everyone about their favorite places to eat in Monmouth and started trying them out. There is a decent variety in Monmouth for its size.

For a more about dining options, see our detailed guide to Monmouth Independence restaurants.

Here are some of our favorites:

1 – Mink’s Pad Thai, Monmouth
2 – Momiji Sushi, Monmouth
3 – Burgerville, Monmouth
4 – The Sippery, Monmouth
5 – Greece Lightning food truck, Monmouth
6 – The River Gilgamesh Brewing, Independence
7 – Casa Burrito, Monmouth

Americana Restaurants and Cafes

Ovenbird Bakery (Independence)
Burgerville (Monmouth) 
Starduster Cafe (Independence Airport)
The Grain Station (Monmouth)
Pink House Cafe (Independence)
The Sippery (Monmouth) 

 
Pizza Places

Gilgamesh Brewing The River (Independence)
Yeasty Beasty Pizza (Monmouth)
Mendi’s Pizza (Monmouth)

Desserts and Treats

Independent Ice Cream Shop  (Independence)
Main Street Ice Cream (Monmouth)
The Donut Bar Food Truck (Monmouth)
Jubilee Champagne and Dessert Bar

Brews and Wines

Crush on Main Wine Bar (Monmouth)
Golden Hop Saloon (Independence)
The Tap Station (Independence)
Brew Coffee & Taphouse (Independence)
Parallel 45 Brewing (Independence)
Dry Town Tap Station (Monmouth)

Just Coffee
Bugles Espresso Coffee Shop (Monmouth)
Dutch Brothers Coffee (Monmouth)

Grocery stores in Monmouth/Independence

Best Things to do in Monmouth and Independence

If you’re visiting Independence or Monmouth, there are plenty of things to do. Convenient and scenic drives can take you from town to nearby attractions as well, so it’s actually a great destination to use as your base to explore Willamette Valley Oregon.

Float the Willamette River

On a hot day, you can enjoy the outdoors via inner tube, kayak, canoe, or other water sports on the Willamette River.

You can access the river at either of two boat ramps in Independence Park. The river is wide, fairly slow going, and mostly free of debris from Independence all the way to Wallace Marine Park in Salem.

For a one-hour paddle trip (perhaps 2 hours if just floating), pull out at the small park labeled “Social Security Hole”, or the “Halls Ferry Access (RM)”, on Google Maps. 

Mt. Fir Park & Inspiration Garden

Hidden among the neighborhoods of Independence is a beautiful Mt. Fir Park. More than just a typical city park, this project by Polk County OSU Master Gardeners is a series of theme gardens.

The Inspiration Garden includes native specimen trees and plants, a re-creation oak savannah, Asian garden, children’s play garden, roses, fruit trees, and vegetables.

With both paved and unpaved trails, it’s a great park to include on a walk through Independence.

Independence Theater

We started going to Independence Cinema 8 while living in Salem, Oregon because it was typically less crowded. If you’re looking for a place to see first run movies in Independence or Monmouth, this is it. At the time of this writing, movie tickets are $8 for matinee and $10.25 for evening showings, with discounts for children and seniors.

Tip: Movies go for just $5 of Tuesdays (with exception of some big blockbusters)

450 S 2nd Street, Independence

Independence Oregon’s 4th of July celebration: Western Days

Independence lives up to its namesake when the 4th of July comes around. The local parade starts from WOU and travels all the way to Riverview Park in Independence.

Local vendors sell their wares in Main Street Park, while bands play in the background. In Riverview Park, there’s often a small carnival with rides, plus traditional fireworks shows on the 4th and 5th.

Independence Market and Riverview Market

The original Independence Farmers Market runs on Saturdays from 9am to 2pm in the Umpqua Bank parking lot. It’s a relatively small market but has a good selection of fresh, local produce. Sometimes there’s also a delicious baked goods stand and some folks cooking up yummy Mexican food.

