McMinnville is located in the western portion of Oregon’s agriculturally rich Willamette Valley on Hwy 99. This quiet, friendly city enjoys a central location to Pacific Ocean beaches (50 miles), to Portland (30 miles to the northeast), and the state capitol (Salem - 25 miles southeast), with an easy scenic drive to Mt. Hood and other local ski areas. The mild climate is ideal for growing wine grapes; McMinnville is surrounded by Yamhill County’s 200 plus vineyards and 90 wineries, more than in any other county in Oregon. The McMinnville Downtown Historic District comprises 100 commercial buildings of architectural and historical significance. The revitalization efforts of the McMinnville Downtown Association have made the downtown area one of the most charming and vital in the state. Visitors can enjoy shopping, live theater and fine restaurants. A self-guided historic building walking tour is available at the Chamber Visitors Center. The McMinnville Farmers Market blossoms seasonally from May through October and is located on NE Cowls St. between 2nd and 3rd St. The Yamhill County Fair, Oregon’s oldest county fair, is also held here in early August. The fair features old-fashioned fair food, rides and exhibits, and is host to a 3-day NPRA Rodeo and top name entertainment. McMinnville also produces the second largest UFO celebration in the country each year in mid-May. McMinnville is also home to several wonderful parks for picnics and family outings.