A.C. Gilbert's Discovery VillageA.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village consists of five houses and famous A.C.'s Backyard. The largest community-built project in Salem's history resulted in the finest outdoor children's discovery center in the Northwest! In only 19 days, over 6,000 volunteers and 346 businesses used 20 miles of lumber, 2 tons of nails and fasteners to create the masterpiece of A.C.'s Backyard. Within the 22,000 square-foot outdoor facility, children can climb in the world's largest Erector Set tower, play marimbas on the musical ensemble deck, explore the inside of an animal cell, be the captain of the Paddle Wheeler, see drama performances in the Amphitheater and much more.
Every house has its history! For example, The Gilbert House (1887) was built on this riverfront site by A.C. Gilbert's uncle, Andrew T. Gilbert. A.C.'s family home was located six blocks away at 700 Marion Street, replaced by Salem First Congregational Church in 1941. The Gilbert House is a Queen Anne Victorian of Eastlake design, built by architect/designer C.A. Robert.
The City of Salem purchased the house in 1985 as part of its future Riverfront Development Project. A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village acquired the Gilbert House through a no-cost lease and restored it with grants from the Meyer Memorial Trust and the community. The Museum opened on December 15, 1989. The Gilbert House is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Come and visit us to learn about the other houses!
Operating HoursMon.-Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.
The Village is closed on the following holidays:
New Year's Day
Easter
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
Entrance FeeGeneral Admission $5
Seniors $3.50
Public Assistance $2
Children 2 and under Free
DirectionsA.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village is located under the Marion Street Bridge in Salem's Riverfront Park near the bank of the Willamette River.
From Hwy 22 Eastbound: Cross the Center St. Bridge (over the Willamette River) into Salem; keep to the left and take the Portland - 99E Exit; at the bottom of the ramp, turn right onto Front St.; take first left (Union St.), then into our parking lot..
From 1-5: Market St. Exit #256 West on Market St.; turn left on Commercial St.; keeping in right lane, take Front St (sign says Business 99E).; turn right at Union St. (first light); then left into our parking lot.
A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village is located at
116 Marion Street NE
Salem, Oregon 97301-3437
Phone: (503) 371-3631
Fax: (503) 316-3485
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