Old McKenzie Fish Hatchery facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Old McKenzie Fish Hatchery
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This hatchery replaced a 1907 facility
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| Location | McKenzie River |
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| Nearest city | Vida, Oregon, USA |
| Built | 1928 |
| NRHP reference No. | 96000142 |
| Added to NRHP | 1996 |
The Old McKenzie Fish Hatchery was once a special place where young trout and salmon were raised. These fish were then released into the McKenzie River in western Oregon, United States. The hatchery is located near the small community of Vida in Lane County. Even though the hatchery is now closed, this historic spot is a fun county park. It is also recognized as an important place on the National Register of Historic Places.
Contents
History of the Fish Hatchery
Building the First Hatchery
On March 6, 1907, the State of Oregon bought land along the McKenzie River. This land was between the towns of Leaburg and Vida. The state paid $518.07 for the property.
The first hatchery building was constructed by C.J. Buley. It officially opened on May 11, 1907. A house for the hatchery superintendent was also built. Other support buildings were put up around the same time.
A New Building and More Fish
The original hatchery building was replaced in 1928. However, the superintendent's house and some other early buildings are still there today.
The hatchery helped grow trout and salmon until the early 1950s. It became a very busy place over the years. In 1951, the hatchery collected over 1.5 million fish eggs. These eggs were used for breeding new fish.
Moving to a New Location
The state decided to build a more modern fish production facility. Between 1952 and 1953, the entire hatchery operation moved. The new location was about half a mile downstream. It was next to the Leaburg Dam. The old hatchery closed its doors in 1953.
Becoming a Historic Site
In 1986, Lane County studied the abandoned hatchery site. They wanted to see if it should be developed. The study found that the old McKenzie hatchery had important history and natural beauty. It was suggested that the site become a public park.
Because of its unique buildings and its role in the McKenzie River Valley's history, the Old McKenzie Fish Hatchery was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. This means it is a special place worth protecting. In 2007, a plan was approved to add more things to the park. These included a small museum and a learning center.
Old McKenzie Fish Hatchery Park
Today, the Old McKenzie Fish Hatchery is a 46-acre park. Lane County operates it for everyone to enjoy. The historic site has eight main buildings and seven smaller ones.
What You Can See and Do
The main hatchery buildings have been updated. They are now used as a center for environmental education. There are signs around the park that explain how the hatchery worked. They also point out old tools and parts of the hatchery.
The park is also home to the McKenzie River Chamber of Commerce Information Center. This is a good place to get information about the area.
Visiting the Park
The hatchery is located right off Highway 126. This road is also known as the McKenzie River Highway. This makes the park a popular rest stop for people traveling.
At the park, you can find:
- Picnic tables
- Restrooms
- Drinking water
- Parking
The park facilities also meet all the rules of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This means they are easy for everyone to use.
Friends of the Hatchery
A group called the Friends of the Old McKenzie Fish Hatchery helps out. They work with the Lane County Parks Division. Their goal is to keep the historic site in great shape for the public. They also want to make sure people use the site for learning. They help provide places for people to enjoy its natural and historic features.
