Visit Union, OR

Where Victorian charm meets mountain air.

Explore historic downtown, museums, parks, and mountain scenery.

Step back in time, then step into nature. Downtown Union welcomes you with tree-lined streets, Victorian buildings, and a proud heritage that stretches from the Union County Museum to the Carnegie Library. It’s a town where stories linger in the brickwork and history feels close enough to touch.

Just beyond Main Street, the landscape opens wide. Catherine Creek State Park offers quiet trails and shaded creekside picnics, while Buffalo Peak Golf Course delivers sweeping views with every round. Union blends heritage and fresh air, giving visitors the best of both history and the outdoors.

Enjoy

quiet parks, trails, and mountain valley views.

Discover

museums, libraries, and stories from the past.

& Explore

the historic streets lined with Victorian charm.

Aerial view of a small town with a straight road running through the center, lined with houses, buildings, trees, and parked cars on both sides. The landscape extends to distant hills under a hazy sky.
A small town main street with historic brick buildings, parked cars, and a cloudy sky. One building has a sign reading “Season’s Greetings” in cursive lights and another has a tall white clock tower.

30 Second Trailer

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City Founded
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Things To Do in Union, OR

From historic downtown strolls to outdoor escapes, Union offers something for every kind of traveler. Wander the charming streets of Union Main Street, explore the Union County Museum, enjoy fresh air and trails at Catherine Creek State Park, or take in sweeping views while playing a round at Buffalo Peak Golf Course.

Union County
Museum

Step inside and discover artifacts, stories, and heritage from Union’s rich past.

Catherine Creek
State Park

Enjoy peaceful trails, shaded picnics, and natural beauty along Catherine Creek.

Historic Downtown
Union

Stroll historic streets filled with Victorian architecture, small shops, and timeless character

Buffalo Peak
Golf Course

Play a scenic 18-hole course with sweeping valley and mountain views.

NOTE: All images on this site are originals from Touch Point Designs unless noted otherwise. They are copyrighted and protected.

Catherine Creek State Park

Catherine Creek State Park is a tranquil canyon refuge where ponderosa pines, crystal-clear creek waters, and shaded trails combine to offer real escape. Whether you want to camp under stars, dip your feet in the creek, fish for rainbow trout, picnic in quiet spots, or hike a scenic loop between picnic and camping areas, the park delivers. It’s a peaceful spot to relax, reconnect with nature, and enjoy outdoor serenity not far from town.

Website

"A delightfully tranquil place for a picnic. The creek is fun to splash in. The area is about ten degrees cooler than in town. The grounds are very kept."

Eric V. - Google Review
A gravel path runs through a grassy park with tall pine trees and scattered picnic tables on a cloudy day. Dense green foliage surrounds the area, creating a peaceful natural setting.
A wooden footbridge crosses over a clear, shallow stream surrounded by lush green trees and a grassy area with a picnic table in the background.
A grassy park area with tall pine trees, several empty picnic tables, and lush green surroundings under an overcast sky.
A wooden footbridge crosses over a clear, shallow stream surrounded by lush green trees and foliage in a forested area.
A wooden bridge leads over a stream in a forested area. A trail map on a red signboard stands near the bridge, surrounded by green trees, grass, and a rustic wooden fence.
A woman wearing blue stands on a wooden bridge in a lush, green forest, looking over the railing at a stream below. The scene is peaceful and surrounded by tall trees.

Union County Museum

The Union County Museum sits in five historic buildings filled with artifacts and exhibits that trace over 150 years of life in the region. You’ll wander through period rooms, discover cowboy and ranching history, explore agriculture, transportation, and timber displays, peer into an old bank and blacksmith shop, and reflect in the peaceful Memorial Courtyard. It’s a place where the past feels alive, every display telling a story of pioneer spirit and community growth.

Website

"There's so much to see! I could spend the whole day and not see everything. The displays are beautiful and well organized. I've lived here my whole life and there's still so much history I never knew about until I went to the museum. I recommend visiting at least once to anyone who lives in the area or passing through. There's something there for everyone!"

Paloma. - Google Review
A red brick building on a street corner has two signs reading MUSEUM above the entrance and on the wall, with potted plants and large windows visible. The number 331 is displayed on the wooden wall.

