Salem is the capital of Oregon, a Willamette Valley city of government buildings, universities, and riverfront parks. The Oregon State Capitol, with its gold pioneer statue on top, anchors downtown, and Willamette University, one of the oldest universities in the West, sits nearby. Bush's Pasture Park offers trails, gardens, and a historic house, and Riverfront Park, along the Willamette River, hosts the Riverfront Carousel and summer events. The city is known for its cherry blossoms in spring, when the Capitol grounds and riverfront paths turn pink.