As the chill of winter dissipates, the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival stands as a herald of spring in Woodburn, Oregon. This iconic celebration, now in its 40th year, swathes the landscape in a stunning array of colors, captivating all who visit.
The Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival, is celebrating its 40th anniversary, inviting visitors to its breathtaking 40-acre tulip fields in Woodburn. Born from Ross and Dorothy Iverson's vision in 1950, the festival has evolved into a must-visit event, enchanting flower enthusiasts and families with its breathtaking natural beauty and array of engaging activities.
This year's festival transforms the landscape into a vivid mosaic of colors, offering an array of experiences that promise adventure and enchantment for visitors of all ages. Guests are invited to soar above the blooms in tranquil hot air balloon rides, offering unparalleled views of the sprawling floral splendor, or to feel the thrill of zipping across the fields on exciting zip lines. An assortment of games awaits, designed to entertain both the young and young at heart, while nostalgic hay wagon rides offer a leisurely journey through the sea of flowers.
For adults seeking a unique experience, the Wooden Shoe Vineyards' wine wagon farm tour presents a perfect blend of rustic charm and the sophistication of wine tasting, showcasing the farm's commitment to a rich and varied visitor experience. This aspect of the festival not only highlights the farm's vibrant history and the Iverson family's agricultural legacy but also their progression from the Wooden Shoe Bulb Company to the celebrated Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm.
The festival extends a warm invitation to explore the scenic beauty of the tulip fields, with a pet-friendly policy that allows visitors to enjoy the day alongside their leashed pets. This open invitation ensures that everyone has the opportunity to capture memories, immerse in the colorful displays, and enjoy the farm's offerings.
Event Highlights
The festivities commence on March 22nd, ushering in a week filled with the admiration of floral beauty, picturesque aerial views from hot air balloons, and a plethora of activities suitable for all visitors. Adults in search of a distinctive local flavor can indulge in the Wooden Shoe Vineyards' wine wagon farm tour, offering a taste of the region's finest wines amidst the stunning backdrop of tulips. Each element of the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival contributes to an unforgettable experience, celebrating 40 years of tradition, family, and the joy of spring.
Important Dates
- March 22nd: Celebrate the festival's opening day.
- March 23rd: Participate in the Tulip Trail Run, with distances including a 5k, 10k, and half marathon.
- March 28th: Attend the Tulip Inspired Floral Design Workshop, with details forthcoming.
- March 31st: Enjoy Easter Sunday at the festival, featuring a 7am Sunrise Easter Service next to the tulip fields, courtesy of the Woodburn Area Ministerial Association.
Festival FAQs
Accessibility: The festival grounds feature grass, gravel, and dirt paths, with limited paved areas. Accessibility may vary by weather and mobility device. Shuttle service is available but requires a step to board.
Tickets: Tickets must be purchased online and can sell out quickly, especially on sunny days and weekends at peak bloom. Capacity is limited for a more enjoyable visit.
Food and Beverages: On-site vendors provide food daily, with additional options on weekends. Picnic tables are available, and visitors can also enjoy local beer and wine from Wooden Shoe Vineyards.
Photography: Attendees are invited to take photos and share them online, using the appropriate credits for commercial use. Contact the farm for commercial photography permissions.
Weather Policy: The festival is open rain or shine, with certain activities being weather-dependent. No refunds are given for rainy days.
Pets: Leashed pets are welcome, with owners responsible for clean-up. Consider your pet's comfort around other animals and crowds.
Best time to visit: The scheduling of tulip festivals is influenced by the regional climate and location. In the United States, these celebrations usually take place in spring, often from March to May. Nonetheless, for the most precise and current details on the blooming season, it's advisable to visit the festival's official website or reach out to the event coordinators.
Ticket Details
Tickets are exclusively available online, including individual day passes and season passes. The admission fee covers parking, access to the tulip fields, children’s play areas, shuttle service, and Wooden Shoe Gardens.