Buffalo Peak Golf Course

Buffalo Peak Golf Course is an 18-hole public course that blends scenic vistas with challenging links-style design. Set against the rolling foothills overlooking the Grande Ronde Valley, it features undulating terrain, ponds, fountains, and varied elevation that test every shot. Whether you’re navigating risk-reward holes off the fairways or enjoying the clubhouse views, this course delivers beauty, sport, and relaxation in equal measure. Perfect for seasoned players and newcomers alike.

Website

"One of my very favorite golf courses out of 180 played. So beautiful and enjoyable that I've already visited twice this summer for multi-day stays! Spectacular setting - open, undulating, very playable links-style course surrounded for the most part by undeveloped sagebrush...thus very quiet and peaceful. Superbly maintained"

James P. - Google Review
A wide view of a golf course with green fairways and flags, set against a backdrop of dry, rolling hills under a partly cloudy sky.
Rolling hills golf course with a small pond, two golf carts, and scattered houses in the distance, set against a backdrop of mountains and cloudy sky. Grassy and dry areas blend throughout the landscape.
A wooden sign reads Buffalo Peak Golf Course 1224 E. Fulton with a red outline of a buffalo, set in a parking lot with a car and hills in the background.
A wide view of a golf course with green fairways and flags, set against a backdrop of dry, rolling hills under a partly cloudy sky.
Aerial view of a sprawling golf course with green fairways, a pond, and scattered trees, surrounded by dry, brown hills and mountains under a cloudy sky. Several buildings sit near the edge of the course.

Historic Downtown Union

Downtown’s heart is the Union Main Street Historic District, where red brick storefronts, ornate trim, and Victorian homes line the sidewalks. From the grand Union Hotel and the timeless Carnegie Library to intimate shops and cafe-fronts, every corner whispers of Union’s pioneer history and architectural pride. Walking here means discovering layers of community: the old bank building, mansard-style houses, the past resting comfortably beside the present, all framed by a peaceful small-town setting.

A quiet street corner in a small town with historic brick buildings, including a red brick structure labeled COUNTY PIONEER & HISTORICAL SOCIETY, and a green storefront with decorative elements and potted plants.
A cozy outdoor patio with red chairs, checkered tablecloths, potted plants, and string lights. The space is bordered by brick and yellow walls, with decorations and a hose visible in the background.
A quiet street corner in a small town with historic brick buildings, including a red brick structure labeled COUNTY PIONEER & HISTORICAL SOCIETY, and a green storefront with decorative elements and potted plants.
A mural of a horse with a map behind it is painted on a red brick wall at the corner of Main Street and Union. Nearby are a stop sign, a no parking sign, and a street sign reading “Espresso.”.
A paved path curves through a grassy park lined with tall trees. A small river flows to the right, and a brick building is visible in the background. Lamp posts line the path under a cloudy sky.
A row of small downtown shops with striped awnings and large windows on a quiet street, separated by a metal railing, under a cloudy sky.
A brick building with a sign reading Public Library above the door, four large front windows, and a ramp leading to the entrance, surrounded by plants and trees.
Sidewalk view of a stone-faced building with large windows and hanging plants; awning overhead, street and parked cars visible on the left.
A small-town street features a historic red brick building with arched windows next to a one-story wooden structure, set under a cloudy sky with an American flag and greenery visible.
A concrete sign in a grassy park displays Union City Park with an outline of Oregon and a gazebo in the background. Trees and a white gazebo are visible on the lawn behind the sign.
A white gazebo with a horse weathervane on top stands in a green park under a cloudy sky, surrounded by trees and grass. A ramp leads up to the gazebo’s wooden platform.
A corner brick building houses the Union Drugs Rexall Drug Store, with a large vintage mural and sign. The storefront has large windows and an awning, and the street is quiet under a cloudy sky.

Additional Attractions in Union & the Surrounding Area

Hot Lake
Springs

Historic hot springs resort offering geothermal waters, wellness experiences, and sweeping Grande Ronde Valley views.

Learn More

Union County
Library

Early 20th-century library built in 1913, still serving as a community cornerstone.

