Eugene, city in western Oregon and seat of Lane County, on the Willamette River. Eugene is located in the fertile Willamette River Valley, which is a noted agricultural region. Lumber from forests in the nearby mountains make the wood products industry central to the city's economy, and Eugene is the headquarters of Willamette National Forest. Tourism and high-technology research and manufacturing are also important industries, and the services and trade sectors are experiencing growth. The city is served by Eugene Airport.
Eugene is the home of the University of Oregon (1872), Northwest Christian College (1895), and a community college. The city's beautiful surroundings and many opportunities for outdoor recreation are among the main attractions of Eugene; others include the Hult Center for the Performing Arts, the Museum of Art and the Museum of Natural History at the University of Oregon, and the Lane County Historical Museum. The city is also home to Owens Memorial Rose Garden, Hendricks Park Rhododendron Garden, and the East Skinner Butte Historic Landmark Area, site of the city's first settlement. Annual events include the Oregon Bach Festival, the Oregon Festival of American Music, the Eugene Celebration, and the nearby Oregon Country Fair.
