We’re proud to call Jacksonville, Oregon home. You may have heard about our quaint town before, or it may be completely new to you — but once you learn about its charm, it’s a difficult place to stop thinking about.
If you’re looking for more information on what Jacksonville is like, you’re in the right place. We’ll fill you in on where it is, what it’s known for, and what there is to do around here.
Where Is Jacksonville, Oregon?
Jacksonville is located in Southern Oregon, just a few miles west of Medford and a one-hour drive from the Northern California border. It’s a small blip on the map, but its history, heart, and culture are anything but.
Even though Jacksonville is one of the Rogue Valley’s most quiet and serene pockets, it’s still accessible to the major cities in Southern Oregon. The town may make you feel like you’re worlds away from cities like Medford and Ashland, but you’re really only a few miles away. This is a huge perk for residents who want a gentle, small-town lifestyle but still want to enjoy city amenities like:
- Award-winning healthcare facilities
- Great places to work and opportunities to start new businesses
- Top-ranked educational institutions
- Countless indoor and outdoor attractions
- Entertaining arts and culture expeditions
What Is Jacksonville, Oregon Known For?
Jacksonville has been recognized as one of the best small towns in America by a number of real estate, travel, and lifestyle publications — including Architectural Digest and Frommer’s.
Why? It’s a historic small town with a big heart, plenty of character, and undeniable charm. A snapshot of Southern Oregon’s past, the town has the power to take anyone back to slower, more friendly ways of life.
A Brief History of Jacksonville, Oregon
In 1851, the peak of the Gold Rush era, settlers discovered gold in Jackson Creek. Soon after, Jacksonville was founded and became an economic and cultural hub — featuring wealthy individuals, commercial brick buildings, and luxurious Victorian homes.
But when the Oregon-California Railroad chose to bypass Jacksonville in 1884 and run through Medford instead, Jacksonville’s prominence faded. Residents quickly fled to Medford, and the town was largely left untouched. In 1966, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
After all these years, Jacksonville has remained similar to how it was back in the 1800s and retained much of its charm. Preservationists have been able to restore the entire town, thanks to early Oregonian settler and photographer Peter Britt. Today, Jacksonville residents take pride in the quaint, nostalgic ambiance and their deep historic roots.
Things to Do in Jacksonville, Oregon
You’ll never run out of things to do in or near Jacksonville. Its distinctive culture offers a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy. From culinary delights to one-of-a-kind shopping centers, here’s a list of our favorite things to explore in our beloved town.
Food
As a whole, Oregon’s known for its love of farm-to-table cuisine. Jacksonville coffee shops, bistros, saloons (yes, you read that right), and fine dining restaurants put their own local twist on that passion.
Some of our favorite Jacksonville eats are from:
Or, you can always take a quick drive over to Medford for a larger variety of restaurant and food truck options. No matter where you go, you’ll never leave hungry.
Wine
Jacksonville is located in the heart of Rogue Valley Wine Country. Surrounded by beautiful, flourishing vineyards, there are many award-winning wineries, wine festivals, and wine tours to explore. Some must-visits are:
- DANCIN Vineyards (right by Stage Pass!)
- The Oregon Wine Experience at Stage Pass
- The Heart of the Rogue Festival
- Applegate Valley Uncorked Barrel Tour
- Cowhorn Vineyard & Garden
- 2Hawk Vineyard and Winery
Music
The Britt Music and Arts Festival is the Pacific Northwest’s premier outdoor music event, with dozens of concerts every year. The venue is in a naturally formed amphitheater on the hillside estate of 19th-century settler, photographer, and Jacksonville founder Peter Britt.
No matter what genre of music you enjoy, the Britt Festival has it all — classical, jazz, bluegrass, world, pop, country, you name it. There’s also a good selection of local, regional, and national big-name performers.
Outdoor Recreation
Jacksonville is surrounded by endless outdoor adventures. Its stunning landscape doesn’t just make good views, it also makes great hobbies. From fishing in the Rogue River to skiing the Siskiyou Mountains, there’s something for everyone in every season.
One of our favorite outdoor activities is the 16-mile Jacksonville Woodlands trail network. It runs through some of the most beautiful parts of the town and has plenty of access points to jump in, start, and end where you’d like.
If you’re looking for other hiking areas in Jacksonville, here’s a helpful guide.
Shopping
Jacksonville’s Main Street has all the stores, boutiques, galleries, spas, and saloons you need to shop ‘til you drop.
One thing it doesn’t have? Chain stores. It’s just part of that small-town charm. If you need a chain store, you can quickly head to Medford, Ashland, or another nearby city.
Immerse Yourself in a New, Amazing Lifestyle. Build Your Jacksonville Home at Stage Pass
There’s no doubt about it: Jacksonville is one of Oregon’s most underrated treasures — filled with historic shopping centers, amazing views, plenty of wine, and fun outdoor recreation. It’s the perfect town to call home, and there’s no better community here than The Vineyards at Stage Pass.
To learn more about life in Jacksonville and life at Stage Pass, get in touch with our team.
