Destination Mt. Angel is a special place in Oregon that practices heritage and culture within their town. Founded in 1850 by Benjamin Cleaver, it rests just below Tapalamaho butte, a sacred worshiping site for Native Americans.
In 1882, a Roman Catholic Church priest arrived and staked his claim on the butte to create the Mt. Angel Abbey. This gorgeous town has kept its Bavarian and Swiss/German heritage alive and thriving with festivals such as Oktoberfest and Volksfest.
This makes it worth the travel to see old European heritage still alive in the modern world. Whether you're exploring in one of our compact Class C motorhomes or a spacious family RV, Mt. Angel offers a unique cultural experience just a short drive from Bend.
Fun Facts About Mt. Angel
- America's Tallest Glockenspiel: Mt. Angel holds the record for the largest Glockenspiel in America, standing at 49 feet tall
- Oktoberfest Draws Massive Crowds: Mt. Angel attracts 10x the people living in it each year for their Oktoberfest celebration
- Experience Monastic Life: At the Mt. Angel Abbey, you can experience what it is like to be a monk for a few days by following their daily lives
The History of Mt. Angel
Mt. Angel began as a "mount of communion" for Native Americans. In 1850, Benjamin Cleaver purchased 650 acres of land, now the town of Mt. Angel.
A few years later, in 1882, a group of Benedictine monks began searching for a mountain upon which they could start building an abbey. Meanwhile, in 1881, German Catholic families began to settle in Mt. Angel and started to build on the current site.
The population began to grow Mt. Angel into the thriving community it is today. The town's rich German heritage and cultural traditions continue to attract visitors from across the Pacific Northwest.
Mt. Angel's Historic Abbey
After searching throughout northwestern Oregon, Roman Catholic monks stumbled upon Mount Tapalamaho in 1882 and began construction. By 1884, they had completed the construction of the Abbey and sought to build schools for boys.
This prompted the Benedictine sisters to start their own covenant and school for girls in Gervais, a town approximately 7 miles from Mt. Angel. These schools helped quickly grow the town and build the community it has today.
Visiting the Abbey Today
The Abbey is currently operating today, and you can walk up the butte and read the detailed history of the monks that have lived there. They offer their library to the public and visitors can even experience monk life for a couple of days, following the lead of the monks residing there.
The Mt. Angel Abbey offers a peaceful retreat and stunning views of the Willamette Valley. It's an easy stop when traveling through Oregon in your rental RV.
Festivals Within Mt. Angel
Today Mt. Angel still carries on its European history with festivals, architecture, food, and beer. Their most prominent festival is, of course, Oktoberfest!
Oktoberfest in Mt. Angel is said to be one of the best Oktoberfests in the country. It brings in about 350,000 people for the weekend, compared to the 3,575 people that reside within the town year-round.
What to Experience at Oktoberfest
The festival offers an authentic German experience with everything from lederhosen and dirndls to locally made German sausage and beer. Live music, traditional dancing, and craft vendors fill the streets throughout the celebration.
Other festivals such as Volksfest are less popular but still carry the tradition of their heritage. Volksfest is a town event in which they celebrate their German heritage and sausages.
Planning to attend? Consider booking a spacious Class A motorhome for your group. Many visitors park their RVs at nearby campgrounds and shuttle into town for the festivities.
Mt. Angel's Famous Glockenspiel
The Mt. Angel Glockenspiel stands high and mighty at the center of the town and is one of their biggest attractions throughout the year. Standing at 49 feet tall, the Glockenspiel rings its bells every 11 a.m., 1, 4, and 7 p.m. daily.
People gather around during these times not only to hear the bell ringing but to see the figures dancing to the music. Each figure tells part of Mt. Angel's story.
The Six Figures of the Glockenspiel
- A Native American to honor the natives that used to worship their gods from the top of Mt. Angel
- Two German settlers representing the town's founding families
- The early community leader who shaped the town's development
- The founder of the Benedictine monastery and the first sister
- Papa Oom Pah, the representation of the town's beloved Oktoberfest
The Glockenspiel is located in the heart of downtown, making it easy to visit during a day trip. Learn more about planning your Oregon RV adventure to include cultural stops like Mt. Angel.
Plan Your Mt. Angel RV Adventure
To find more amazing travel destinations for you and your family, check out our other destination posts for more ideas on where to go. Mt. Angel is conveniently located near several Oregon State Parks with RV-friendly camping facilities.
Don't forget when you are planning your trip to check out our RV rentals starting at just $200 a night. We offer a variety of motorhomes perfect for exploring Oregon's cultural gems and natural beauty.
Ready to book your Oregon adventure? Contact us today to reserve your RV and start planning your Mt. Angel getaway!
Call us to reserve your RV:
(541)-640-5045
Related articles
Continue exploring Camping & Campgrounds
A Golfing RV Adventure at Tokatee in the McKenzie River Valley of Oregon
Embarking on an RV adventure combines the freedom of the open road with the comfort of home, and when your journey includes a stop at Tokatee Golf Course in the McKenzi
Class C RVs: The Perfect Balance for Family Travel
Traveling with family is an unforgettable experience, and finding the right balance between comfort and convenience can make all the difference. Class C RVs strike that
Can I Take My Happy Campers RV to a Music Festival?
Are you gearing up for festival season and dreaming of the ultimate music experience from the comfort of your own RV? You're not alone. Many music enthusiasts share the