Sweet Home Tickets

Sweet Home
Sweet Home is a city in Linn County, Oregon. Sweet Home offers a small town, rural lifestyle though it is conveniently close to the amenities of large metropolitan cities including educational, shopping and cultural facilities.

Only two hours from the popular Oregon coast and close to the many recreational opportunities of Mt. Bachelor, Sweet Home has the best of both worlds.

Sweet Home is also famous for its proximity to nearby lakes, rivers and the Cascade Mountains.The population was 8,016 at the 2000 census.

History
Early SettlementsSettlers first arrived in the Sweet Home Valley in 1851. The Indians occupied this part of Eastern Linn County until 1921 when Indian Lize, the last remaining member of the Kalapuyan tribe, died.

Sweet Home was built on a vast, prehistoric petrified forest. Indeed, the area is still well known for its treasures, as rockhounds seek a variety of agate, jasper, crystals, and minerals.

1960s
A second shot in the arm was given to the community in 1962 when construction work began on nearby Green Peter Dam and continued as construction began on the Foster Dam in 1966. Instead of Sweet Home being hidden away by itself, as it was for 80 years, it now became the gateway to recreation and industrial activities in Eastern Linn County.

1980s
During the 1980s, Sweet Home experienced a major decline in population and industry as environmental issues forced the closure of sawmills and logging operations. During these tough times, the community banded together and rode out the changes, eventually turning the tide of recession into a wave of progression.

1990s
Throughout the 1990s, using grant dollars provided by the Federal government, Sweet Homes downtown corridor was revitalized, small businesses were encouraged to come to Sweet Home, and assisted living facilities were built to accommodate a retiring community.

Naming Conventions!
This historic town began with two other names: the upper part of town was nicknamed Mossville; the lower part was called Buck Head. According to historians, Sweet Home was later named after the lovely green Sweet Home Valley.

Fun and More
Sweet Home is built on the site of a prehistoric forest, which makes it a favorite destination for rockhounds. In the surrounding streams, forests and hills, people have found arrowheads, fish-eyed agates, seventy different kinds of petrified wood, fossilized leaves and crystal geodes.

Water skiing and Boating
Water skiing and boating are favorite activities at Sweet Home's Green Peter and Foster Reservoirs. Foster Lake is at the east edge of the town, and has 13 miles of shore access and three boat ramps. Green Peter Lake is just east of Foster Lake, and has 53 miles of shoreline, with boat access at two places.

Clear Lake, only 35 miles east of town, is so clear that petrified trees can be seen under 100 feet of water. Row boat, camping and lodge sites are available at Clear Lake. There are many lakes within easy driving distance from Sweet Home, making it a great place to swim, picnic, fish, ski or just have a relaxing day. Or, spend time at one of the many state, county and federal parks.

Fishing and Hunting
Fishing and hunting are popular sports in this area. The area has plentiful herds of elk and deer. The south Santiam River has a spring run of Chinook salmon, and spring and summer steelhead fishing, as well as trout fishing. Five campgrounds are also along the south Santiam River, for you to relax in after a satisfying day of fishing. The Calapooia River, just three miles south of Sweet Home, has 40 miles of trout fishing.

Community Swimming Pool
Sweet Homes community swimming facility is at the Sweet Home Senior High School. An indoor pool is open eleven months out of the year provide a variety of opportunities for the public to take advantage of the water and engage in aquatic fitness and good wholesome family fun.

East Linn Museum
The East Linn Museum, located near the west entrance into town at the junction of Highways 20 and 228, provides a glimpse into the history of the area. Greeted by sculptures of a miner and logger, the visitor is made quickly aware of the importance of natural resources in the history of Sweet Home. Offering thousands of artifacts and pictures of pioneer families, the museum provides a tour of the history of the region dating back to 1852.

Oregon Jamboree
The Oregon Jamboree in Sweet Home is the Northwest's Premier Country Music and Camping Festival. Located in the foothills of the scenic Cascade Mountains the festival takes place at a seven acre park-like setting bordered by Sankey Park and the historic Weddle Covered Bridge.

The Jamboree offers an intimate concert experience. In addition to featured headline entertainment this family style event hosts RV and tent camping, food booths, beer & wine gardens, and special displays.

Conclusion
The mild weather and central location are reasons why Sweet Home is so famous for many recreational opportunities. Fishing, hiking and camping are only minutes away from Sweet Home residences. Skiing on Mt. Bachelor or strolling on the beaches and watching a splendid sunset on the Pacific Ocean are only a two hour drive away.

Commonly known as the Gateway to the Santiam Playground, Sweet Home is worth visiting where the winding, clear water of the South Santiam River finds its way through the edge of the City and high tree-covered mountains tower over the small community.