McMinnville, Oregon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
McMinnville
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| McMinnville, Oregon | |
Pioneer Hall at Linfield University
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| Nickname(s):
Mac
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Location in Oregon
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Yamhill |
| Founded | 1856 |
| Incorporated | 1876 |
| Named for | McMinnville, Tennessee |
| Area | |
| • Total | 10.58 sq mi (27.40 km2) |
| • Land | 10.58 sq mi (27.40 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 161 ft (49 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 34,319 |
| • Density | 3,244.07/sq mi (1,252.54/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−8 (Pacific) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−7 (Pacific) |
| ZIP code |
97128
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| Area code(s) | 503, 971 |
| FIPS code | 41-45000 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2411065 |
| Website | City of McMinnville |
McMinnville is a city in Oregon, United States. It is the main city and county seat of Yamhill County. The city is located at the bottom of the Oregon Coast Range. It is named after McMinnville, Tennessee. In 2020, about 34,319 people lived there.
McMinnville is where the North and South forks of the Yamhill River meet in the Willamette Valley. The city has many different types of businesses. It is also home to the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum. This museum houses the famous Spruce Goose airplane, built by Howard Hughes. Linfield University is also located in McMinnville.
The city is known as an important center for the wine industry in the Willamette Valley. This area has hundreds of wineries and vineyards.
Contents
History of McMinnville
The founder of McMinnville was William T. Newby. He traveled west on the Great Migration of 1843 in 1843. In 1844, he claimed land where McMinnville is today. This area was then known as the Oregon Country.
In 1853, Newby built a grist mill. A grist mill grinds grain into flour. On May 5, 1856, Newby planned out a town and named it after his hometown, McMinnville, Tennessee.
In 1849, the Baptists started a private school. This school became the Baptist College in 1858. It was later named McMinnville College after William T. Newby gave land to help start it. The college also received a large gift of land from Frances R. Linfield. Today, this school is known as Linfield University.
McMinnville officially became a town in 1876. It became a city in 1882. In 1886, people in the county voted to move the county seat of Yamhill County from Lafayette to McMinnville.
Geography and Climate
McMinnville is about 54 miles (87 km) from Lincoln City on the Pacific Ocean. It is 37 miles (60 km) from Portland and 26 miles (42 km) from Salem, the state capital.
The United States Census Bureau says the city covers an area of 10.58 square miles (27.40 km2). All of this area is land.
Understanding McMinnville's Climate
McMinnville has warm, dry summers. The average monthly temperatures do not go above 71.6 °F (22.0 °C). The city is only 43 miles (69 km) from the Pacific Coast. This means it often has cool, foggy days from the ocean. A warm summer day makes a quick trip to the beach easy.
McMinnville has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate. This is often called "Csb" on climate maps. The average monthly temperature ranges from 40.5 °F (4.7 °C) in December to 67.5 °F (19.7 °C) in August. The city gets about 37.64 inches (956 mm) of rain each year. Most rain falls in November.
The coldest temperature ever recorded was −7 °F (−22 °C) on January 31, 1950. The hottest was 114 °F (46 °C) on June 28, 2021.
| Climate data for McMinnville, Oregon (1991−2020 normals, extremes 1894−present) | |||||||||||||
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| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 69 (21) |
72 (22) |
87 (31) |
99 (37) |
100 (38) |
114 (46) |
110 (43) |
108 (42) |
106 (41) |
95 (35) |
75 (24) |
72 (22) |
114 (46) |
| Mean maximum °F (°C) | 57.7 (14.3) |
61.3 (16.3) |
69.0 (20.6) |
77.1 (25.1) |
86.2 (30.1) |
91.4 (33.0) |
97.6 (36.4) |
97.9 (36.6) |
92.8 (33.8) |
78.3 (25.7) |
63.5 (17.5) |
58.1 (14.5) |
