Grants Pass is a unique town in Southern Oregon, rich in history and bursting with community spirit. It is such a mix of a flash from the past with some really fun new trendy vibes too. Originally a stagecoach stop in the 1860s, the town grew with the arrival of the Oregon-California Railroad in 1884. Its name honors General Ulysses S. Grant’s victory at Vicksburg during the Civil War.

 

Today, the town’s beautifully preserved historic downtown—designated as a National Historic District—is home to unique boutiques, antique shops, and some yummy innovative local restaurants and hang out spots. Our new favorite is The Steam Distillery (check out my video here).

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Wildlife Images Rehabilitation & Education Center is a sanctuary dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured and orphaned wildlife. Since its founding in 1981, this remarkable nonprofit organization has played a vital role in conserving local wildlife while educating the public about the importance of coexistence with nature.

We highly recommend visiting this very special sanctuary, especially if you have kids or grandkids. It is located at 11845 Lower River Rd., Grants Pass, OR 97526. They are open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with the last ticket sales at 3:00 PM. The center is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. 

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Wildlife Images

For more information, you can visit their official website at https://wildlifeimages.org/. 

Wildlife Imag

 

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The stunning Rogue River runs right through Grants Pass, offering endless outdoor adventures like rafting, fishing, and jet boat excursions.

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Grants Pass, Oregon, offers several river excursion companies that provide thrilling adventures on the Rogue River, including trips through the renowned Hellgate Canyon. Here are some notable options:

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1. Hellgate Jetboat Excursions
Experience the wild and scenic Rogue River aboard Hellgate's jetboats, which navigate through the historic Hellgate Canyon. They offer various trips, including scenic tours and dinner excursions at their exclusive Hellgate River Lodge. 

https://hellgate.com

 

2. Rogue Jet Boat Adventures
Offering a 2.5-hour Discovery Tour on the Upper Rogue River, this adventure combines spectacular scenery, Native American history, wildlife viewing, and thrilling jet boating. 

Rogue Jet Boat Adventures

 

3. Jerry's Rogue Jets
Operating from Gold Beach, Jerry's Rogue Jets provides nature-based jet boat tours on the Rogue River, running daily from May 1 to October 15. 

https://roguejets.com

 

These companies offer a range of river excursions, ensuring visitors can find the perfect adventure to explore the Rogue River's beauty and excitement.

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Events

Grants Pass also hosts a variety of annual events that bring the community and visitors together:

• First Friday Art Walk – On the first Friday of each month, downtown comes alive with local galleries, shops, and restaurants featuring art exhibits, live music, and special deals, making for a festive evening.

• Boatnik Festival – A Memorial Day weekend tradition for over 60 years, this festival at Riverside Park features hydroplane races, a carnival, a parade, and live entertainment.

• The Grants Pass Growers Market is a vibrant, year-round farmers market held every Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. During the outdoor season, starting March 15th, the market is located downtown at the corner of NW 4th and F Streets. In the winter months, it moves indoors to the Josephine County Fairgrounds. Visitors can explore a wide array of fresh, locally grown produce, artisanal goods, and handcrafted items.                              https://growersmarket.org

• Porchfest Grants Pass is an annual, free, family-friendly music festival that transforms the porches of historic homes into stages for local musicians. The next event is scheduled for June 14th, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This community celebration not only showcases diverse musical talents but also supports local youth programs, having raised $55,000 in 2024. 

• Back to the 50s Celebration – A must for classic car lovers, this July event includes vintage car shows, live rock 'n' roll, a poker run, and even a nostalgic drive-in movie night.

• Concerts in the Park – Free live music in the park during summer evenings makes for the perfect way to enjoy the season.

• Art Along the Rogue – This October chalk art festival transforms downtown streets into a giant canvas, featuring incredible street art, live music, and food vendors.

• Christmas Tree Lighting – A magical holiday tradition in downtown Grants Pass, complete with carolers, hot cocoa, and a special visit from Santa.

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For the most up-to-date details on events happening in 2025, check out the Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce’s event calendar here.

 

With its perfect blend of history, outdoor beauty, and a lively cultural scene, Grants Pass is a special destination in Southern Oregon that’s always worth a visit!