Otis Junction, Oregon facts for kids

Otis Junction is a small, quiet place in Lincoln County, Oregon, in the United States. It's called an "unincorporated community," which means it's a group of homes and businesses that isn't officially a town or city with its own local government. Otis Junction is located where an old part of U.S. Route 101 meets Oregon Route 18. It's about half a mile south of a place called Otis.

Otis Junction was once home to the famous Otis Café. This café was very special and even won an award called the James Beard Award for its amazing food. It had been serving delicious meals since the 1920s, but sadly, it burned down in 2019. Not far from Otis Junction, about a mile to the west, there was also an old amusement park called Pixieland. Kids and families used to visit Pixieland for fun rides and games until it closed in 1975.

Exploring Otis Junction's Past

Otis Junction might be small, but it has some interesting history. It's mainly known for two important places that were once part of its community.

The Famous Otis Café

For many years, the Otis Café was a beloved spot in Otis Junction. It opened way back in the 1920s and became famous for its tasty food, especially its baked goods. People would travel from all over to eat there! The café was so well-known that it received a special award called the James Beard Award, which is a very high honor for restaurants and chefs. It was a sad day for the community when the café was destroyed by fire in 2019.

Pixieland Amusement Park

About a mile west of Otis Junction, near the main highway (U.S. 101), was a fun place called Pixieland. This was an amusement park where families could go for a day of excitement. It had different rides and attractions that brought joy to many visitors. Pixieland was a popular destination for years, but it eventually closed its doors in 1975. Today, only memories remain of this once-lively park.