Just a few blocks away in Main Street Park, the Riverview Market runs from 9AM to 2PM Saturdays April–October and some Tuesday afternoons as well.

Ride the Monmouth-Independence Trolley

In Spring of 2023, a free trolley service between Monmouth and Independence was launched. MI Trolley is a bright red, low-emissions vehicle which stops at the yellow MI signs along Main Street in Monmouth and Monmouth Avenue in Independence, from WOU campus to Riverview Park.

This is a great way for visitors and locals to travel between these two neighboring downtowns. The trolley runs about every 20 minutes from 7am-9pm Monday through Saturday, with shortened hours on Sunday.

Tip: Check the website map or the app to see where the nearest trolley is en route.

Monmouth Music in the Park Series

Located in Main Street Park, Monmouth Music in the Park offers free concerts on Wednesday nights mid-July through August. 

River’s Edge Summer Movie and Concert Series

In the peak of summer, lively movie nights and concerts are a weekly happening to enjoy in downtown Independence. The city provides these performances for free in the outdoor amphitheater at Riverview Park.

Best Short Day Trips from Monmouth

Monmouth and Independence are well located for exploring outside of town. The whole Willamette Valley is in easy reach, with Portland just a 90 minute drive away. The Oregon Coast is an hour’s drive to the West. Oregon State in Corvallis is a quick ride down Highway 99, and University of Oregon in Eugene is just a bit further down I-5.

For places to visit even closer to town, check out the following:

Wineries

Monmouth is in arms reach of Oregon Wine Country, thanks to the fertile Willamette Valley. The Namaste Vineyards tasting room is just 5 minutes North on Highway 99. Our personal favorite is Andante Vineyard.

Others in the immediate area include Illahe Vineyards, Amalie Roberts Estate, Redgate Vineyard. And those are just the handful within a very short drive. You’ll find great tasting rooms in and around McMinnville, too, another one of our favorite little towns.

Peavy Arboretum/Calloway Creek Loop Hike

One of the quickest ways to immerse yourself in nature is down Highway 99W at Peavy Arboretum. This is a State Forest managed by the research arm of OSU. The network of trails can be accessed from the Peavy Arboretum trailhead on Arboretum Road, or the Forest-Road 540 Trailhead on Highway 99 near Adair Village. 

You can wander through serene wooded forests on hiking loops that are 2 – 4 miles. It’s also fun to come across the small sports arena at Cronemiller Lake, where OSU’s competitive logging sports team practice. 

Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge

Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge is north of town off of Highway 99. It’s a bird refuge with several short hiking trails and a panoramic view of the valley from Mount Baldy.

Falls City

Falls City, a small town in the Coast Range west of Monmouth with views of the Luckiamute River and its waterfalls. It is also the gateway to a few Coast Range hiking trails. We’ve enjoyed stopping into the Bread Board restaurant, which serves up pizza from a big wood fired oven.

Salem and Corvallis

Both Salem and Corvallis are within a 25 minute drive from Monmouth and Independence. These cities have just about all the amenities, shopping, and restaurants you might need.

Read more from our Rediscovering Salem series here:
3 Fantastic Day Trips from Salem
5 Favorite Places to Run (or Walk) in Salem
Top Places to Enjoy Salem’s Summer Harvest
Favorite Spots to Hang Out in Salem, Oregon
Best Coffee Shops with Wifi for Work or Studying in Salem, Oregon
Where to Stay in Salem Oregon

Portland

Of course, Oregon’s most popular city is within easy day-trip distance. Independence to Portland is about a 80 – 90 minute drive.

Check out our Local’s Guide to Portland Oregon for great things to do and places to eat in Portland.

You might also like:
Top Oregon Road Trip Destinations & Itineraries
Best Hidden Gems in the Mid-Willamette Valley
What to Pack for Portland Oregon
Willamette Valley Wineries Near Salem Oregon

We hope our overview of things to do in Monmouth and Independence has been helpful for you. Let us know if you have your own recommendations for the area, and check back as we continue to update this post!

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