this Place is Temporarily Closed. The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center offers living history demonstrations, interpretive programs, exhibits, multi-media presentations, special events, and more than four miles of interpretive trails. We offer a variety of interpretive programs and special exhibits year-round. One mile of well-preserved ruts lie on the Interpretive Center grounds, and are accessible by the trails or from a turnout on Highway 86 about a half-mile west of the Center's entrance.See more..
4.5Oregon Historical Society(454 reviews) - Excellent and entertaining museum on all things Oregon Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM History Museums
Explore Oregon’s past at the Oregon Historical Society! Located on the historic South Park Blocks in downtown Portland, the Oregon Historical Society’s museum is open seven days a week and features original and traveling exhibitions that tell stories of the people, places, and events that have shaped Oregon and American history. In February 2019, the Oregon Historical Society unveiled a brand permanent exhibit, Experience Oregon, that chronicles the state’s complex history through rare artifacts, hands-on interactives, and digital displays. The Society’s world-class research library is open Tuesday through Saturday and is the perfect place to research a historic home or find a long-lost pioneer relative. Don’t forget to stop by the museum store for a uniquely Oregon souvenir!See more..
4.5Camp 18 Museum(339 reviews) - Don't pass this one by! Be sure to stop...you won't regret it! History Museums
We have passed this place over the years as we traveled to and from Seaside & never stopped in. We finally decided to stop and have lunch. We now regret we didn't do this sooner. What a fantastic place with wonderful service, great food & large portions! The menu has breakfast, lunch and dinner options. We had heard about the cinnamon rolls, so we got one to go. It was as big as a dinner plate and was delicious! This is a nice place to stretch your legs after eating exploring the gift shop and the old logging equipment. There are also picnic tables around the property outside. There is also RV parking. This place gets extremely busy around Noon. We arrived a bit before 11 am and only waited a few minutes to be seated. By the time we left, about 12:15, there was a 25-30 minute wait time to be seated.See more..
4.5Tamastslikt Cultural Institute(218 reviews) - Indian Artifacts Rival Any Museum in America Sunday: Natural History Museums
The institute chronicles tribal heritage and the impact of Western migration from the Native American perspective.See more..
4.5Rice NW Museum of Rocks and Minerals(188 reviews) - Great little museum Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Natural History Museums • Science Museums
The Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals houses a world-class collection recognized as the finest in the Pacific Northwest and one of the best in the nation. Located just west of Portland, Oregon, in Hillsboro, the Museum showcases not only fine rocks and minerals, but also fossils, meteorites, lapidary art, and gemstones from both the Pacific Northwest and all around the world.See more..
4.5Baker Heritage Museum(161 reviews) - A great museum. Sunday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
Open Mid March through October. Housed in the former Natatorium, 33,000 sq ft of permanent and changing exhibits tell the stories of the real people and businesses that developed the region following the discovery of gold in the mountains nearby the Oregon Trail. Home to the world renowned Cavin Warfel Rock Collection, one of the largest in the western US.See more..
5.0Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site(156 reviews) - A wonderful surprise experience in the City of John Day Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
Hours posted are for May 1 through October 31 when we are open for the season. We are closed from November 1 through April 30, except during spring break, which is usually the last full week of March. Please call ahead if you are planning a visit, we may be able to accommodate! Thank you, Oregon Parks and Recreation StaffSee more..
4.5Klamath County Museum(149 reviews) - Fascinating History Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
Explore the history of Klamath Falls and the Upper Klamath River Basin through dozens of exhibits covering anthropology, natural history and more recent history. Outdoor exhibits can be viewed any time. A native plant garden includes more than 150 species of wildflowers, grasses, shrubs, trees and lichens.See more..
Fort Dalles Museum is housed in the 1856 Surgeon's Quarters once part of Fort Dalles. It was opened as a history museum in 1905 by the local chapter of the Sorosis Club and is one of Oregon's oldest museums. Adjacent to the Museum is the Anderson Homestead built by Swedish Settlers in the late 1880's and moved to its current site in the 1970's. Today you can tour the Swedish Log Cabin, Privy, Granary and Barn. There are also two building housing Antique Horse Drawn Vehicles and Early AutomobilesSee more..
3.5Hot Lake Springs(94 reviews) - Great Soaking Experience History Museums • Spas
We did not stay overnight at the hotel, but soaked in the new/improved tubs while staying at the co-owned RV park next door. New owners (for the past year) have made huge improvement in soaking area. Heated concrete, lights, propane fire bowls, fencing etc... There are five different soaking spots right there on the edge of the lake. Magical after dark. We did tour the hotel and it was fully booked the night we were there. Maybe 15-20 rooms for now as they slowly expand the finished rooms.See more..
