Parks
118 parks, playgrounds and dog parks in the city.
- Ecco Apartments Dog Park3 mi from downtown
- Umso Park3.4 mi from downtown
- Candlelight Park5 mi from downtown
On a budget
Free things to do in Eugene
5 kinds of free outings in and around Eugene.
Good days out in Eugene don’t have to cost anything. These ideas come from the city’s parks, libraries, historic landmarks and nearby public lands. For free concerts, markets and festivals this week, see the free events calendar.
Libraries
Borrow books, movies and museum passes, and join free programs.
- Eugene Public Library100 W 10Th Ave
- Sheldon Branch Library1566 Coburg Rd
- Bethel Branch Library1990 Echo Hollow Rd
Historic places
66 landmarks on the National Register, many easy to see on a walk.
- Eugene–SpringfieldBuilt 1908
- Jordan Schnitzer Museum of ArtBuilt 1933
- Ax Billy Department StoreBuilt 1910
Hiking
Trails on public land; some areas charge a parking or day-use fee.
- West Eugene Wetlands5 mi west
- Fern Ridge Lake11 mi northwest
- Dexter Lake16 mi southeast
Wildlife viewing
Birding and nature watching on public land.
- West Eugene Wetlands5 mi west
- Fern Ridge Lake11 mi northwest
- Dexter Lake16 mi southeast
Around town
Get a feel for the city
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
6 things you have to do when you visit Eugene, Oregon!
An activity Short shared by Traveling Spud.
Watch on YouTube ↗
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Things to do in Eugene Oregon.
An activity Short shared by The Boutique Adventurer.
Watch on YouTube ↗Questions
What are free things to do in Eugene?
Parks, Libraries, Historic places, Hiking, Wildlife viewing. City parks and libraries are free; some outdoor areas on federal land charge a parking or day-use fee, noted on each listing.
Are there free events in Eugene this weekend?
Check the free events calendar, updated daily from local organizations, libraries and the city.
Do I need a library card to use the library?
No card is needed to visit or attend most programs; a free card from the local library lets you borrow books, movies and often museum passes.