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The Park is open year-round, however the campground closes for the winter. Reservations can be made at Douglas County Website.

Follow the Friends of Mildred Kanipe Memorial Park facebook page, then 'like' us and you'll know about all the fun happening at your beautiful park where you can camp, picnic, ride horses, hike, watch birds, see native wildflowers and experience Mildred's love of her land. 

 

See our 2023 newsletters >>

Published irregularily, our free newsletter keeps you up-to-date on happenings at the park. If you would like it delivered to your INbox as soon as it is published, send your email address to kanipe@yahoo.com.

Watch The Birdie

The Wow of Cows

On the Stump

New Neighbors Part 1

New Neighbors Part 2

New Leash on Life

Busman's Holiday

Clearer View

First Family

Dog Gone Part 1

Dog Gone Part 2

Sailing Flagship Part 1

Sailing Flagship Part 2

Hacking the Hawthorn Pg1

Hacking the Hawthorn Pg2

 

Watch our video! Mildred Kanipe Video >>

Get a glimpse of the beautiful park and learn a little about Mildred. Please feel free to share as this is a great way to 'advertise' our wonderful park!

Read recent blog by a new visiter to Mildred Kanipe Park

"I work with former National Geographic photographer Dewitt Jones on a project called “Celebrate What’s Right with the World,” for which I’ve written and photographed for a decade now. I happened to write a piece after accidentally finding Mildred Kanipe Memorial Park recently, and thought I’d share it"

 

Mug for sale

 

Purchase a
Friends of Mildred Kanipe Mug!

 

They can be found locally at Central Feed and Books Gallery in Sutherlin, and Triple Oak Wine Vault and Riley's Ice House Emporium in Oakland.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forest Trail
Mildred's house - Originally built pre-1900

Our Mission

The mission of this organization shall be to provide volunteer services for the purpose of restoring, improving, maintaining and protecting the natural resources of the park such as land, plants and animals, the historic structures present in the park and other park improvements such as fences, restrooms, picnic areas, etc. for the purpose of providing recreational, educational and cultural experiences for the public, in accordance with the conditions of Mildred Kanipe’s Will and to raise funds to cover as much as possible of the related costs.

Mildred’s Gift

In 1983, Mildred Kanipe, a colorful farmer passed away, and left her beloved ranch to the public as a county park. Mildred’s gift included almost 1,100 acres of land consisting of pastures, creeks, rolling hills, orchards and forests. Historical structures include a turn-of-the-century schoolhouse, a farmhouse, and outbuildings. She wished the buildings to be preserved, a ranch museum developed, equestrian trails to be available and the land was to remain an animal refuge, the land and plants preserved.

The Friends’ Origins

In 2005, due to the financial burden, the Douglas County Commissioners were considering returning the park to the Mildred Kanipe Trust. People organized to help the park remain in the public domain and open to the people, and, The Friends of Mildred Kanipe Memorial Park Association, Inc. (501 c 3, nonprofit tax exempt) was created. We are committed to keep the park as public land for the enjoyment of visiters.

Forest Trail
Trail through one of the park's beautiful forests

Our Community’s Treasure

Today the park has much to offer a visitor -

 

What we do

Colorful Peacock
Male peacock displaying his colors
Nature trail Work Party
Work Party building the Nature Trail

 

We Can Use Your Help

We are supported by those who cherish Mildred’s land. Join The Friends or get involved and see how you can contribute to the park or become a volunteer.

 

Find the Park

Mildred Kanipe Memorial Park is located 8 miles northeast of Oakland, Oregon at 16513 Elkhead Road. Click here for map.

 

Together we help care for Mildred’s Land

Tyee Outdoor Experience
Douglas County Historical Society
Oregon Cultural Trust
Douglas County Parks
Oregon Equestrian Trails
Friends of the Umpqua Hiking Group
Douglas Soil and Water Conservation District
Native Plant Society of Oregon
Historic Oakland
Roseburg Road Runners
Douglas County Cultural Coalition
Oregon Dressage Society
Bureau of Land Management
United States Fish and Wildlife Service
Douglas Forest Protective Association
Wolf Creek Job Corps
Yoncalla High School
Wildlife Safari
American Bird Conservatory
Oakland Elementary and Middle School
The Northwest Youth Corps
Eagle Scouts
Douglas County Public Works