Located in the historic Kirkbride building built in 1883, the Oregon State Hospital is the oldest working psychiatric facility on the west coast. The OSH Museum is a non-profit, volunteer-run business that provides a fascinating look into the past practices and history of mental health in Oregon. As a self-guided tour, you will be able to explore 2500 Square Feet of exhibits at your own pace and engage in interactive displays. The museum is open: Tuesdays 12pm -4pm, Wednesdays 12pm-4pm, Thursdays 12pm-4pm, Fridays 12pm - 4pm and Saturdays 12pm - 4pm Admission: General: $5.00 Seniors(65 ): $4.00 and Students:$4.00, children under 10 are free with an adult)See more..
A visit to the Favell Museum is a must for anyone who loves Native American artifacts, and Contemporary Western art.Over 100,000 artifacts, illustrating the lives of indigenous tribes from North and South America are on display, with the primary focus on Native American tribes. Collections dating from 12,000 years ago include thousands of arrowheads, obsidian knives, spear points, primitive ancient stone tools, native clothing, intricate bead work, basketry, pottery and more. The collections on display give the visitor a suggestion of the richness and variety of societies no longer here and they illustrate how creative and adaptive the native people were. The artifacts give you a feel for what it must have been like for the early Native Americans to survive and thrive in southern Oregon, on the Columbia River and up and down the west coast of North and South America. Cultures from the mid-west to the Pacific and from Peru to Alaska are represented.See more..
How many times have you driven past the Douglas County Fairgrounds and read the reader board in front of the Museum? How many times have you stopped at the Museum? What a shame. Douglas County has the best Museum on I-5 and not nearly enough of us patronize it. It has wonderful exhibits of History, our culture and natural wildlife, all interesting enough to keep kids and adults alike riveted. It's a perfect place to spend a nice afternoon, winter or summer. If you have some time and some questions, in the basement is a surprisingly complete research library. Shelves and shelves of books and filing cabinets full of a fascinating collection of Southern Oregon History await your perusal. We have a treasure chest right here in our front yard, it's time to explore it.See more..
4.0Shelton McMurphey Johnson House(53 reviews) - Worth the visit Sunday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Architectural Buildings • History Museums
The Shelton McMurphey Johnson House is Eugene, Oregon's Victorian house museum. It is open for tours and available for rentals. On display are period furniture, glassware, and photos of historic Eugene, as well as changing exhibits.See more..
4.5Heritage Station Museum(50 reviews) - Great time! Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums
Heritage Station Museum is run by the Umatilla County Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) organization, established in 1974. The Museum is housed in the 1909 train depot which was converted into a museum in 1987. Today the grounds include archive storage, offices, open air amphitheater, and outdoor exhibits. The outdoor exhibits include a homestead cabin, a Union Pacific caboose, Windmill, Signal House, and barn (all of which you may enter and explore). The indoor exhibits celebrate the history of the county, with a permanent Oregon Trail exhibit, railroad information, newspaper/post office, local agriculture, and several changing exhibits. Picnic tables are available at a small park outside museum.See more..
Located in Bush’s Pasture Park, the Bush House Museum is Salem’s 19th century time capsule. Operated by the Salem Art Association on behalf of the City of Salem, the Museum offers tours to the public and preserves and interprets the heritage of the Bush House and Bush’s Pasture Park to illuminate Oregon history and culture associated with the lives and legacy of Salem’s Bush Family. Featuring many iconic 19th century furnishings, this once technologically advanced home also contains much of its original decor. As the comfortable home of a Bush family member until 1953, the Bush House Museum continues to welcome Salem visitors of all ages throughout the year. While in Bush’s Pasture Park, visitors can also explore the recently restored 1882 Conservatory, the second oldest in the west, and the Bush Barn Art Center. The 90 acre park also features walking trails, a civic rose garden and several children’s play areas.See more..
Museum with exhibits on the local history of Clackamas County, from the indigenous people who have called this land home for thousands of years, to modern industrial marvels that brought power to Portland. Special exhibits including the Kaegi Pharmacy - a complete pharmacy straight from the late 1800s and early 1900s - and the Murdock Gallery, featuring rotating exhibits. Open 10:30 am - 4:00 pm Wednesday through Saturday. Guests who have purchased tickets may stay until 4:30 PM.See more..
The Thomas Condon Paleontology Center in Kimberly performs dual functions - First as a Visitor Center for the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument and secondly, as a paleontology research facility for the fossils excavated in the area. The Center has awesome colorful murals, fossil exhibits, and a see-thru paleontology laboratory. The staff is very helpful with suggestions for visiting the three Units of the National Monument. When I visited there one early morning in June, there was ample parking.See more..
