13 Fun Things To Do Indoors on Rainy Days
Yes, it’s true- it does sometimes rain in Oregon…. On the bright side, we wouldn’t have our gorgeous mossy forests and wild rivers without a little rain and snow. While the Rogue Valley sees a fair share of grey days during the winter time, it doesn’t have to stop you from having fun! From family-friendly entertainment to cozy wine tastings and museums, there are endless ways to enjoy your time indoors around Grants Pass.
1.Go Bowling
For those that think there’s no fun to be had during winter, “that’s just, like, your opinion, man.” Round up your favorite dudes and plan an afternoon or evening at Caveman Bowl. Located on Rogue River Highway just a couple minutes from downtown Grants Pass, the bowling alley is fun for the whole family and open 7 days a week. While there, check out the arcade room, bar, and cafe. For extra fun, plan to attend their Black Light Cosmic Bowling every Saturday night and ask about their weekly specials.
2. Visit A Museum
When the weather is keeping you indoors, there’s no better time to explore the area’s museums. If you consider yourself a history buff, head to Pottsville Historical Museum in Merlin and take a self-guided driving tour around the property and schedule a free tour inside the museum 10am-6pm 7/days a week. For over 60 years, the museum is home to thousands of items that share a glimpse into Oregon’s past, from the mining and logging industries to war memorabilia and early 20th century antiques. As a nonprofit, donations are appreciated. Dogs and horses are also invited to explore the grounds.
While downtown, drop by the Schmidt House Museum and neighboring Research Library, operated by the Josephine County Historical Society. Here you can explore the craftsman-style home with much of its original furnishings and artifacts from the turn of the 20th century. Leaf through photos, maps, and books of Grants Pass’s earlier days, depicting the lives of the homesteaders, miners, loggers, and railroad workers that settled in the valley.
After visiting the Schmidt House, head to G Street and check out the latest art exhibit at the Grants Pass Museum of Art. The museum, which is free and open to the public Tues-Sat showcases incredible artists both regionally and from around the world. While there, pop into Gallery One below the museum, and take home a one-of-a-kind creation made by a local artist.
3. Play at an Arcade
Impress the pinball wizard in your family, and plan an afternoon grabbing a bite to eat while playing arcade games. Wild River Pizza and Brewing recently opened their Arcade Room with an assortment of games including skee-ball. Find other Grants Pass arcades at Catalyst Pizza, Area 61, and at Southgate Cinemas.
4. See a Play
Stay warm and dry and catch a matinee or evening play at a local theatre. Barnstormers has been delighting audiences for over 70 years and is Oregon’s longest running community theatre. With 6-8 productions a season, enjoy amazing Southern Oregon talent in Barnstormer’s intimate setting.
Another great place to see live performances is at the Grants Pass Performing Arts Center who host local theatre companies, symphonies, ballets, and cultural festivals.
5. Try the World’s Best Cheese
Situated just minutes from downtown Grants Pass, along the banks of the Rogue River, the Rogue Creamery Dairy Farm is one of Oregon’s agrarian treasures. For more than 85 years, the certified organic creamery has drawn from the rich flavors of the Rogue River Valley to cultivate its savory and delectable handcrafted cheeses. In 2019, Rogue Creamery took the top prize at the World Cheese Awards in Bergamo, Italy, beating out 3,800 cheeses from 42 countries around the world with their famous Rogue River Blue. While visiting the farm stand, explore their giftshop where you can take home their artisanal cheese and locally made products. Don’t leave without trying their famous grilled cheese!
6. Explore Wine Country
While the Willamette Valley is often regarded as Oregon’s Wine Mecca, Southern Oregon is the birthplace of the state’s wine industry, dating back to the mid 1800’s. Not only that, but is was also recently nominated as 1-of-5 top regions in the world by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Around Grants Pass, you’ll taste a wide variety of flavors beyond Oregon’s renowned Pinot, with over 70 varietals grown in the greater Rogue Valley. During winter’s “cellar season”, wine lovers can cozy up next to the fireplace with their favorite bottle of wine and enjoy less crowds and discounted prices. This winter, take a self-guided tour to over 20 vineyards and tasting rooms spread along the Applegate Valley Wine Trail. After exploring the Applegate, visit the vineyards of the neighboring Illinois Valley
7. Drive to Golden Ghost Town & Wolf Creek Inn
On days that are too cold or rainy to take a hike, plan an afternoon exploring local historical sites by car! After the discovery of gold in the mid 19th century, miners from California made their way north to the Rogue Valley and laid claim to the area along Coyote Creek. After decades of mining the town of Golden was established in 1890. Once the gold depleted and production slowed down in the early to mid 20th century, the town of Golden was abandoned. Today, it’s a popular place for ghost hunters and has been featured on the Travel Channel’s show “Ghost Adventures”. Here, you can drive right up to the buildings and take a self-guided tour around the church, schoolhouse, general store, and some barns. Afterwards, check out the nearbyWolf Creek Inn and Tavern, which first opened its doors to guests traveling along the Applegate Trail in 1883. The historic location was a popular stagecoach stop and afforded visitors a comfortable stay during the 16-day trip from San Francisco to Portland. Over the years, the inn has accumulated quite a few notable guests, including Clarke Gable, Carole Lombard, John Wayne, President Hayes, Orson Wells, Douglas Fairbanks, and writer, Jack London. For those who don’t plan to stay the night, visitors are still welcome to take a self-guided tour around the inn and grounds and can dine with them Thursday-Sunday.
