Ankeny Plaza

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ankeny Plaza is a public square located in downtown Salem, Oregon.


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Summary

The plaza is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a variety of points of interest and events throughout the year.

One of the main features of Ankeny Plaza is its central fountain, which is surrounded by benches and green space, making it a great spot to relax or have a picnic. The plaza is also home to several public art installations, including a sculpture of a horse and rider, and a mural depicting the history of Salem.

Ankeny Plaza hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including live music, food festivals, and holiday celebrations. The plaza is also a popular spot for farmers markets and other outdoor markets, where visitors can find a variety of local produce and handmade goods.

One interesting fact about Ankeny Plaza is that it was named after William N. Ankeny, a prominent Oregon politician and businessman in the late 1800s. Ankeny was instrumental in the development of Salem, and the plaza was named in his honor in the 1970s.

The best time of year to visit Ankeny Plaza depends on personal preference. The plaza is busiest during the summer months, when events and markets are in full swing. However, some visitors may prefer to visit during the quieter months of fall or winter, when the plaza is still a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Overall, Ankeny Plaza is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Salem, Oregon. Its central location, beautiful surroundings, and diverse events and attractions make it a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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