Unearth The Voyage
Nestled in Oregon’s lush countryside, Woodburn transforms into a floral wonderland each spring. This small town becomes home to one of America’s most spectacular tulip displays, drawing visitors from across the country. The vibrant sea of colors stretching to the horizon creates memories that last long after the blooms fade away.
A 40-Acre Rainbow Canvas
Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm unfurls like a living painting across 40 acres of meticulously planted fields. Over 100 varieties of tulips create waves of color that seem to stretch endlessly toward Mount Hood’s snow-capped silhouette.
Visitors often gasp when first witnessing the immensity of the display. Walking between rows, you’ll discover tulips in shades you never knew existed – from fiery oranges to deep purples and delicate pinks with feathered edges.
Farm workers plant the bulbs by hand each fall, following precise patterns that maximize visual impact when spring arrives. The result is a masterpiece of agricultural artistry that changes daily as different varieties reach peak bloom throughout the festival season.
Hot Air Balloons Over Blooms
Sunrise at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival offers a magical experience as colorful hot air balloons drift silently above the flower fields. These gentle giants add another dimension to an already breathtaking landscape, creating photo opportunities that belong on magazine covers.
Weather permitting, balloon rides operate Thursday through Sunday mornings. From your wicker basket perch, the tulip fields transform into a patchwork quilt of color, with Mount Hood standing sentinel in the distance.
Even if you’re not riding, watching the balloons inflate and launch provides its own special thrill. The sight of these floating rainbows hovering above equally colorful fields creates a dreamlike scene that captures the essence of spring’s renewal and joy.
Family Fun Beyond the Flowers
Children squeal with delight racing rubber ducks down water channels while parents snap photos nearby. The festival offers far more than just flower viewing – it’s a full-day family adventure with activities for all ages.
Little ones gravitate toward the cow train rides, wooden shoe demonstrations, and giant sandbox play areas. Parents appreciate the thoughtfully designed spaces that let kids burn energy while staying within sight of the gorgeous blooms.
Food vendors serve everything from Dutch-inspired treats to local Oregon fare, perfect for refueling between activities. Don’t miss the antique steam tractors that fascinate both children and adults, or the tulip bulb market where you can take home the makings of your own mini-Woodburn display to plant in fall.
Wine Tasting Among the Tulips
Sipping locally crafted wine with a backdrop of endless tulips elevates the festival experience to sophisticated heights. Wooden Shoe Vineyards operates a charming tasting room right on the farm property, offering vintages that perfectly complement the colorful surroundings.
The vineyard specializes in cool-climate varieties that thrive in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Visitors can sample flight tastings featuring estate-grown Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and unique fruit wines made from berries grown on the property.
Many guests purchase a bottle to enjoy at picnic tables strategically placed throughout the farm for optimal views. The combination of world-class wine, spectacular flowers, and fresh country air creates a sensory experience that embodies the best of Oregon’s agricultural bounty and natural beauty.
Photographer’s Paradise at Golden Hour
Morning mist hovers just above the tulip heads as early-rising photographers set up tripods along the field edges. Woodburn’s tulip festival ranks among North America’s premier photography destinations, especially during the magical golden hours.
During sunset, the low-angled light transforms ordinary tulip rows into extraordinary ribbons of illuminated color. The farm thoughtfully maintains wide paths that allow photographers to capture unobstructed views while protecting the precious blooms.
Mount Hood provides a stunning backdrop on clear days, adding another dimension to compositions. Professional photographers lead workshops throughout the festival, sharing techniques for capturing the perfect tulip portraits. Whether you’re wielding a smartphone or professional gear, you’ll leave with images that preserve the breathtaking beauty of Woodburn’s famous fields.
