Historic Aurora

Aurora is a national historic district and a popular tourism location known for the unique history of the old Aurora Colony, a group of German Christians who settled here in 1856, bringing with them their particularly successful utopian society.  The Old Aurora Colony Museum complex consists of 5 buildings, including 2 furnished Colony homes, and is the centerpiece of this village now populated with Oregon’s largest antique-store center.  Annual events include an Antique Spinning Wheel Showcase, the Strawberry Social, Aurora Colony Days Outdoor Antiques Faire, the oldest quilt show in Oregon and holiday events.  But every day this is a welcome destination for travelers who find extensive antique inventories as well as restored buildings, public restrooms and plenty of parking with easy walking. 

The Aurora Colony story is one of a community banding together to find the ideal society, one that binds people in the expectation of a better life.  While it lasted, the colonists were well-liked and respected in Oregon for their creative endeavors from farming to music and cooking.  Their experiment ended with the advent of modern America and the death of their spiritual leader, but this same spirit of cooperation has extended to the now-incorporated City of Aurora. 

• ADA accessible
• Fee required for some activities
• Visitor center on site
• Guided tours available
• Interpretive signage
• Located on both public and private land