Discover 10 Things to Do in Prineville
When in Prineville, we invite you to be a local with us. As an active community, we find beauty in the great outdoors and combine it with eventful activities that add color to our town’s fabric. Here are 10 things we hope you will Discover.
Hookin’ the BIG Ones
From the banks or watercraft, fishing in Crook County / Prineville is as close to outdoor euphoria as you’ll ever find. The Crooked River carves its way through canyons right into Prineville. The Prineville and Ochoco reservoirs also provide bobber spotting fun. Locals gear up at Joe’s Tackle Box on Third Street for tips and bait.
Dark Sky Gazing
Prineville/Crook County is known for its incredible dark skies. Dark Parallel is a great resource for outside of Prineville. A drive out to the Prineville Reservoir (a certified International Dark Sky Park) will have you in awe, cameras ready while peeking through the telescopes to the great beyond. Wine Down Ranch too is a great overnight destination and hosts the annual SkyScape44 event in September.
Stampede and Rodeo
The Crooked River Roundup and Stampede Party are the top summer events in Prineville. Starting in 1944 with just $320, the rodeo now attracts big names, offers top prize money, and promises fun for everyone. Rodeo week features the Stampede, Rodeo, Parade, Festival, and more. Be sure to book your accommodation early—check out The Pine Theatre‘s excellent Air BnB option!
Horse Racing
There is a break between rodeo week and horse racing as part of the Crooked River events. 2026 will mark 60 years of fast horses in Prineville! The horse program gathers fine horses and jockeys from the northwest for parimutuel racing. It’s the largest daily attendance of any racetrack in Oregon. Held at the Crook County Fairgrounds, this is a locals favorite and draws attendees from the region.
Small Biz Everyday
We celebrate the importance of our local businesses every day and hope you will too. Our Downtown Core is special and branches to side streets extending from any entry point coming into the city. The core is where 3rd and Main Street intersect. Boutiques, gift shops, bookstores, crafts, vintage, antiques, home furnishings, eateries, parks, a theatre, western and modern clothing, coffee shops, candle making, pet stores, bakeries, groceries, bike shops, food trucks and more. You’ll meet locals and feel local when you visit. Find your jam in our directory options or Discover Prineville’s Trippin offerings.
Rockhounding and Pow Wow
As a world renown location for Rockhounding, Prineville is the hub for all activity related to it. The annual Prineville Rockhounding Pow Wow has been a heavily attended hands-on show, complete with trips up into the Ochoco mountains to learn and experience rockhounding at its best. This jewelry, gem and mineral show has been connecting here since 1945!
Historical Walk and Bowman Museum
As the oldest town in Central Oregon and one of the first towns in Oregon, Prineville holds a historical story for much of how Central Oregon evolved. The Bowman Museum, Crook County Historical Society and Belknap House Exhibit Center are remarkable places to visit and a good starting point for a guided historical walk.
Crook County Fair / Plus
It’s BIG in Central Oregon communities. County Fairs bring the 4-H and FFA students and their project animals together for the final show. And the best of the best in the county in all kinds of other competitive categories. Truly a cultural experience! Crook County Fairgrounds.
Hiking- Biking With Views
There are two viewpoints to capture the beauty of Prineville’s essence. The lookout viewpoint connects with a trail system along the top rim at the southern entrance to town. The other is Barnes Butte Trail at the north central area of town. Each, very close to town yet fringe enough to feel like an adventure. We recommend doing them both!
Discover Central Oregon Marketplace Events
Central Oregon Flea Market has spent years creating opportunities for shoppers, collectors, vendors, makers, and small businesses to connect through a growing series of marketplace events held throughout Crook County and Central Oregon.
More on these Marketplace Events