McMinnville

McMinnville is a county seat in Willamette Valley, Yamhill County, Oregon, spanning roughly 10 square miles at the base of the Oregon Coast Range. The North and South forks of the Yamhill River meet here, forming a junction in the agricultural heartland.

William T. Newby founded the settlement in 1856, naming it after McMinnville, Tennessee, and built a grist mill that became the foundation of the growing community. The mill attracted farmers from the surrounding countryside and transformed the site into a trading hub in the valley.

The International Pinot Noir Celebration brings together wine producers, culinary experts, and enthusiasts for a three-day event in the heart of Oregon wine country. The town serves as a hub for tastings, where visitors can meet local winemakers and experience their work in tasting rooms throughout the area.

The town maintains 18 public parks, including Joe Dancer Park, offering sports facilities and recreational spaces for residents and visitors. Most parks open during daylight hours and provide trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas with free access.

The Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum houses the Spruce Goose flying boat, the largest wooden aircraft ever built, alongside exhibits featuring the SR-71 Blackbird and a Titan II missile. Visitors can walk through the cabin of the Spruce Goose and view the scale of this historic seaplane up close.

Location: Yamhill County

Inception: 1856

Elevation above the sea: 48 m

Website: https://mcminnvilleoregon.gov

GPS coordinates: 45.21167,-123.19722

Latest update: December 13, 2025 16:59