Take a scenic tour around Central Oregon, and among the lush forests, arid high desert landscapes and bright blue skies, you’ll start to notice stunning murals dotting the region. The murals, each with distinct symbols unique to the town, reflect the spirit of Central Oregon in animated colors and design. Artists Katie Daisy and Karen Eland began the “Greetings From…” series with inspiration from vintage postcards. Now, nearly every town in Central Oregon hosts a large hand painted mural with stunning details specifically designed for that town. Follow the Central Oregon Mural Trail and discover hidden treasures in each high desert town along the way.
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Stop #1 — Redmond Municipal Airport
Flying into town? Start your journey on the Central Oregon Mural Trail at the Redmond Municipal Airport. When waiting eagerly to begin your trip around the region, don’t forget to check out the “Greetings From Central Oregon” mural located at the Visit Central Oregon visitor’s desk at baggage claim, proudly displaying signature pine trees centered around a towering mountain scene: exactly what to expect from your trip here.
2522 Jesse Butler Cir, Redmond
Stop #2 — Madras
Head north, journeying through the town of Madras, and drive by the vibrant “Greetings From Madras” mural located on Fifth Street. Look for the Midland Realty building to see a desert-toned mural with high desert creatures such as a rabbit, deer and hawk peek out the vivid hues of blues and yellows in letters spelling the town’s name. While in Madras, check out the Erickson Aircraft Collection—an array of world-class historical aircraft dating back to WWII. Worked up an appetite? Madras has a great selection of restaurants, including a local favorite, the Rio, or local brewpub, Madras Brewing.
715 SW 5th St, Madras
Stop #3 — Maupin
After exploring your inner airplane-enthusiast, hop on Highway 97 north, and drive to the quaint, beautiful town of Maupin. Stay a night at the Oasis Cabin Resort, and while you’re grabbing a beer after a day of road tripping, check out the “Greetings From Maupin” mural on the resort property. The mural is distinct to Maupin with the images of the Deschutes River cutting through desert-colored canyons, wildflowers and whitewater rafting—something you can try here before continuing your journey through the rest of Central Oregon.
609 US-197, Maupin
Stop #4 — Warm Springs
Head to the community of Warm Springs – home to the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs – for the latest stop on the Central Oregon Mural Trail. There, a trio of artists teamed up for a painting that represents the people of the tribe. Charlene Moody, Winona Garrison, and Alyssia Scott came up with a design that features a wide range of imagery that’s important to the Warm Springs people—including a bucking bronco, wildlife, and the Deschutes River. Surrounding it all is a greeting that reads, “Niix Pam Wiyanaqi Warm Springs”—or “Welcome to Warm Springs”. Find it on the side of the Warm Springs Commissary building that’s facing Highway 26, and fuel up for the rest of your road trip with a stop at the Twisted Teepee food cart, serving a mix of Native American delicacies and down-home comfort food.
Wasco St. and Paiute Ave., Warm Springs
Stop #5 — Prineville
Journey back down along Hwy 126 to the oldest town in Central Oregon, Prineville, known for its endless angling opportunities, exciting Crook County Round-Up, and delicious eats. Downtown you’ll find the “Greetings From Prineville” mural located on the side of the Third Street Floor Covering building. The largest on the trail, Prineville’s mural draws from the colorful wildflowers, majestic horses, and sunset hues that mark the unique landscape of the region. While in town, explore the local shops, drop your fishing line into the Crooked River and finish your day marveling at the stars, as Prineville boasts being an International Dark Sky Destination.
225 NE 3rd St, Prineville
Stop #6 — Redmond
Head south from Maupin, taking in the vast plains and rolling hills of the region. When you get back to Redmond, explore the historic downtown area, browsing through local boutiques and antique stores. Don’t forget to stop by the alley between Evergreen Avenue and Fifth Street to see Redmond’s own “Greetings From…” mural which illustrates the magnificent Smith Rock—located just fifteen minutes north—and brilliant sunset colors over the panoramic mountain view.
520 SW Evergreen Ave., Redmond
Stop #7 — Sisters
Take a scenic drive over Highway 126 to Sisters. There, find the Old West inspired town with a plethora of activities to choose from. Grab brunch at Sisters Coffee Company or the Cottonwood Cafe, then take a trip through downtown, discovering art galleries on almost every corner. Before heading out of town on your next Central Oregon adventure, stop by Barclay Park for a picnic and see the “Greetings From Sisters” mural. The deep evergreens are reminiscent of the ponderosa forest surrounding town, and the reflection of the Three Sisters mountains in the lettering seems like an adventure calling.
211 W Cascade Ave, Sisters
Stop #8 — Bend
Drive to the heart of Central Oregon, the town of Bend, and find nothing but outdoor activities, amazing food and shopping galore. While strolling along the Deschutes River Trail in the Old Mill District, take a look at the series’ second largest installment, “Greetings From Bend.” Like the Sisters mural, this piece of art showcases the Cascade Range mountains, but from Bend’s perspective. Stunning wildflowers, butterflies and grassy plains show all the opportunity for exploration there is in town—and just outside of town.
450 SW Powerhouse Dr, Bend
Stop #9 — Sunriver
Hopping back on Highway 97 south, take off towards Sunriver; a magical town on the edge of the Deschutes River. The resort town boasts a number of seasonal activities including, but not limited to, golf, hiking, ice skating, as well as casual and upscale eateries and shopping. After getting a spa treatment or playing a round of golf, be sure to stop by and check out the “Greetings From Sunriver” mural located at the Sunriver Resort Lodge. The lively painting illustrates just what Sunriver is: a mecca of groomed green grass, bright blue skies and wildflowers bursting from the scene.
57070 Great Hall Loop, Sunriver, OR 97707, USA
Stop #10 — La Pine
Head south from Sunriver to La Pine – the last stop on the trail, but ironically the first. La Pine was the first location on the trail to receive the vintage postcard-inspired ‘Greeting From…’ mural. The rustic town is the gateway to the Newberry Crater, and to glorious lakes with opportunities to kayak and paddleboard. The “Greetings From La Pine” mural shows a cozy, fireside camping night—a popular activity for the area—with a cabin on a peaceful lake; this is exactly what to expect when visiting. Before leaving La Pine, try a juice-packed hard cider at Legend Cider in the heart of town.
51429 Huntington Rd., La Pine
Making these nine stops along the Central Oregon Mural Trail is a great way to get a taste of what each Central Oregon community has to offer. Hopefully, you were able to snap one, or nine, selfies along the way and capture some amazing memories and experiences.
