Outdoor Activities & Entertainment

Discovering the Best Outdoor Activities and Cultural Entertainment in La Grande, Oregon and Surrounding Areas

La Grande, Oregon, and its surrounding areas offer plenty of outdoor activities and entertainment options to suit a variety of interests. Here are some examples:

Hiking: With its close proximity to the Blue Mountains and the Wallowa Mountains, La Grande is an ideal location for hiking enthusiasts. Some popular trails include the Mount Emily Recreation Area, the Mount Emily Summit Trail, and the Anthony Lakes Trail System.

Fishing: The Grande Ronde River, which runs through La Grande, is a popular spot for fishing. Other nearby fishing destinations include Wallowa Lake, Catherine Creek State Park, and the Umatilla River.

Skiing and Snowboarding: The Anthony Lakes Ski Area is just 45 minutes from La Grande and offers many opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.

Golfing: The city is home to the La Grande Country Club, which features an 18-hole golf course and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

Cultural and Entertainment Options: La Grande is also home to a variety of cultural and entertainment options, such as the Elgin Opera House, the Art Center East, and the Blue Mountain Wildlife Exhibit. Additionally, the Eastern Oregon Film Festival takes place annually in nearby Baker City.

Overall, La Grande and its surrounding areas offer a wealth of outdoor and cultural opportunities, making it an ideal destination for those who love nature, sports, and entertainment.

Biggest / best attractions

The Oregon Trail Interpretive Center: This center provides a unique opportunity to learn about the history of the Oregon Trail and the pioneers who traveled it. The center features interactive exhibits, interpretive programs, and a pioneer cemetery.
Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area: This wildlife area is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including waterfowl, elk, and deer. It is a great spot for birdwatching, hiking, and wildlife photography.
Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort: This mountain resort is located just 45 minutes from La Grande and offers skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing in the winter, as well as hiking and mountain biking in the summer.
Eastern Oregon Fire Museum: This museum displays the history of firefighting in eastern Oregon and features antique firefighting equipment and artifacts.
Art Center East: This community art center offers various art classes, workshops, and exhibitions throughout the year.
La Grande Farmers Market: This farmers market is open every Saturday from May through October and offers locally grown produce, handmade crafts, and live music.
Blue Mountain Scenic Byway: This scenic drive takes visitors through the beautiful Blue Mountains and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Award winning restaurants / eateries

Ten Depot Street: This restaurant in downtown La Grande offers upscale American cuisine, including steak, seafood, and vegetarian options. The restaurant is housed in a beautifully restored historic building.
Side A Brewing: This brewery and restaurant in downtown La Grande offers craft beer and pub fare, such as burgers, sandwiches, and tacos. The outdoor seating area is a popular spot in the summer.
Smokehouse Restaurant: This local restaurant offers both breakfast and lunch and is known for their homestyle cooking. They close at 2:00 PM.
Cock & Bull Villa Roma: This popular local restaurant offers a unique dining experience with its authentic Italian cuisine. The menu features a range of classic Italian dishes, including pasta, pizza, and seafood, along with a variety of salads and appetizers.
Mamacita’s International Grill: This local restaurant serves up a variety of delicious Mexican and Latin American dishes. The menu features a range of options, including tacos, burritos, fajitas, and more, with many vegetarian and gluten-free options available. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, with friendly staff and fun, vibrant decor.
Local Harvest Eatery and Pub: This popular pizza restaurant prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients to create delicious, artisanal pizzas. Their menu includes a variety of creative pizza toppings, as well as salads, sandwiches, and a rotating selection of local beers and wines. The rustic decor and friendly staff make for a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere, while the emphasis on supporting local farmers and producers adds to the community-oriented feel of the restaurant.
GC Asian Fusion: This restaurant in La Grande offers a variety of Asian cuisine, including sushi, teriyaki, and stir-fry dishes. The restaurant also offers a vegetarian menu.
The Landing Hotel & Dining: This popular hotel and restaurant offers a variety of American-style food, as well as a wide selection of craft cocktails, beer, and wine.
The Sumpter Junction Restaurant: This restaurant is in the nearby town of Baker City and offers classic American comfort food, such as burgers, fries, and milkshakes. The restaurant is housed in a restored train depot.

Museums / Theaters / Arts

Eastern Oregon University (EOU) Fine Arts: EOU's Fine Arts program offers a variety of arts events, including theater productions, musical performances, and art exhibits. The program also includes a theater department and a music department.
Art Center East: Art Center East is a non-profit arts organization that offers a variety of classes, workshops, and events for all ages. The center features a gallery, a pottery studio, and a gift shop.
Union County Museum: The Union County Museum is located in downtown La Grande and showcases the area's history through exhibits, artifacts, and displays. The museum features a collection of local art, a restored pioneer cabin, and a replica of an old-fashioned soda fountain.
Carnegie Art Center: The Carnegie Art Center is a historic building that displays local and regional art exhibitions. The center also offers art classes and workshops for adults and children.
Elgin Opera House: The Elgin Opera House is located in the nearby town of Elgin and offers a variety of performing arts events, including theater productions, musical performances, and comedy shows. The historic building was built in 1910 and has been beautifully restored.