Learn More

Historic
Union Hotel

Grand 1921 brick hotel with Victorian touches, antiques, and warm small-town hospitality.

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Union Victorian
Cemetery

Peaceful hillside cemetery featuring ornate Victorian headstones and stories of Union’s earliest pioneers.

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Annual Events in the Union, OR Area

Union and the surrounding valley come alive with annual traditions that celebrate its roots and community spirit. From the Eastern Oregon Livestock Show honoring the region’s agricultural heritage to the sweet celebrations of the Cove Cherry Fair, each season offers something special. Summer brings the Union County Fair, packed with rodeos, food, and family fun, while the Grassroots Festival fills downtown with music, contests, and small-town charm. Together, these events showcase the best of Union—where heritage, harvest, and hometown pride create memorable experiences for visitors and locals alike.

View Full Event Calendar
  • Mid June

Eastern Oregon Livestock Show

Showcases livestock, community gatherings—ties into local agricultural traditions.

Learn More
  • Late Jul - Early Aug

Union County Fair

A week of livestock shows, grandstand events like rodeo and demolition derby, food vendors, and family fun

Learn More
  • 3rd Weekend August

Cove Cherry Fair

Celebrates cherry harvest with parade, games, music, food and local heritage.

Learn More
  • Early August

Union Grassroots Festival & Car Show

Family fun: yard sales, rubber-duck race, street dance, pie contests, community charm.

Learn More

Above images from Envato Elements used with permission and rights.

Historical Events of Union, OR

Native Gatherings
Seasonal gatherings of Nez Perce, Cayuse, Umatilla, Walla Walla, and Shoshone tribes in the “Valley of Peace.”
Town Platted
Union was officially platted, becoming an emerging community in the fertile Grande Ronde Valley.
County Seat Rivalry
Union became county seat after dispute with La Grande, fueling rapid construction of civic buildings.
Railroad Arrival
The Oregon Railroad and Navigation Company expanded service through the valley, boosting Union’s economy and accessibility.
County Seat Moved
After decades of competition, Union lost county seat status back to La Grande.
Carnegie Library Built
Union’s Carnegie Library was established, reflecting early 20th-century civic pride and education investment.
Union Hotel Opens
Grand Union Hotel constructed, later known for Victorian design and role in small-town hospitality.
Historic District Listed
Union Main Street Historic District was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Pre-1860s
1864
1872
1884
1900s (date disputed, widely accepted around 1905)
1913
1921
1997

Drag the scroll bar to view historical information.

Sources

Dining & Drinking

Union’s food scene delivers everything from cozy family dinners to refined tastes in a historic setting. You’ll find homestyle breakfasts, hearty burgers, Mexican flavors, and upscale regional dining — plus bars and breweries for cocktails, craft beer, or relaxed evenings. Favorites include Gravy Dave’s for burgers & wings, Union Stoplight for pizza & sandwiches, Final Cut Pizza & Pub for a lively pub vibe, and Side A Brewing for local brews.

Restaurant Options

Lodging & Rentals

Visitors to Union will find welcoming places to stay that match the town’s mix of history and relaxation. The Historic Union Hotel offers beautifully restored rooms with antique charm right in the heart of downtown, while the Lodge at Hot Lake Springs provides rustic luxury beside the area’s famous geothermal waters. For a more intimate experience, May’s Place Bed & Breakfast delivers cozy comfort and a hearty homemade breakfast. Travelers wanting boutique style will appreciate The Landing in nearby La Grande, and RVers can settle into the Grande Hot Springs RV Resort for easy access to the outdoors.

Lodging Options

Visit Union, OR

Step back in time and discover Union’s history, natural beauty, and small-town charm waiting for you to explore today.

Aerial view of a small town with a main road running through the center, surrounded by houses, buildings, parking lots, and green spaces under a partly cloudy sky.

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Disclaimer

All efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website. The details provided are accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the most recent update. However, Small Town Travel Sites (“Touch Point Designs”) is not responsible for any inadvertent inaccuracies, changes, or misinformation. For the most current information, we recommend contacting individual establishments or checking the latest online updates before planning your visit.