4.5Powerland Heritage Park(41 reviews) - Good family fun Sunday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
Open from April through September from 9 to 4 pm, Powerland Heritage Park- "where history comes alive"- (formerly Antique Powerland) has been rated #8 by Oregon Business as Oregon's favorite destination and value-packed bargain. It's 14 unique heritage museums offer something for everyone: trolley rides, vintage and antique cars, vintage John Deere and Caterpillar farm and construction machinery,100 year old logging operations, and more. Be sure to mark your calendar for the annual Great Oregon Steam-Up, always the last weekend in July, first weekend in August.See more..
This a pretty cool history museum that much better on the inside than the outside. It would be of interest to travelers on I-5 and also folks staying at the historic Wolf Creek Inn at nearby Wolf Creek, OR.See more..
We only went to Happy Canyon play, NOT the Hall of Fame or the Roundup. An entertaining and educational musical drama spanning the pre-Columbian indigenous culture, the white settlers, and then some exhibition riding.See more..
Think all old houses are the same...seen one, seen 'em all? This house is a GEM and our tour guide made the history come alive with her interesting stories about Leo and his family. Every town should be so lucky to have an Adler family in their town!See more..
Artifacts from the Aurora Colony, settle in the 1850s by seekers of religious freedom.See more..
4.5Homestead Village Museum(22 reviews) - Step back in time Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM History Museums
More an experience than simply a museum, this carefully curated village reconstructed with authentic buildings--including doctor's office, general store, church and homes--provides a living example of the challenges faced by western pioneers. The rythmic creaking and intermittent splashing of the wind-powered water mill is a powerful reminder. Each building is stocked with tools and artifacts of the times. Inside the museum, displays of obsidian arrowheads and 10,000 year old woven sandals show that ingenuity and persistence lived in this harsh and fragile land long before the homesteaders. An insightful walk though history of the region. Envisioned, developed, run and maintained by community volunteers. Don't miss this gem.See more..
4.5National Neon Sign Museum(21 reviews) - Extraordinary Neon Sign Collection! Sunday: Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums • Art Museums • History Museums
If you like neon signs, history or vintage anything, you will LOVE this museum. Lovingly put together by founder, David Benko, it follows the creation of neon signs through today. Your docent will explain the mechanics of the lights then you’ll be able to wander & photograph to your heart’s content. Massive collection. Well worth the modest admission fee. Located near the the Columbia River Gorge, make a point of seeing the museum if you’re already there to see the waterfalls.See more..
4.0Gresham Historical Society(11 reviews) - Little big town Sunday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops • History Museums
This is a small museum of local history situated in a 1913 former Carnegie library in Historic Downtown Gresham. Exhibits rotate twice annually to feature aspects of Gresham's history and culture. Amenities include a small research library off the main gallery, a wheelchair-accessible unisex bathroom, and a wheelchair ramp to the side entrance. Parking in the gated lot behind the museum is available during open hours and by appointment.See more..
When we told my sister-in-law we were going to Portland for our annual Girls Wine Weekend, she said we HAD to go to Saint Helens for Halloweentown. My mom and I had no clue what she was talking about, but we were up for the quick 1 hour trip over. Outside the courthouse, the courtyard is set up with memorabilia from the movie, including the taxi and giant pumpkin. It was neat! Inside, the courthouse is beautiful and historic. We quickly walked through the museum, but didn't spend much time, as we were mainly interested in what was outside. It was a fun stop and great way to begin our trip!!!See more..
It is a shame that SOHS has been so down-sized by lack of funding. They still operate the Library and Hanley Farm with many dedicated volunteers. Both sites are very worthwhile.See more..
The logging museum is a great blast to the past. The designated path leads you along the trail of what it was like in the different decades. The buildings and equipment they display are fascinating. Very nostalgic. No cost to visit the museum, but they accept donations to keep it maintained.See more..
What a wonderful visit to this quiet museum and upstairs art gallery display. The main floor displays were well done, actually timely for today's political climate, and the staff was very knowledgeable and kind. They also gave us the recommendation to eat lunch at The Dizzy Hen. The upstairs exhibition was "Painting Oregon’s Harvest: The Art of Kathy Deggendorfer". Very nice. Mostly quiet, with only a few other individuals browsing through in the 45 minutes that we were there.See more..
Great little museum featuring 1800’s styles and articles. My friends and I enjoyed walking though it and admiring all of the original pieces.See more..
4.5Dufur Museum(8 reviews) - Great local history Sunday: Spent < 1 hour History Museums
We visited Dufur during the Covid 19 pandemic so were not able to go inside the building. However, we walked around the grounds and saw terrific old buildings that had been relocated for their historic value, as well as antique farm equipment. It is a well organized, but small museum. I can't wait to go back when we will be able to go inside. I appreciate the kind consideration the proprietors have for our health.See more..
4.5The Living Rock Studio(8 reviews) - very unique Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries • Art Museums • History Museums
logging/family history, art,nature. very unique and interesting with real warmth with the personal tour . really worth going out of the way.See more..
