Explore Grants Pass

The Rogue River flows through Grants Pass. Jet boat tours are a major draw on the water; on land, public art, historic sites, parks and a year-round market offer different reasons to explore the city. As you plan your trip, consider whether you’re most interested in experiencing the river, arts and crafts, history or events.

Jet Boat Tours and River Experiences

Hellgate’s River Run Jetboat Tour goes to the mouth of the Applegate River confluence and back to Grants Pass. Hellgate’s Scenic Jetboat Tour travels along the Wild and Scenic Rogue River. The descriptions emphasize different details: the River Run route includes the return to Grants Pass, while the Scenic tour follows the Rogue River. If you’re choosing between the tours, these route details provide a concrete point of comparison.

Wildlife Images offers a different focus: at this active wildlife rehabilitation center, visitors can see some of the animals that live there permanently up close. The Glass Forge specializes in Venetian-style art glass. Visitors can watch glassblowing or try it themselves for a fee. If you’d like to participate, confirm the participation requirements before your trip.

Reinhart Volunteer Park also offers several ways to enjoy the Rogue River. Its amenities include sports facilities, seven reservable shelters, fishing ponds, a fly-fishing pond and a pedestrian bridge over the river. Posted closure times may apply to the bridge; check the notices before your visit. A public trail runs along the river from Reinhart Park to Greenwood Dog Park. So, in addition to the park’s amenities, there’s a described trail connection between two named places.

Public Art and Local History

There are nearly 100 works of public art within the city limits, and the collection may continue to grow as new works are added. The Public Art Walking Map leads through the historic downtown and shows a walkable route to the public art. If you plan your exploration around the map, keep in mind that its contents may be updated.

Historic architecture is part of the streetscape in the G Street Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Schmidt House was built for the family of Claus Schmidt at its current address, 508 SW 5th St in Grants Pass. The Schmidt family were the only people to live in the house until it was transferred to the Josephine County Historical Society in 1978. These details give a visit to the historic sites a distinct focus alongside public art.

Events and Market

The events calendar offers a range of seasonal activities. During the summer months, Riverside Park hosts the annual Boatnik Festival. In early October, Art Along the Rogue takes place in the Grants Pass Historic District. The exact dates of both events vary from year to year; check the current event dates if you’re planning your trip around them.

Porchfest Grants Pass is an annual, free, family-friendly music festival. Local musicians perform on the porches of historic homes in Grants Pass. Porchfest is also a charity event that benefits children’s and youth programs in Josephine County. Its venue and charitable purpose distinguish the festival from the events at Riverside Park and in the Historic District.

The Grants Pass Growers Market runs year-round, with summer and winter markets. Offerings include fresh fruit and vegetables, bread, pastries and arts and crafts; locally roasted coffee, organic beef and fresh farm eggs are also available. The seasonal selection may change. The market adds another reason to visit alongside the area’s outdoor and cultural attractions, with a chance to discover regional products and arts and crafts.

Discover more destinations: Cave Junction, Merlin.

For the broader travel overview: Josephine County.