Riverfront Park

Riverfront Park is on the western edge of downtown at 200 Water St. N.E. The 23-acre park, formerly occupied by warehouses and industrial activities, features rolling, grassy lawns and paved paths. A bluff overlooks the Willamette River and Willamette Slough. At the southern end stands Eco Earth Globe, which used to be used by the Boise Cascade paper mill to hold acids that turned wood chips into pulp. The industrial relic's spherical surface is now decorated with nearly 86,000 colorful tiles to depict a globe. Salem's Riverfront Carousel, funded by community effort, features 42 brightly painted hand-carved horses, two wagons, a carousel band and a brass ring.

An amphitheater, a covered pavilion, a children's play area, a splash fountain and a boat dock also are in the park.

Picnicking is permitted. Food is available. Time: Allow 1 hour minimum.