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Three people enjoy a sunny outdoor setting; one plays a ukulele while others smile. They sit on a wooden barrier by two bikes, surrounded by rocky cliffs and trees.
Sisters to Smith Rock Scenic Bikeway by Russ Roca

River Canyon Country

Rural Tourism Studio

The River Canyon Country Rural Tourism Studio focused on the communities of the River Canyon region in Central Oregon, including Prineville, Madras, Warm Springs and Terrebonne.

The River Canyon Country Rural Tourism Studio was developed in response to the destination’s desire to harness local tourism assets and develop a shared tourism vision for the region. The communities had existing strengths in bicycle tourism and cultural heritage, and the studio helped attendees develop a common vision for the future and operationalize their next steps.

River Canyon Country Rural Tourism Studio highlights:

  • 58 local tourism stakeholders and residents participated in ten workshops between November 2012 and January 2013 in Madras and Prineville. Workshop topics included Community Visioning, Outdoor Recreation, Bicycle Tourism, Tourism Marketing and Tourism Action Planning. Workshop notes, presentations, outreach materials and other resources are available on the River Canyon Country Rural Tourism Studio Resources page.
  • Participants developed a 15-Year Community Tourism Vision for the River Canyon Country area.
  • The River Canyon Country community received a $10,000 Tourism Studio Matching Grant from Travel Oregon to implement regional signage and an informational kiosk in 2015.

For more information about the River Canyon Country Rural Tourism Studio, contact Kristine McConnell at the Central Oregon Visitors Association.

Rural Tourism Studio

Workshops that help rural communities develop and offer high-value, authentic experiences to travelers—in a sustainable, manageable way.

Travel Oregon offers Rural Tourism Studios to help communities build their appeal as visitor destinations with on-the-ground guidance, training and support tailored to each destination’s unique offerings.

Learn more about the Rural Tourism Studio program and the Application Process.