100.5 (38.1) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 47.3 (8.5) |
51.0 (10.6) |
55.7 (13.2) |
60.5 (15.8) |
68.0 (20.0) |
73.7 (23.2) |
82.7 (28.2) |
83.1 (28.4) |
77.0 (25.0) |
64.0 (17.8) |
52.6 (11.4) |
46.5 (8.1) |
63.5 (17.5) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 41.3 (5.2) |
43.2 (6.2) |
46.4 (8.0) |
50.1 (10.1) |
56.1 (13.4) |
61.0 (16.1) |
67.3 (19.6) |
67.5 (19.7) |
62.6 (17.0) |
53.2 (11.8) |
45.3 (7.4) |
40.5 (4.7) |
52.9 (11.6) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 35.2 (1.8) |
35.3 (1.8) |
37.1 (2.8) |
39.7 (4.3) |
44.3 (6.8) |
48.3 (9.1) |
51.9 (11.1) |
51.9 (11.1) |
48.2 (9.0) |
42.3 (5.7) |
37.9 (3.3) |
34.4 (1.3) |
42.2 (5.7) |
| Mean minimum °F (°C) | 24.1 (−4.4) |
25.8 (−3.4) |
28.9 (−1.7) |
31.0 (−0.6) |
34.7 (1.5) |
40.2 (4.6) |
44.5 (6.9) |
44.1 (6.7) |
39.0 (3.9) |
31.5 (−0.3) |
26.7 (−2.9) |
23.8 (−4.6) |
19.2 (−7.1) |
| Record low °F (°C) | −7 (−22) |
1 (−17) |
14 (−10) |
24 (−4) |
24 (−4) |
31 (−1) |
34 (1) |
30 (−1) |
25 (−4) |
20 (−7) |
9 (−13) |
−5 (−21) |
−7 (−22) |
| Average precipitation inches (mm) | 5.51 (140) |
4.08 (104) |
4.17 (106) |
2.99 (76) |
1.99 (51) |
1.32 (34) |
0.25 (6.4) |
0.36 (9.1) |
1.30 (33) |
3.48 (88) |
5.74 (146) |
6.45 (164) |
37.64 (957.5) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) | 19.0 | 16.1 | 19.4 | 16.4 | 13.1 | 8.0 | 2.4 | 2.7 | 7.2 | 14.7 | 19.3 | 19.3 | 157.6 |
| Mean monthly sunshine hours | 75.4 | 118.0 | 201.3 | 240.5 | 282.8 | 297.7 | 348.5 | 317.3 | 251.4 | 174.2 | 88.6 | 74.7 | 2,470.4 |
| Average ultraviolet index | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Source 1: NOAA | |||||||||||||
| Source 2: weatherspark, Weather Atlas (UV) | |||||||||||||
People and Population
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1870 | 388 | — | |
| 1880 | 670 | 72.7% | |
| 1890 | 1,368 | 104.2% | |
| 1900 | 1,420 | 3.8% | |
| 1910 | 2,400 | 69.0% | |
| 1920 | 2,767 | 15.3% | |
| 1930 | 2,917 | 5.4% | |
| 1940 | 3,706 | 27.0% | |
| 1950 | 6,635 | 79.0% | |
| 1960 | 7,656 | 15.4% | |
| 1970 | 10,125 | 32.2% | |
| 1980 | 14,080 | 39.1% | |
| 1990 | 17,894 | 27.1% | |
| 2000 | 26,499 | 48.1% | |
| 2010 | 32,187 | 21.5% | |
| 2020 | 34,319 | 6.6% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census 2018 Estimate |
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McMinnville's Population in 2010
In 2010, there were 32,187 people living in McMinnville. There were 11,674 households and 7,779 families. The city had about 3,042 people per square mile (1,175 per km2).
Most people (82.2%) were White. About 20.6% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
About 35.5% of households had children under 18. Many households (48.2%) were married couples. The average household had 2.61 people. The average family had 3.14 people.
The average age in McMinnville was 34 years old. About 25.8% of residents were under 18. About 14.6% were 65 or older. The city had slightly more females (51.8%) than males (48.2%).
Economy and Industries
McMinnville has a mix of businesses and industries.
Michelbook Country Club is a private golf course. It helped McMinnville grow in the late 1900s. In the 1960s, some local leaders wanted a private golf course. They convinced Captain Francis Michelbook to use his land for it. The club was named "Michelbook" after his family. It has a golf shop and a professional golf instructor.
The Oregon International Air Show moved to the McMinnville Municipal Airport in 2019. This yearly airshow celebrates aviation and honors the U.S. military. It brings many visitors and helps the local economy. The Air Show also gives money to the host city. Since 1988, it has given over $3 million to communities in Oregon and Washington.
McMinnville has many banks, credit unions, and insurance companies. First Federal Savings and Loan Association started here in 1922. Oregon Mutual Insurance, founded in 1894, is in downtown McMinnville.
Wine and Craft Beverages
Since the late 1900s, winemaking has grown a lot in the Willamette Valley. Many vineyards in the Willamette Valley are around McMinnville. The city is known as the capital of Oregon's wine industry.
In 2005, the McMinnville AVA (American Viticultural Area) was created. This area includes 14 wineries and 523 acres (2.12 km2) of vineyards. Linfield University now offers degrees in wine studies.
