Oregon's state capital, Salem is the third most populous city in the state, established on the banks of the Willamette River and home to around 150,000 residents. A popular tourist attraction in its own right, and one of the major destinations for visitors to Oregon, Salem is a cultural and entertainment hub of the region, and comprises a variety of notable visitor attractions and landmarks.
Visitors to Salem often first see the State Capitol, a popular local landmark and impressive 1940s building. The grounds of the Capitol are also open for most of the year, with parks and recreation spaces surrounding the complex itself. For sporting types, the Willamette River is a popular attraction for boating, swimming and fishing, particularly during the summer months, and runs through the middle of the city.
The annual World Beat Festival takes place in Salem's Riverside Park during the summer, and is a weekend long performing arts festival, drawing visitors and participants from around the world to the city. The Oregon State Fair is also a popular attraction, welcoming tens of thousands of visitors each August.
