The best things to do in Salem

“Founded in 1981, the non-profit Salem Community Activities Center serves Salem and the surrounding area with rentable spaces, from a full gymnasium to a cafeteria and the Blue Room, perfect for birthdays, reunions, showers, benefits, fundraisers... when your guest list outgrows the living room.”

From the Centralia newsletter, October 12, 2026

“A Fair Barn is an exclusive event venue in Salem with a barn, pavilion, patio, banquet room and a pretty-as-it-gets landscape, plus accommodations and a honeymoon suite. Locals love it for weddings and big celebrations, and the reviews say the staff are wonderful and the food is amazing.”

From the Mount Vernon newsletter, October 12, 2026

“Salem Country Club is a semi-private spot that’s open to the public, with a true 18-hole, par-72 layout where an 8-acre lake and a few sneaky creeks keep things interesting. Warm up on the driving range, roll a few on the practice green, then hit the Bar & Grill.”

From the Salem newsletter, October 12, 2026

“Salem Family Aquatic Center is the kind of spot you keep in your back pocket for those swampy Midwest afternoons. It’s family-friendly fun with swim lessons for all ages, season passes if you’re a regular, and you can even rent the whole place for a party.”

“From open skate sessions and private party packages to yoga classes when you want to trade wheels for a mat, Idyllwood Entertainment just down the road in Salem is an easy local pick for moving, laughing, and grabbing concessions without overthinking your plans.”

“Nu Bowl Lanes in Mount Vernon nails the sweet spot between friendly competition and low-stress fun, with 28 lanes, Glow Bowl weekends, leagues, and parties plus Pindexter’s Pizza and The Back Office Bar & Grill. Bring friends, kids, or coworkers... nobody’s mad at a pizza-frame combo.”

“Whether you're sneaking in a weeknight reset or corralling the crew, Salem Bowl brings it with classic lanes, kid-friendly bumpers, lights-down glow bowling, and leagues if the itch hits. Grab a bite at Lud’s Pub & Grill, then chase that spare-to-turkey glory like it owes you.”