January 22nd, 2025

Spotting UFOs and Savoring History at Hotel Oregon

An alien leans over and says hi to children during a parade.
McMenamins UFO Fest takes place each May. You can catch an epic parade, pet costume contest, live music, a huge vendor fare, a speaker series and more!

Have you ever dreamed of spotting a UFO? Imagined catching sight of visitors from the stars in real time? If so, why not start your search in a place where UFOs have been seen before?  McMinnville is the perfect destination for aspiring sky-watchers.  And Hotel Oregon, in the heart of historic downtown McMinnville, with its fourth-story rooftop bar might be the right place to try to make your own close encounter, considering they host a UFO Festival each year celebrating the city’s own 1950 spotting

But even if you’re not looking to meet an extraterrestrial, Hotel Oregon’s rich history and hip, revitalized vibe makes it an essential stop on any visit to the area. Built in 1905, this stately building has witnessed changing times, McMinnville’s history in real time, and even a few ghostly encounters.  

A black and white historical photo of a four story building on a corner.  It is made of brick and has awnings. Each visible side of the builiding has an arch that says 1905.
Photo courtesy of McMenamins.

Originally named the Hotel Elberton, the building was designed in the Richardsonian Romanesque style popular at the turn of the 20th century, inspired by European architecture of the 11th and 12th century. Constructed with locally sourced stone and brick, it was envisioned as a four-story structure, but initially, only the first two floors were completed.  

In its early years, the hotel thrived, including a restaurant feeding both locals and visitors to the town. The Elberton was a social hub for McMinnville residents, a respite for travelers and a symbol of an era of prosperity for McMinville with its elegant style and prime location. The property saw tough times later, changing hands frequently, with the hotel closing and the first floor spaces repurposed to be used by taxi companies and beauty parlors.

The exterior of a four story hotel.  It has a brown canopy around it with hanging baskets.  There are trees lining the streets.
McMenamins Hotel Oregon today. Photo by Jenny Huang.

Enter McMenamins, a renowned Oregon-based company known for restoring and revitalizing historic properties. McMenamins undertook a meticulous renovation of the property, restoring the building to its former glory, while also adding the mix of art, photography, vintage fixtures and overall quirk that are the company’s hallmarks. Rebranded as McMenamins Hotel Oregon, the building reopened in 1999, boasting 42 European-style rooms, three bars (The Rooftop, The Cellar and Carter the Great Bar) and a restaurant. Hotel Oregon, having seen most of McMinnville’s history, is a cherished part of the city’s vibrant (and adorable) downtown, hosting live music, community events and the annual UFO Festival. 

Happy anniversary to the Hotel Oregon!  Whether you’re here to celebrate their 120 years, or simply here to enjoy a bowl of tots with a beer, one thing’s for sure: a visit to Hotel Oregon is an out-of-this-world experience—UFO sighting optional!

About the author: Dan Gibson (he/him) lives in McMinnville with his family.