Enjoy the beauty of Oregon and the bustle of Bend in the Old Mill District. Beautiful homes and gardens, coupled with a lively downtown atmosphere and stunning surrounding scenery, make this a perfect place to appreciate a pleasant neighborhood with a view.
Investigate pieces of Bend’s history that have been transformed for the modern world. Historic buildings, such as the red-brick mill that once housed the Brooks-Scanlon Lumber Company, are now shops and restaurants. Browse over 40 stores ranging from small boutiques to nationwide chains. Sample its varied dining options, from casual pizzerias to upscale gourmet restaurants.
Walk, run or bike along the four trails that snake through the neighborhood, ranging from 1 to 2.5 miles (1.6 to 4 kilometers) long. Note the commemorative signs along the routes that provide information about Bend’s logging history and notable local figures.
See a plethora of wildlife without leaving town. Watch a beaver or otter paddling down the Deschutes River. Look for an endangered Oregon spotted frog hopping along the marsh. The Ticket Mill provides complimentary binoculars to enhance your animal and bird-watching experience.
The Old Mill District has a packed calendar of events throughout the year. Take a festive horse-drawn carriage ride during the winter holidays. In July, watch dozens of colorful hot air balloons float toward the Cascade Mountains during the annual Balloons Over Bend festival. Don’t miss a summertime concert in the famous Les Schwab Amphitheatre. Big names ranging from Bob Dylan to the Dave Matthews Band and Willie Nelson have played on this riverside stage.
With its central location and natural atmosphere, the Old Mill District offers convenient fun and excitement. Enjoy the scenery by strolling to downtown Bend via the neighborhood’s walking paths, which connect to the city’s greater network of trails.
