JOHN DAY
Elevation: 3,087 feet • Population: 1,744
J
ohn Day is the “hub” of Grant County
– both in size, as the county’s largest
town, and in geography, centrally
located at the intersection of
highways 26 and 395.
In addition to a steady business
sector, John Day boasts many facilities that
serve the surrounding area, such as Blue
Mountain Hospital, Grant County Regional Air-
port and the Grant County Fairgrounds. It’s
also where visitors will find the only stoplight
in the county.
Incorporated on Feb. 23, 1901, John Day’s
history dates back further to 1862, when B.C.
Trowbridge staked out the first homestead.
The first post office was set up in 1865, dis-
continued a few years later, and re-established
in 1879 with the name, “John Day.”
Outdoor enthusiasts don’t need to travel
outside the city limits for recreational fun. At
least three spots offer opportunities for fresh
air activities:
• Seventh Street Complex includes baseball
fields, a pond, fishing docks, two trails, two
tennis courts, a basketball court, large covered
picnic area, playground, skatepark and rest-
rooms. A concession stand is open during
major ball games.
• John Day City Park at N.W. Canton Street
and Ing-Hay Way has a picnic area, playground,
gravel path and restrooms, all on the banks of
Canyon Creek. Gleason Pool and Kam Wah
Chung State Heritage Site are nearby.
• The John Day Golf Course just west of
town offers nine holes of putting and driving
pleasure. The clubhouse has a large banquet
room, and stunning views overlooking the
course.
The John Day Farmers Market, now in its
sixth successful year, features locally produced
food and crafts, children’s activities, music,
food and recipe samples, garden plants and
prize drawings. Some of the produce vendors
are registered to accept WIC, Fruit and Veggie
Vouchers, Farm Direct Nutrition Program
checks, and SNAP benefits.
The markets provide social and self-reliant
opportunities for communities throughout
48 | OFFICIAL GRANT COUNTY VISITOR GUIDE 2015 | MyEagleNews.com
Grant County and the surrounding area.
Vendor space is $5 each week.
The John Day Farmers Market is held
Saturday mornings, from mid-June through
mid-October, on S.W. Brent Street. For more
information, call 541-932-2725.
DON’T MISS:
Whiskey Gulch Gang’s
annual Demolition Derby
at the Grant County Fairgrounds.
This year’s crash-and-smash event will
be Saturday, July 18.
The Ranch and Rodeo Museum,
which offers visitors an in-depth look
at Grant County’s rich cowboy
and ranching days.
(See page 40 for more information.)