Large-scale, hand painted murals have been growing in popularity in Central Oregon communities in recent years, following the updated city codes (the moral – more murals in public spaces). These bright engaging murals not only bring new life and color to once drab building walls, but they provide the communities and visitors with a sense of pride for their natural surroundings. And let’s not forget, they make great selfie backgrounds!
Some of the region’s newest murals began to take shape in 2021, each showcasing the unique attributes of Central Oregon’s cities and towns. Visit Central Oregon commissioned two well-known local artists Karen Eland and Katie Daisy to bring this “Greetings From…” mural project to life. And the goal is to place a mural in each Central Oregon community.
“Karen and I decided to sit down together and brainstorm what grows and roams around the area,” Katie Daisy said. Karen and Katie’s creative collaboration infused community landscapes, flora and fauna, and wildlife into each mural along the trail. The “Greetings From…” mural series was inspired by the vintage postcards popular during the 1930s to 1950s..
The murals are a great way to get outside and explore Central Oregon’s communities through arts and culture. Located in walkable and picture-friendly locations, these murals are a fun and creative way to capture your trips around the region. Read on to find where you can see the various murals in and around Central Oregon.
“Greetings From Central Oregon”
Central Oregon has beauty, unlike any other region. Colorful native flora, rich green pine forests, and snow-capped mountain peaks leave visitors never wanting to go home. Whether you are kicking off your Central Oregon trip or saying your goodbyes, make sure to stop by the Greetings from Central Oregon mural at the Visit Central Oregon Welcome desk inside the Redmond Municipal Airport. The welcome desk is also a great resource for trip planning and is stocked with brochures and other great visitor resources.
“Greetings from Redmond”
Sunsets in Redmond, Oregon cast a dusty, beautiful glow over the city and surrounding landscape. This is captured by the twilight feel of the “Greetings from Redmond” mural, where even as it’s getting dark, the vibrant colors of Redmond are still shining. Check out this addition to the Central Oregon Mural Trail at 520 SW Evergreen, on the alley wall facing west.
“Greetings from Sunriver”
Head behind the Main Lodge at Sunriver Resort to see this colorful floral mural depicting the local animals and inhabitants of the region: horses, birds, swans and butterflies, all that represents the sunny, vibrant community of Sunriver. Sunriver Resort, 17600 Center Drive, Sunriver
“Greetings from Maupin”
Stop by the family-run fishing resort, the Oasis Cabin to experience the painted beauty of Maupin’s canyon walls, plants, animals and the flowing Deschutes River depicted in this mural. If you’re lucky there might just be live music to enjoy with the mural as it’s part of the outdoor stage at the Oasis. Enjoy fishing, rafting or a scenic hike while visiting this river centric small town. Oasis Cabin Resort, 609 US-197, Maupin
“Greetings from La Pine”
In La Pine, the colorful mural depicts a twilight scene at the nearby Paulina Lake in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument and highlights some of the native flora and fauna of the area. Stop by the La Pine Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center to see the completed piece and grab a selfie! 51429 Huntington Rd, La Pine
“Greetings from Sisters”
Sisters, Oregon is nestled among the Deschutes National Forest with towering pine trees, vibrant flowers, flourishing wildlife, and stunning mountain backdrop. Stop by Barclay Park and take a picture with the “Greetings from Sisters” mural that encapsulates all of Sister’s natural beauty.
“Greetings from Madras”
Inspired by the surrounding Jefferson County landscape, the “Greetings from Madras” mural on the Midland Realty building is a vibrant addition to the charming town. Stop by the mural today to see all the natural beauty Madras has to offer.
Other stories
More inspiring stories, adventures, and tips & tricks for planning and experiencing the best Central Oregon has to offer.
-
Meet the Central Oregon Makers
Central Oregonians are a collection of dreamers, doers, storytellers and innovators who have all chosen this beautiful place as home. The result is a thriving community of makers who help weave the cultural fabric of this unique area. To showcase the depth of creativity that flows here, Visit Central Oregon created the "Central Oregon Makers" campaign. The hope is that the content inspires others to seek out and support the people who bring the Central Oregon region to life. See videos of each of these Central Oregon Makers here.
-
Accessible Adventure: Easy Hikes for Families near Bend, Oregon
There are so many great hikes in Central Oregon, it can be tough to choose where to start. For beginner hikers or families here’s a couple of easy to get to – and more importantly – easy to conquer starter-hikes. Flanking the Deschutes River near Bend’s Old Mill District, the Deschutes River Trail is a 3-mile loop that starts near Farewell Bend Park.
-
Pumpkin Patches + Petting Zoos = Fall Family Fun
As soon as the first hint of autumn rolls around, my three kids ask on a regular basis when we can go to the pumpkin patch. This is not simply because they’re eager to gather Halloween décor. To my kids (all under the age of 12), fall means visiting the farm and getting all the animal petting, ropes course playing and barbecue eating they can squeeze into one afternoon.
-
Adventures Abound Starting at Sunriver Resort
Sunriver is the type of place that takes your breath away no matter what season it is. During the summer you can hop on a horse for your very own wild wild west experience. The team at Sunriver Stables will make you feel comfortable on your ride, even if you’ve never saddled up before. Whether you’re in a tube or a kayak, floating down the Deschutes River is a relaxing activity that’s fun for the whole family.
-
Casual Family Weekend in Sunriver
Imagine this: you’re riding your bike through a rolling meadow, the Cascade mountain range in the background, and the only sound is from the whir of a prop plane taking off against a crisp blue sky. Up ahead, your children pull carrots from their pockets and present them to a gathering of friendly horses in an adjacent pasture.
-
Lava Lands Visitor Center a Central Oregon Geologic Gem
In the late 1960s NASA looked for a place to send astronauts who were training for a mission that would change the world. But before the mission could happen, NASA needed a place to mimic what they believed those astronauts would find on the surface of the moon. Because, after all, nobody had been there before so nobody really knew what the surface of the moon was like.
-
Elk Lake Resort a Great Winter Getaway – And Getting There is Half the Fun
There’s a couple of ways to look at the annual winter closure of Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway: You can see it as cutting off your recreational access beyond the gate until the snow melts in the spring.
-
Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway: Pull Off For a Central Oregon Adventure
The Cascade Lakes Scenic byway is one of the prettiest drives in the U.S. But it might be the most recreationally rich road you’ll ever drive too. From Bend southwest to the Highway 58 junction, the Oregon Route 372 cuts through 66 miles unique volcanic formations and geological beauty that offers everything that makes Central Oregon an outdoor lover’s paradise.
-
Backstory: Bend’s Historic Tower Theatre
The Tower Theatre occupies a proud spot in Bend’s vibrant downtown area. The theater is filled nearly every night with high-profile acts––it could be called Bend’s living room. But its lights nearly went dark for good.
-
Bend Concert Season Heats up at Hayden Homes Amphitheater
Central Oregon’s iconic music venue, the Les Schwab Amphitheater in Bend, is bigger and better than ever before after undergoing a major renovation.