6 Things to do in Helvetia 

Helvetia is a small community north of Hillsboro where you’ll find plenty of heritage farms and other historic sites. While you’re on your Tualatin Valley getaway, don’t miss out on these hidden gem things to do in Oregon’s Helvetia area.

1. Eat at Helvetia Tavern

Built in 1946, the Helvetia Tavern is a family owned and operated business and is a landmark in the Helvetia community. The tavern is open for lunch and dinner, and is the home of the “Jumbo Burger,” made from 100% fresh ground Northwest beef and served with hand-cut fries or golden onion rings. The restaurant also has other classic favorites such as grilled cheese, fish and chips, sandwiches, salads, and local beer and wine. Helvetia Tavern is cash only and currently open daily, 11 am – 8 pm for outdoor dining and takeout.

2. Taste Wine at Helvetia Winery & Vineyards

Helvetia Winery provides a country winery experience just ten minutes from high-tech Hillsboro in the historic Helvetia area. The tasting room is located in a historic and well-kept 100 year old house. Helvetia Winery is the perfect setting for tasting award-winning wines, touring a working vineyard and winery or relaxing for a picnic in a beautiful rural setting. Open daily, 12-5 pm. Call for reservations.

5. Visit Helvetia Lavender Farm

Only open from late-June through July, Helvetia Lavender Farm is a great place to visit during Tualatin Valley’s summer months. The farm has 60 different varieties in landscaping and cutting fields to experience. Visitors are welcome to wander through the gardens, cut lavender bundles, and enjoy the view from the pavilion while sipping tea. The farm also offers activities during its annual Lavender Festival (July) where guests can enjoy displays from local artisans including mosaics, fiber arts and lavender products, distilled lavender oil, and a large selection of product and gifts.

4. Explore Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals

Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals is one of the world’s finest collections of crystals from worldwide localities. In addition you will see spectacular fossils, meteorites, petrified woods, oddities, fluorescents, lapidary arts and the best from the Northwest. The collection is housed in a unique 1953 ranch-style house which is now listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.

5. Check out Roloff Farms

Roloff Farms is the home of the Roloff family, made famous by the television series “Little People, Big World.” The farm is only open to the public during pumpkin season, every Saturday and Sunday in October. Throughout the month, visitors can enjoy a U-pick pumpkin patch, gift barn, private tour and new self-guided scenic trail walk.

6. Drink craft beer

ABV Public House is a beer-centric restaurant with 34 taps and more than 600 bottles of stellar wines, ciders and beers to choose from. In addition to all things beer, the restaurant also serves up creative and fresh pub fare. In a hurry? ABV offers a bottle shop to purchase your favorite NW beer to-go and enjoy while out exploring Tualatin Valley. Open daily, hours vary.

Deep Space Brewing is a family-friendly brewery and brewpub, featuring malt-forward beer styles that will please discerning palates. The tap menu is always changing and offers a large selection of Deep Space’s own brews as well as locally made hard seltzers, ciders and wine. Food options include delicious appetizers, sandwiches, salads and pizzas. The newly renovated outdoor patio is the perfect place to relax on a warm day with a grass lawn, yard games and umbrellas for shade. The patio is also dog-friendly. Open Thursday – Sunday, hours vary.