The Old Mill District is a riverfront shopping and restaurant complex built on the site of what was once the largest ponderosa pine sawmill complex in the world. Bend's economy ran on timber for most of the 20th century; when the mills closed in the 1990s, the industrial land along the Deschutes was redeveloped into what is now a pleasant mixed-use district with national retailers, local restaurants, and a movie theater.
The setting is the draw — the river runs along the west edge of the district, with the Cascade peaks visible beyond. The REI flagship store here is worth a visit even if you're not buying gear; it occupies a converted mill building with the original timber framing intact. In summer, the outdoor spaces along the river fill with people eating, drinking, and watching kayakers navigate the rapids below.
The district connects to the Deschutes River Trail, making it easy to walk or cycle between here and Drake Park downtown. A free shuttle bus runs between the Old Mill and downtown on summer weekends.