La Grande offers a unique blend of country-casual and urban culture, thanks in part to the presence of Eastern Oregon University.

Concerts, plays and art exhibits take place throughout the year and a burgeoning art community offers studio tours and Third Thursday gallery events. The Oregon Trail Interpretive Park at Blue Mountain Crossing, the Union County Museum, the Eastern Oregon Fire Museum, the Elgin Opera House and the Elgin Museum & Historical Society highlight the area’s fascinating history. The surrounding mountains provide outstanding recreational fun.