Your Guide to St. Paul, Oregon: 5 Things to do When Visiting Big Oak!

I’ve been meaning to write this guide for a long time. When I tell people I’m from St. Paul, they usually ask, “Minnesota?!”

Ha! St. Paul, Oregon is a tiny little town about 40 minutes south of Portland and is home to the most amazing hidden gems - including my very own Big Oak Flower Farm ;) With less than 500 people in the town you may not think there’s a lot going on here, but if you like tasty food, good drinks, beautiful farmland and nature, then you’re going to love it.

So if you’ve been wanting to visit the Farm Store to get flowers or join in at a U-Pick event, I highly encourage you to make a day of it and explore everything my town has to offer!!

Here are my favorite 5 things to do in the area. All are within 10 minutes of Big Oak!

Go for a hike at Champoeg State Park

Start here for some amazing Oregon pioneer history. Back in the 1800s, this was a thriving town, but a massive flood swept away all traces of the settlers.

Today it’s a huge state park on the Willamete River with miles of trails, woods, and meadows to explore. Pack a picnic or play frisbee golf, it’s a perfect way to soak in Oregon’s beauty.

Treat yourself at the historic Butteville General Store

If this is the only stop you make out here, then visit the Butteville Store!! Located in a general store dating back to the 1800s, you’ll find delicious homemade ice cream and sandwiches. Plus the interior walls are covered in historical pieces and descriptions of pioneer life. It’s like a cool museum where you can eat ice cream :)

Shop for plants at French Prairie Gardens

French Prairie Gardens does it all!! They have a fantastic pumpkin patch in the Fall, but the rest of the year they have a great selection of nursery plants and local goodies. Plus, the tastiest baked goods, ice cream, locally raised meats, beer and wine, and more. This is a great one-stop shop if you need plants and treats!

Relax with a pint at the Harvester Taproom

The Harvester is best spot in town for a beer and a burger! The actual town of St. Paul contains only a few blocks, but after lunch, walk over to visit the old church.

It’s Oregon’s very first Catholic church, built in the 1830’s, and still holding mass!

Sip wine with a view at Lady Hill Winery

Conveniently located right around the corner from my house at Big Oak is the beautiful Lady Hill Winery. They make a huge selection of delicious wine, but the grounds are worth the visit! There’s nothing better than sipping wine with a picnic lunch overlooking Oregon farmland. Plus if you’re with kiddos there’s lots of space for them to run around.

I hope you explore this wonderful place I call home!

St. Paul may be small, but there’s plenty to do! Next time you need fresh flowers, come stop by the Farm Store and plan a stop to one of these amazing places.