McMinnville also has local breweries that make craft beers. There are 6 craft breweries, including 2 that make gluten-free beers.
Other Industries
Cascade Steel is a traditional industry in McMinnville. It makes high-quality steel products from recycled steel. They produce items like rebar and wire rod. Cascade Steel is part of Schnitzer Steel, a large company.
In 2016, Organic Valley bought Farmers Cooperative Creamery in McMinnville. This creamery works with 72 co-op members in Oregon and Washington. Organic Valley is one of the largest farmer-owned organic companies. In 2021, a big fire damaged the McMinnville Creamery.
Arts and Culture
Yearly Events and Celebrations
Turkey Rama is a three-day festival in downtown McMinnville. It celebrates the tradition of turkey barbecues. The barbecue started in 1938 by turkey farmers. Back then, turkey farming was very important to the county. Today, the festival has rides, booths, and outdoor entertainment instead of turkey judging or races.
The International Pinot Noir Celebration happens every July at Linfield University. This three-day event brings together winemakers, chefs, and wine lovers.
The Sip! McMinnville Wine & Food Classic started in 1993. It is a three-day event at the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum. It features local winemakers and chefs. People can taste and buy wine and food. The event helps the St. James School of McMinnville.
Museums and Fun Places to Visit
The nearby Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum is very famous. It is home to the Spruce Goose. This is the world's largest propeller-driven seaplane, built by Howard Hughes.
The museum has over 80 historic aircraft and exhibits. It has two large buildings with glass fronts that you can see from far away. Other cool exhibits include an SR-71 "Blackbird" jet and a Titan II SLV Missile. There is also a 3D movie theater and the Wings & Waves indoor waterpark. The waterpark has a wave pool and four slides that come out of a 747 airplane on the roof!
The Yamhill Valley Heritage Center Museum is just outside downtown McMinnville. It is one of two museums run by the Yamhill County Historical Society. They work to protect and share the history of Yamhill County.
The museum has a working Blacksmith Shop, a Sawmill, and a Steam Traction Engine. You can also see the Hutchcroft School House and displays about logging and dairy farming. The museum hosts events like Farm Fest in April and Harvest Fest in August.
Parks and Recreation
The McMinnville Community Center is where the Parks and Recreation Department is located. This department manages 18 parks in the city. The biggest park is Joe Dancer Park, which is 100 acres. It has sports fields and a community park. The city also runs youth sports leagues for baseball and basketball.
Joe Dancer Park has many baseball and softball fields. It also has soccer fields, playgrounds, and the Drew Ottley Memorial Skate Park. Discovery Meadows Community Park also has a skate park. This 22-acre park has picnic areas, playgrounds, climbing walls, and water features. It has basketball courts and walking paths.
City Park is close to the downtown area. It opened in 1910. The city sold bonds to build a bandstand and a small zoo. The zoo had bears, deer, and other local animals. Later, the city bought more land for the park. The old mill pond site became city tennis courts.
Wortman Park is a large park with many trees and a small stream. A disc golf course was added in 1991. It hosts the yearly Squirrel Open disc golf tournament.
Since 1956, the McMinnville Parks and Recreation Department has managed the Aquatic Center. It has two indoor swimming pools, a hot tub, and a Fitness Center. The Aquatic Center is used by the McMinnville High School swim team and the McMinnville Swim Club. Students from Chemeketa Community College can also earn college credits by using the Aquatic Center.
Education in McMinnville
McMinnville has several private schools, a growing school district, and two colleges. These are Chemeketa Community College and Linfield University.
In 1858, Linfield University started as Baptist College of McMinnville. It was later called McMinnville College and then Linfield College. In 2020, it became Linfield University. Linfield offers many different subjects for college students. About 2,000 students attend from 24 states. Most students receive financial help.
Linfield University has a large campus with over 60 buildings. Its sports teams are part of the NCAA Division III. In 2020, the football program got a huge new scoreboard. It is 60 feet wide and 30 feet high. The football team has had a winning season for 64 years in a row!
Chemeketa Community College opened locations in McMinnville in the 1970s. In 2011, the Chemeketa Yamhill Valley campus became an accredited college campus. It offers many services like academic advising, counseling, and tutoring.
The McMinnville School District teaches almost 7,000 students from kindergarten to 12th grade. The superintendent is Debbie Brocket. McMinnville High School (MHS) is the largest high school in the county. It has over 2,000 students.
