Visitor Information

Visitor Information

Vistor Information

Thank you to the Benton County Historical Society for partnering with the Chamber to host visitor information. The museum is located at 1101 Main Street, Philomath, Oregon.


Vistor Information is available in the main exhibit hall on the first floor. The Philomath Museum is open Wednesday - Saturday from 10 am - 4:30 pm.


About Philomath

Philomath is located mid-Willamette Valley with a population of close to 5,000. Established at the base of Marys Peak, the tallest peak in the Coast Range, Philomath is just West of Corvallis and Oregon State University and a short 45 minute drive from the Oregon Coast. This unique location offers very diverse opportunities including hiking and mountain biking on Marys Peak, Division I sports at Oregon State University, fishing on the Alsea River, or wine tasting at local wineries


The City is located on the north bank of the Marys River, a tributary of the Willamette River. Marys River Park, a City park in the southwest part of the town, is a peaceful natural area that attracts residents and visitors alike. The rodeo grounds, adjacent to the park property, are host to the annual Philomath Frolic and Rodeo.


Once home to the Philomath College, founded in 1865, by United Brethren church members in the Marys River Settlement. Today, little remains of the original college. Its outlying buildings long ago gave way to time’s ravages. However, the red brick of the center section still stands. It has been carefully restored to its original state. Presently, the building houses the Benton County Historical Museum, which serves as an archive and display facility for items of historical significance to Benton County; as well as an exhibit space for contemporary art. The museum, with its distinctive bell tower, is a well-known Philomath landmark and attracts visitors from all over the Northwest.


Photo credit Benton County Historical Society

Philomath College Building, 1867-1870

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