Sherwood, Oregon, is an easy place to overlook with so much going on in Portland and nearby cities, but this jaunt is less than 30 minutes from downtown and should be a destination you place on your must-visit list in the coming weekends.
While you could spend a full afternoon lazily strolling the old town area shops and antique stores, there is also plenty to do when you’re looking for fun family plans or a new activity for your group of friends.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Vineyard & Valley Wine Tour
Jump in your car and start your journey close to home in Hillsboro before meandering the 57-mile route through the Tualatin Valley. The road starts urban, but you’ll soon find yourself in the countryside gazing upon rolling hills, local farms, and countless vineyards.
You can stop along the way at any of the you-pick farms to snag seasonal fruit straight from the vine (strawberries, blueberries, apples, peaches, and more) or keep heading south to stop and take a taste of the many local wines produced in the region. The Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris are some of the best you’ll find in the world.
Want to take in some history as well? The Tualatin Valley was one of the earliest stopping grounds for Oregon settlers, and there are many sites to see. A favorite is the 1878 Old Scotch Church as you make your way to Sherwood.
See the route in full here to plan your scenic drive.
2. Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge
This is another fun Sherwood stop to be enjoyed at any time of the year, as each season brings with it a breadth of varying wildlife and changing scenery.
Stop by the Wildlife Center first. Become familiar with the seasonal features to keep your eyes out for along your walk and learn the history of the land at the exhibit hall through hands-on features and a life-size recreation of the native wetlands. But the top reason to stop by the Center is the view through the large window. It’ll give you a sneak peek of the wondrous outdoors you’re about to experience.
Next, get outside! Take the year-round one-mile nature trail. It will wind you through various refuge habitats. You’re also welcome to explore the seasonal trails that make up another three miles if you visit between May 1 and September 30. View the trail map here.
What will you see if you go during the winter? Waterfowl flock in the thousands to the refuge, as they seek solace from the rain. Ducks, geese, and swans abound. And through the topless trees, you may be able to spot a bald eagle perched high above. You may also see deer and squirrels preparing for the impending cold if you plan your visit in the fall.
3. Sherwood Center for the Arts
Take a planned visit to the Sherwood Center for the Arts, the local hub for cultural activities and resource for native artists. Attend theater and ballet performances, stop by to see seasonal art exhibits, or visit in the spring to join a class or get tickets for a Family Matinee performance.
The center also provides a space to engage in hands-on educational events. The calendar changes seasonally, so keep updated of the goings-on before planning your next trip to Sherwood, Oregon.
4. Brewery Tour
In addition to copious wineries, adult beverage connoisseurs may also want to plan a fun-filled day trip to Sherwood to imbibe at the many local breweries in the region. Within miles of each other, located in both Tualatin and Sherwood, visitors will find Stickmen Brewing Company, Ancestry Brewing, Tiny Wolf Brewing, Two Kilts Brewing Co., Smockville Brewhouse, and others.
To focus on the Sherwood locales, Two Kilts Brewing Co. was founded in 2009 and is on a mission to produce the best craft beer possible. While the establishment doesn’t serve food, patrons are welcome to bring their own, and with 12 beers on tap most days, there’s something for everyone. Smockville Brewhouse, on the other hand, serves up an extensive food menu daily, as well as their own craft brews in combination with guest taps.
5. Langer’s Entertainment Center
Designed specifically for fun at all ages, if you’re in Sherwood, Oregon, then you must stop by Langer’s Entertainment Center. First, head to the attractions. Test your skills on the three-story rock wall or on the high ropes course. Challenge your friends and family on the 22-lane bowling alley or to an epic laser tag game. Battle it out at the arcade, or just enjoy one another’s company around the campfire.
Then, once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to the kitchen for finger foods, burgers, pizza, and salad, among other delicious fare.
Want an early break from the fun while the rest of your group is running around? Head to the second-story glassed-in Tack Room, where you’ll find a bar, pool, darts, and NFL games on Sunday.
Our family wanted to share our love of the Pacific Northwest and commitment to the community, so we’ve designed the ultimate place for adventure and fun! Our history dates back to the origination of the farm in 1897, and now it continues with the new addition of the Langer’s Entertainment Center.
Sherwood, Oregon, might not be front of mind when there are so many events and activities in Portland, but there are plenty of reasons to make it a go-to destination. It’s easy to pop over on the weekend to enjoy everything from outdoor trails at the refuge to theater performances at the Sherwood Center for the Arts, to a fun-filled day of indoor adventure and good food at Langer’s Entertainment Center.