The Journey Through Time Scenic Byway leads into straight into Shaniko, one of Central Oregon’s most historic ghost towns. Shaniko in the early 1900’s was well-known as the “Wool Capital of the World”, although once the Columbia Southern railroad created a bypass, it no longer stopped behind the Shaniko Wool Barn and the town population began to suffer.
Folks headed out of town due to the rerouting of the railroad, and were also fueled to migrate after a few early-1900’s fires. Read more about the History of Shaniko here.
Visitors to Shaniko nowadays will find weathered structures of a historic hotel, a jail and a schoolhouse. Shaniko Residents are investing time and effort in renovating buildings in town and opening up new businesses. Tourists may happen upon one of Shaniko’s several annual events, including a vintage music festival, a bluegrass jamboree and historic Shaniko Days.
Attend a City Council Meeting
The Shaniko City Council Public Meetings are the second Monday of each month, beginning at 6pm. Typically these are held at the Schoolhouse, but will be held at City Hall until further notice while we repair the Schoolhouse heater.
We also offer virtual attendance via Zoom.
Zoom ID: 649-451-5708 | Password: 299924
City of Shaniko 