Exterior view of the brightly painted yellow and red trim historic Gilbert House, which serves as the museum entrance, featuring the Gilbert House Children's Museum sign and a bronze sculpture.

Directions & Parking

 

Directions

Getting to Gilbert House Children's Museum

From Highway 22 Eastbound:

  • Cross the Center St. Bridge into Salem.

  • Stay in the left lane and take the Portland-99E Exit.

  • At the bottom of the ramp, turn right onto Front Street.

  • Take the first left onto Union St., then turn into our parking lot.

From I-5:

  • Take Exit #256 for Market St.

  • Head west on Market St., then turn left on Commercial St.

  • Stay in the right lane and take Front St.

  • Turn right at the first light onto Union St., then turn left into our parking lot.

Gilbert House Children's Museum is located at the north end of Salem Riverfront Park, near the bank of the Willamette River, between the bridges. Follow the directions below, and feel free to call us if you need assistance.

Parking

Museum Parking:
Free parking is available under the bridge in front of the Museum.

Metered & Permit Parking:

  • The city-metered parking lot and permit lot (marked by signs) are available at no cost on weekends and legal holidays.

  • Parking availability may be affected by events at Riverfront Park—check the City of Salem’s website for additional parking options.

Parking Information

Simplified map of Downtown Salem showing streets, Riverfront Park, the State Capitol building, the Willamette River, and marked parking locations near the museum.

Downtown Parking Lots

For extended visits, all-day free parking is available at designated spots in downtown parkades:

Chemeketa Parkade

300 Commercial St. NE, Salem, OR 97301

  • Free all-day parking for downtown customers

  • Enter from Commercial St. NE

  • Open 24/7

Liberty Square Parkade

365 Ferry St. SE, Salem, OR 97303

  • Free all-day parking for downtown customers

  • Enter from Ferry St. SE

  • Open 24/7

Marion Parkade

538 Marion St. NE, Salem, OR 97303

  • Free all-day parking for downtown customers

  • Enter from Liberty St. NE, Union St. NE, or High St. NE

  • Open 24/7

Pringle Parkade

399 High St. SE, Salem, OR 97301

  • Free 3-hour parking for downtown customers

  • Enter from High St. SE or Liberty St. SE

  • Open 24/7

Montage of five children engaged in diverse play activities: water table sensory play, smiling outdoors, operating a construction simulator, digging in a sandbox, and sliding down a green tube slide.