University of Oregon Campus Tour
Architecture, history & things to do near University of Oregon (UO)
Why Walk University of Oregon Campus
The University of Oregon's 295-acre campus in Eugene is one of the most heavily treed campuses in America, with over 3,000 trees representing 300 species. Deady Hall, an 1876 Second Empire building, is the oldest on campus and a National Historic Landmark. The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art houses strong Asian and contemporary collections. The Lillis Business Complex is one of the greenest academic buildings in the country. Hayward Field, rebuilt in 2020 as a world-class track and field venue, reflects Oregon's legendary running culture — alumni Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight co-founded Nike here. The Matthew Knight Arena, funded by Nike co-founder Phil Knight, houses Oregon basketball. The campus sits along the Millrace, a canal that once powered a flour mill.
About University of Oregon
Founded
1876 (chartered 1872; first classes held in 1876)
Type
Public flagship research university; member of the Association of American Universities (AAU)
Setting
In Eugene, Oregon, in the Willamette Valley, about 110 miles south of Portland. The roughly 295-acre main campus sits just south of the Willamette River, a short walk from downtown Eugene.
Enrollment
About 23,000 students total (roughly 19,000 undergraduate and 4,000 graduate)
Mascot
The Oregon Duck, modeled on Disney's Donald Duck under a longstanding licensing agreement with The Walt Disney Company
Free University of Oregon Campus Tour with Roamee Pro
Roamee Pro offers a free University of Oregon campus tour with audio narration. Explore Hayward Field, Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, Deady Hall, plus hidden spots like Pioneer Cemetery and Millrace, at your own pace without booking a group tour.
explore by interest
Must-See Spots at University of Oregon
- •Hayward Field — a historic track and field venue rebuilt in 2020 as a world-class 12,650-seat stadium, birthplace of America's running culture
- •Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art — a museum with strong Asian and Pacific Northwest contemporary collections in a renovated 1930s building
- •Deady Hall — an 1876 Second Empire building, the oldest on campus, a National Historic Landmark housing the Clark Honors College
- •Knight Library — the main library (1937) with a grand reading room and extensive research collections
Signature Architecture
- •Deady Hall (now University Hall) — The oldest building on campus, completed in 1876 in the Second Empire style. It long carried the name of Matthew Deady; the university renamed it University Hall in 2020 after a review of its namesake.
- •Knight Library — The main library, opened in 1937 and named for the parents of Nike co-founder Phil Knight. It anchors the academic core and houses Special Collections and University Archives.
- •Autzen Stadium — The football stadium across the river, opened in 1967 with a capacity of roughly 54,000. It is known among visiting teams as one of the loudest venues in college football.
- •Hayward Field — The track and field stadium, completely rebuilt and reopened in 2020. It hosted the 2022 World Athletics Championships, the first time the event was held on U.S. soil.
- •Lillis Business Complex — Home of the Lundquist College of Business, opened in 2003 and recognized for its energy-efficient, LEED-certified design with a large glazed atrium.
Hidden Corners of University of Oregon
- •Pioneer Cemetery — a small 19th-century cemetery tucked into the campus near Deady Hall, one of Eugene's oldest burial grounds
- •Millrace — a historic canal running through the southeast edge of campus, once powering mills, now a peaceful walking path through the trees
Notable Alumni
- •Phil Knight, co-founder of Nike
- •Steve Prefontaine, distance runner and 1970s track icon
- •Ken Kesey, author of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
- •Dan Fouts, Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback
- •Chuck Palahniuk, author of Fight Club
- •Ahmad Rashad, NFL player and broadcaster
- •Sabrina Ionescu, WNBA All-Star guard
Campus Traditions
- •Flashing the 'O' hand sign and chanting 'Go Ducks' at sporting events
- •Autzen Stadium's reputation for deafening crowd noise during home football games
- •Leaving tributes at 'Pre's Rock,' the roadside memorial to Steve Prefontaine, with the track program at Hayward Field drawing running pilgrimages
- •Rallying around Duck spirit during the football rivalry game against Oregon State (long called the Civil War, now the Rivalry Series, played for the Platypus Trophy)
Where to Eat Near Campus
- •Glenwood Restaurant on Alder Street, a longtime student breakfast spot near campus
- •Cafe Yumm!, a Eugene-born chain known for its rice-and-bean 'Yumm! Bowls'
- •Track Town Pizza, named for Eugene's running heritage and popular with students
- •The food carts and cafes along East 13th Avenue just off campus
- •Prince Puckler's Gourmet Ice Cream, a local favorite near campus
Did you know? The Oregon Duck mascot is officially based on Disney's Donald Duck. The university and The Walt Disney Company have maintained a formal licensing agreement allowing the resemblance, making UO one of the few schools whose mascot is tied directly to a Disney character.
Visiting University of Oregon
The Office of Admissions runs official campus visits including information sessions and student-led guided walking tours; register in advance through the UO admissions website, as walk-up availability is limited. Self-guided and online tour options are also available. Visitor parking is offered in marked campus lots and parking structures (such as those near the Erb Memorial Union and along East 13th Avenue); pay at kiosks or via the parking app, and check signage since most campus parking requires a permit on weekdays.
Walking Tip
The campus is flat and very walkable. Start at Deady Hall, walk the tree-lined paths toward the museum and Knight Library, then head east to see Hayward Field. 13th Avenue borders campus with shops and restaurants.
Best Time to Visit
Late spring and summer (May-September) for dry weather and campus in full green. Fall for the start of Duck football season. Oregon winters are rainy but mild, and the campus is atmospheric in the mist.
Start Your University of Oregon Campus Tour
Get a campus route with narrated stories —
personalized to your interests, ready in seconds
Your personal guide in 5 seconds