- Adult (13-64 years): $15
- Senior (65+): $13
- Season Pass: $55 per person
- Children 12 and under: Free with a ticketed adult
With the festival poised to share its 40-year legacy of tulip displays, the organizers are eager to welcome visitors and create new memories. The early March ticket availability reflects the anticipation of an on-time or slightly early bloom, promising the best colors in the first two weeks of April. This spring, the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival invites you to partake in its celebration of growth, resilience, and beauty.
7 Things To Do After Visiting The Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival
Have Fun in Molalla
Though small, Molalla bursts with charm and a variety of attractions. Heritage enthusiasts will find plenty to explore among its historic sites. Alpacas at Marquam Hill Ranch offers an up-close encounter with these gentle creatures, while Out In The Garden Nursery showcases a diverse plant collection. For those seeking thrills, the Molalla River Recreation Corridor provides ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and aquatic adventures. Meanwhile, downtown Molalla invites visitors with its quaint shops and an engaging escape room experience. The Molalla River Brewing Company complements these adventures with its selection of craft beers, food trucks, and mini-golf.
Summer Bonus: The Molalla Train Park offers miniature H-scale train rides through picturesque landscapes, perfect for family memories.
Explore the Wines of Willamette Valley
The Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival serves as a prelude to the rich wine culture of the Willamette Valley. Begin at Wooden Shoe Vineyards, sampling unique varietals amid the beauty of the tulips. Nearby Hanson Vineyards presents a broad spectrum of wines, showcasing their meticulous grape cultivation. St. Josef's Winery, a cornerstone of Oregon's wine community, welcomes guests with live music, while Whiskey Hill Winery offers intimate tastings with the winemaker. Venture further to Pete's Mountain in West Linn, home to a cluster of wineries with distinctive styles. Enhance your wine tour with the Mt. Hood Territory Wine Trail, offering discounts and prizes.
Wander Among Wildflowers
Beyond the tulips, Oregon's spring landscape is dotted with wildflowers. Camassia Nature Preserve in West Linn and Graham Oaks Nature Park in Wilsonville are just two spots where nature's palette comes to life. For a unique experience, visit the Wildwood Recreation Site near Mt. Hood, where ADA-accessible paths lead through captivating flora.
Delight in Canby's Charms
Canby offers a unique blend of agricultural and culinary experiences. TMK Creamery introduces visitors to its "cowlebrities" and crafts vodka from whey, dubbed Cowcohol. Downtown Canby's Wayward Sandwiches features local cheeses on its menu, and the Canby Ferry provides a quaint river crossing. Art-O-Maddic caters to creative spirits with its gallery, supplies, and classes.
Meet Cute Animals
The adventure continues with visits to local farms. Triskelee Farm near West Linn, Fir Point Farms in Canby, and the Oregon Donkey Sanctuary in Oregon City each offer unique encounters with animals, from ostriches to tree-climbing goats.
Embrace Indoor Discoveries
Rainy day? The area is rich with indoor activities. Bullwinkle’s Entertainment in Wilsonville offers a variety of attractions, while the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center provides interactive historical insights. For culinary enthusiasts, The Kitchen at Middleground Farms in Wilsonville offers cooking classes for all ages.
Discover Silver Falls State Park
No visit to the Willamette Valley is complete without exploring Silver Falls State Park. Known as the "crown jewel" of Oregon's state parks, Silver Falls offers more than 9,000 acres of breathtaking scenery, including the famous Trail of Ten Falls. This easy-to-moderate hike allows visitors to experience the majestic beauty of cascading waterfalls, including the awe-inspiring South Falls, where you can walk behind the waterfall's curtain. With over 35 miles of backcountry trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, Silver Falls State Park promises an immersive nature experience that complements the floral allure of the Tulip Festival.
As spring unfurls its colors across Oregon, the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival and the surrounding Willamette Valley invite you to a season of discovery, beauty, and adventure.
You will find the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm at 33814 S. Meridian Rd, in Woodburn, Oregon.
Head over to their website here to learn more and buy tickets if plan on attending!
