Situated along the Willamette River, Corvallis is a city of approximately 60,000 in Oregon. It was founded as a trading post by Joseph C. Avery in 1845 and incorporated as a town in 1857. The city’s name comes from French-Canadian explorer Gabriel Franchere’s description of its location: “Corvallis or le Coeur de la Vallée” which translates to “the heart of the valley”.
Corvallis has several sites that are significant to local history and culture such as the Benton County Fairgrounds, Oregon State University (OSU), and downtown Corvallis itself. OSU is one of two major educational institutions located here and provides many cultural activities throughout the year including concerts, lectures, and art exhibits. Downtown Corvallis offers unique shopping options and restaurants with diverse menus ranging from sushi to Mexican cuisine. There is also an abundance of parks for outdoor recreation such as Mary’s Peak, Bald Hill Natural Area, Chip Ross Park, Crystal Lake Sports Complex, and Peavy Arboretum.
Inhabitants have access to all these attractions for leisurely activities or just relaxing after work. In addition to this, there are many festivals held during the summer months like Block 15 Brewing Company’s Fermentation Celebration or First Friday Art Walk where visitors can experience live music performances, local artwork displays, and various food vendors. Whatever your interests may be, you’re sure to find something enjoyable in Corvallis.