The central city of Oregon Wine Country! 5 must-visit tourist spots in Medford

Medford is an inland city located in the southern part of Oregon on the west coast of the United States. It was established in 1884 with the construction of a railway and serves as the central city of the Rogue Valley basin, which lies upstream of the Rogue River. Rogue Valley is one of the production areas for Oregon wine, which is known as a high-end wine. Vineyards and wineries are scattered throughout the Medford area. The quality and quantity of wine production are supported by the area's high annual sunshine and low rainfall. As a result, despite the latitude and surrounding elevation, winters are relatively mild. In this article, we will introduce five recommended tourist spots in Medford, one of Oregon’s prominent cities.

1. Alba Park

This is the oldest park in Medford, and its name comes from Alba, a wine-producing region in Italy that is also a sister city of Medford. It’s a calm and peaceful space featuring a gazebo, fountain, and a statue of a boy with two dogs—serving as a small oasis within the government district.

It was originally called Library Park because the Medford Carnegie Library was established next door. The library, built in 1911 with a donation from "Steel King" Andrew Carnegie, is a historic building and has become a Medford landmark since a new library was built in 2004.

Interestingly, the park also features a cannon used during World War II. Be sure to stop by while walking through downtown Medford.

2. Two Hawk Vineyards & Winery

If you come to Medford, you absolutely must try Rogue Valley’s Oregon wine! Ideally, you’d tour multiple wineries, but for those with limited time or transportation, “2 Hawk Vineyard & Winery” is a great single destination near the city center.

With vineyards right behind the tasting room, you can fully experience the wine country atmosphere. Enjoying your wine on the outdoor terrace will enhance both its flavor and aroma. The winery’s lineup includes red, white, and dessert wines.

Other popular options in the Medford area include “RoxyAnn Winery” and “EdenVale Winery.”

3. Medford Railroad Park

The nearest stop to Medford Railroad Park is not a train station but an interchange on the Pacific Highway. Spanning about 20 hectares, this spacious park features everything from elaborate railway gauge dioramas to familiar mini steam locomotives and even real locomotives and freight cars. The mini steam locomotives are notably fast, making it exciting for both children and accompanying adults.

The detailed diorama showcases trains crossing rocky passages and bridges, making it thrilling to watch. The displayed trains also evoke a strong sense of history, making the park valuable as an open-air museum. Historically, Medford’s growth as a city was triggered by the railway’s arrival. This is a tourist attraction where you can learn about the city’s origins while having fun.

4. Prescott Park

Behind downtown Medford is the gently conical and very prominent Roxy Ann Peak. Standing at 1,089 meters, it rises about 600 meters above the surrounding city. The peak is named after Roxy Ann Bowen, an early settler who once lived at its base.

The summit and surrounding area are part of Prescott Park, a natural park covering approximately 7 square kilometers—making it the largest park in Medford. The park is named after George J. Prescott, a Medford police officer who died in the line of duty in 1933.

From the parking lot on the mountainside, you can enjoy a trekking route with an elevation gain of around 300 meters. At the summit of Roxy Ann Peak, you’ll get a panoramic view of Medford and the Rogue Valley! Be sure to take in the landscape of the basin that nurtures delicious Oregon wine.

5. Crater Rock Museum

Despite its name, the Crater Rock Museum doesn’t only feature ordinary rocks. Inside you’ll find vivid minerals, ancient fossils, beautiful and unusual stones of all kinds, including rare and unique formations from around the world.

Oregon’s state rock is the “Thunder Egg,” a metamorphic rock that encloses minerals like agate in a spherical shell. When cracked open, it reveals stunning patterns inside—nature’s artistic masterpiece! Once abundant in Oregon, Thunder Eggs are now rare and precious. Crater Rock Museum houses a colorful collection of these must-see stones.

◎ Summary

We introduced five recommended tourist spots in Medford, a wine-producing region in southern Oregon. In addition to wine, the city also offers interesting parks, natural attractions, and museums with rare collections, making Medford a city full of sightseeing charm. The nearby Rogue Valley International–Medford Airport offers access from San Francisco, Seattle, and Los Angeles in under two hours. After visiting California’s wine regions, make your next stop Medford and experience the flavors of Oregon wine!