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A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village

Field review by the editors.

Salem, Oregon

Alfred C. Gilbert was born in Salem and went on to invent dozens of toys, most notably the Erector Set (the Lego of its day). He was so powerful that he personally convinced the Wilson administration not to ban the production of metal toys during World War I.

The Discovery Village was built long after Gilbert was dead, and its primary audience is, appropriately, children. But the Village does have a small museum of Gilbert's toys and inventions, and its centerpiece is "A.C.'s Backyard," a giant jungle gym built with over 20 miles of lumber that features the world's largest Erector Set tower, 52 feet tall.

A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village

Address:
116 Marion St. NE, Salem, OR
Directions:
Riverfront Park, beneath the Marion St. Bridge. Commercial St. NE to Union St. NE heading west towards river, watch for signs on left to parking.
Hours:
M-Sa 10 am - 5 pm, Su 12-5 pm. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
503-371-3631
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

Eco Earth, Globe of AcidEco Earth, Globe of Acid, Salem, OR - < 1 mi.
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Park With One TreePark With One Tree, Salem, OR - < 1 mi.
In the region:
Roloff Farms from Little People Big World, Hillsboro, OR - 46 mi.

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