8. Dust Off Your Dancing Shoes
Work up a sweat while having some fun by attending a weekly dance meet up or class. Whether you’re an experienced dancer or wanting to learn, there are several different dance options in Grants Pass. Candela Dance Studio on 6th street offers West Coast swing and salsa lessons along with other rotating classes. The Grants Pass Dance Club also holds weekly lessons and open dancing at the Josephine County Fairgrounds. Whether you’re an experienced dancer or wanting to learn, dancers can enjoy a multitude of styles, from Cha-Cha, West Coast Swing, Two-Step, Foxtrot, Jitterbug, Line Dance, and more. Best of all, their Monday and Friday events include live jazz bands and other local acts. While at the fairgrounds, make sure to check out their other weekly events, like flea markets, gem shows, craft fairs and the winter farmer’s market.
9. Go Antiquing
Whether you’re a collector or just enjoy old things, plan an afternoon getting lost at a local antique store. With a handful of antique shops located in downtown, you could easily spend an entire afternoon exploring bygone treasures. In the Historic District, drop by Old Town Antique Mall, H St. Antiques, Rusty Nugget, Elegance Antiques, Red Canary, and the F St. Cottage. Near downtown, drop by Forged and Found for more great antique finds.
10. Take a Glass Blowing Lesson
Have you always wanted to try your hand at glass blowing? Here’s your chance! The Glass Forge Studio and Gallery, located on G St. in downtown Grants Pass specializes in Venetian Style glass and offers visitors the chance to bring home their own one-of-a-kind creation. Once you’ve created your own ornament or paper weight, peruse the glass gallery’s goblets, bowls, lamps, jewelry, and sculptures. Afterwards, head next door to Climate City Brewing and Steam Distillery, for craft cocktails, food, and beer.
11. Workout
If you’re craving a good workout, but don’t want to be out in the elements, Club Northwest is a world-class sport and spa complex that offers state-of-the-art machines, personal trainers, and fitness classes. This far-from-ordinary health center is one of the largest and innovative of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, and is rated as one of the top 100 health clubs in the country. This year, they opened a 2,500+ sf open air training facility. The covered and year round outdoor space features a 12ft bouldering wall, 30ft modular rig, and 1,000 sq ft of athletic turf. Whether you’re a member or just looking for a day pass, take advantage of their group fitness classes, aquatics center, steam room and sauna, jacuzzi, personal training, health coaches, challenge course, cycling studio, dance classes, racquetball, pickle ball, tennis, and basketball courts, pilates classes, and kids programs. For those who plan to bring kids, the Kid Zone Activity Center has over 60,000 cubic feet of slide tubes, 3 gigantic ball pits, and arcade games to keep them entertained.
12. Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre
Looking for something fun and different to do with the kid’s? Plan on attending a Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre at Cynthia’s Home Sweet Home.This interactive family-friendly attraction is fun for all ages, and takes place in a historic home on 6th street. The evening is unique and always good for a laugh. Guests are encouraged to participate as much or as little as they like, dress up in costumes, and enjoy a home cooked meal. Whether it’s celebrating a special occasion or just a night of fun, join them for an evening of laughs, mystery, and comfort food. The Dinner Theatre takes place every Saturday night, so book your reservation in advance.
13: Catch a Movie
There’s no better time to catch the latest flick, than on cold rainy days. Head to Southgate Cinemas just minutes from downtown Grants Pass. While there, play some arcade games, order your favorite concessions, and watch the latest releases. Local tip- they offer $5 movies ALL DAY on Tuesdays!
While visiting Grants Pass, explore downtown’s Histric District, where you’ll find locally owned shops, restaurants, galleries, and breweries. Drop by the Welcome Center at the corner of G and 6th streets to pick up a visitor’s guide, area maps, and brochures. For those who’d like to venture outdoors this winter, read all about Winter Rec around the Rogue Valley here: https://visitgrantspass.com/blog/winter-adventures-around-grants-pass/