The school district also has two middle schools and five elementary schools in the city. Children from outside the city also attend McMinnville City Schools. The district also manages Wascher Elementary in Lafayette, Oregon.
Private schools in McMinnville include the Montessori School, McMinnville Christian Academy (MCA), and St. James Catholic Elementary School. The Montessori School offers before and after school care using city parks. McMinnville Christian Academy teaches students from preschool through middle school. St. James Catholic Elementary School uses a multi-age learning approach. Students stay with the same teacher for two years.
Media and News
- McMinnville Community Media
- News-Register - The local newspaper
- KKJC-LP 93.5 FM - Christian talk radio
- KLYC 1260 AM - Radio station
- KSLC 90.3 FM - Linfield University student radio
- The Linfield Review - Linfield University's student news website
- The Bruin - McMinnville High School's student newspaper
Transportation and Travel
McMinnville is located on Oregon Route 99W. It is about 38 miles (61 km) south of downtown Portland. Oregon Route 18 goes around the city's southern edge. It connects McMinnville to the Oregon Coast near Lincoln City, about 55 miles (89 km) west. Oregon Highway 18 is also known as Three Mile Lane. The southern end of Oregon Route 47 is just northeast of the city.
Major roads in McMinnville include Highway 99W, and Adams and Baker Streets. These streets run north-south through the city center. East Third Street is the main street downtown. West Second Street connects downtown to the western neighborhoods. Other important streets connect industrial or residential areas to downtown.
The McMinnville Municipal Airport is owned and run by the City of McMinnville.
The Portland & Western Railroad (P&W) serves McMinnville. It uses tracks leased from the Union Pacific. Big companies like Cascade Steel Rolling Mills use the railroad to ship goods. P&W keeps the old 1912 Southern Pacific train station in downtown McMinnville. McMinnville is a central point for P&W trains.
In the past, riverboats could travel up the Yamhill River to McMinnville. The Yamhill Lock helped boats reach the city. However, using the river for business did not last long. The city's only boat dock cannot be used anymore. River levels can change a lot, making it hard for boats.
Public Transportation
Public transportation is provided by the Yamhill County Transit Area (YCTA). Three city bus routes run Monday to Friday, from 6:30 AM to 7:50 PM. A Saturday "Loop" runs from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
YCTA also provides bus service to other towns in Yamhill County. There are four different routes. Buses run hourly on weekdays to Newberg and Tigard. There are also weekday trips for commuters to Hillsboro and Salem.
Other bus services connect McMinnville to Portland and Newport. Greyhound Bus used to serve McMinnville until 2004.
City Services
Since 1888, McMinnville Water and Light has provided electricity and water to the city. This is a city-owned utility. McMinnville has some of the lowest electricity and water rates in Oregon. This helps attract new businesses to the city.
Notable People from McMinnville
- Whitney Blake - Actress
- Scott Brosius - Baseball player who won a World Series MVP Award
- Jim Bunn - Oregon politician
- Troy Calhoun - College Football Head Coach for Air Force
- Pat Casey - Oregon State University NCAA Baseball Head Coach
- Beverly Cleary - Children's author who won the National Book Award and Newbery Medal
- Verne Duncan - Oregon and Idaho politician
- Matthew Haughey - Famous blogger
- Bill Krueger - Baseball player and sports analyst
- Elgen Long – Aviator, researcher, and author
- Ehren McGhehey - Jackass cast member
- Lou Moon - Comedian
- Joe Paterson - Baseball pitcher
- Ad Rutschman - College Football Hall of Fame Coach
- Ross Shafer - Comedian, television host, and motivational speaker
- Raemer Schreiber - Physics expert who worked during WWII
- Charlie Sitton - Former professional basketball player
- Will Vinton - Oscar-winning director of animated films
The McMinnville UFO Photographs
McMinnville is famous among UFO fans and researchers. This is because of photographs published in the city's newspaper, the News-Register, on June 9, 1950. These photos reportedly showed an unidentified flying object (UFO). The pictures were taken on May 11, 1950, by Paul and Evelyn Trent on their farm.
The photos were then published in The Oregonian and LIFE magazine. Even though these pictures are known as the "McMinnville UFO photographs", the Trent farm was actually in Sheridan, Oregon. This is about nine miles (15 km) southwest of McMinnville.
The debate about these photos made McMinnville's name well-known. It also led to an annual "UFO Festival" in McMinnville. This festival is the second largest UFO gathering in the United States, after the one in Roswell, New Mexico.
Images for kids
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Pioneer Hall at Linfield University
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Location in Oregon
See also
In Spanish: McMinnville (Oregón) para niños
