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Painted Hills

Heritage in Heppner

Written by Oregon Media

Heritage in Heppner

Museums

A rich cultural heritage in Heppner is alive and well. The Morrow County Museum in Heppner is a museum centered around rural life, displaying photographs and artifacts dating back to the 19th century, when the area was settled post-Oregon Trail. Exhibits range from agricultural history to a discussion of the Native American presence in the county and from the history of rural medical care to the story of the Heppner Flood. At the Agricultural Equipment Museum, gain a window into farm machinery. Check out a snapshot of the town’s heritage at the mural on Riverside Street.

courthouse

Finished in 1903 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its architecture, design and craftsmanship, the Morrow County Courthouse is one of the oldest courthouses in Oregon that is still in use today. Features include a hip roof, a central entrance pavilion and a domed cupola with clock faces on three sides.

interior of the SAGE Center sage center

In 2013, the Port of Morrow opened the Sustainable Agriculture and Energy (SAGE) Center to tell the story of how agriculture and technology shaped the region, and to exhibit to what extent industry in the area continue to work together—especially in regards to sustainability. SAGE provides free educational tours to students and provides visitors from all over the world the opportunity to experience this region’s agricultural, industrial and transportation heritage and future. Soar over Morrow County to explore some of the best farmland in the country on a simulated hot air balloon ride. Watch a potato turn into curly fries. Also in simulations, try your hand at milking a cow or driving a tractor. Browse the gift shop and finish your visit with a scoop of delicious Tillamook ice cream.

MORROW COUNTY winter market

This annual holiday event features a Ladies Night Out  with door prizes, live music and refreshments. The family day on Saturday features entertainment and kids craft exhibits. Admission is free and offers an excellent opportunity to shop for holiday gifts, including handmade gifts, home decor, jewelry and beauty products.

Hilltop History 

The courthouse site is elevated above much of the rest of Heppner, which saved the building from the great flood of 1903, just three months after county officials moved their offices into the finished structure.