Offers original furnishings from the Frazier families journey from Texas to Oregon after the Civil War.See more..
4.5Wallowa County Museum(7 reviews) - Great little hime-grown museum History Museums
What a little gem. Joseph is cute and this was a fun little museum about the local area history. The women there were both older ladies who had lived there all their lives. They were so engaging with my daughter. It’s a nice stop as you walk down the main strip in Joseph.See more..
4.5Oard's Gallery(6 reviews) - Great place to buy presents! Sunday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops • Art Galleries • History Museums
A wonderful place filled with Native American Jewelry and Art. Nine Tribe's art is represented, including our local Tribe, the Paiutes. There are many pieces made by local artists. We have pottery, rugs, furniture, baskets, sand paintings and many more items.We have the largest collection of cradle boards of anyone around. There is a free museum, gas, diesel,mini mart.See more..
4.5Union County Museum(6 reviews) - Good History Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
Well maintained museum with lots of NE Oregon history. We went as a family of 5 and it had something for all.See more..
4.5Schminck Memorial Museum(6 reviews) - Local Treasures History Museums I love this little museum, probably partly because of a display of a replica of famous historic Round Barn located in French Glen, Oregon. My late grandfather built this replica, so it is very special to me. There are many other wonderful historic displays to enjoy. Even if you don't have local roots, it's very interesting to see the vintage clothing, furniture, Native American memorabilia and lots of other interesting things of days gone by. The rooms are preserved and set up as they were when this museum was a home, the living room, dining room, kitchen & bedrooms. Lots of western memorabilia honoring a way of life that still thrives today in this agricultural community. This museum is definitely worth a look!See more..
4.0Pendleton Air Museum(6 reviews) - Cozy but historically packed museum Sunday: 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Military Museums • History Museums
A museum honoring military of all branches and aviation of all types: as we share with visitors the history of Pendleton Field and its impact on Pendleton, then and now; as well as other conflicts the United States has been involved with. You’ll learn about the 17th Bombardment Squadron who flew into history to become known as the Doolittle Raiders of World War II, the African- American "Triple Nickle" Paratrooper Infantry Battalion. Local displays with stories.See more..
4.5The Depot Rail Museum(6 reviews) - Historical site in downtown Troutdale Sunday: Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • History Museums
This Depot Rail Museum was built in 1907 after the first depot burned. The railroad began service to Troutdale in 1882. Directly outside the museum is a 1975 Union Pacific CA-10 Caboose.See more..
worth to visit anytime of the year. There are plenty of historical items to see ,like cars,vagons and even a stuffed cougar See more..
5.0The Fossil Museum(5 reviews) - Cool little Museum on the history of the city of Fossil and of Wheeler county, Oregon Spent < 1 hour Natural History Museums • History Museums
On a cross Oregon road trip we saw the town of Fossil and the Fossil Museum. Of course, we thought it was a museum of fossils. Nope; it is a local history museum of the city of Fossil and of Wheeler County. Nice place - well organized so that a visitor can get a really good feel for the pioneer days of the area - up to the current hard times. There are a few fossils too because the town is near John Day and there is a local fossil hill where one can go crack rocks in search of a leaf or two (the Wheeler Fossil beds, right in town). The docent was helpful and, because it is really an under advertised museum, she gave us a personal escorted tour of everything. If you are in the area, it is a highly recommended stop.See more..
4.0Hutson Museum(5 reviews) - A Piece of history in the Upper Hood River Valley Spent < 1 hour History Museums A small local museum worth a visit if you have some time in Parkdale. It's small so you won't need much time. It's right in the middle of the town.See more..
5.0Watt's House Pioneer Museum(4 reviews) - Historic Home and Fundrasing Events Spent < 1 hour History Museums
I went there for a event, Mothers Day Tea. Very fun and a ladies joy. It's a historical home in Scappoose, Or.See more..
4.0Newell Pioneer Village(4 reviews) - Worth your time to stop here. Sunday: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums
Newell Pioneer Village is a complex including the Robert Newell House, Pioneer Mother's Memorial Cabin, Old Butteville Academy, and the Old Butteville Jail.See more..
What an incredible find while vacationing on the McKenzie River!We weren't sure what we'd find as we turned off McKenzie Highway on a dirt road and followed it to the Museum. As luck would have it Mr. Ron Miner was working in the Museum and invited us in. What a wealth of artifacts and historical displays we enjoyed! The intimate size and perfectly curated displays were amazing. Ron Miner was kind enough to provide background information about the displays and provide historical information that made our tour especially interesting. We were so glad we went!See more..
5.0Rogue River Ranch(2 reviews) - Summer 2015 at RR Ranch History Museums
Once a major Rogue River Indian habitation site, the attraction is a museum and historic site listed on the National Register of Historic Places.See more..
4.5East Linn Museum(2 reviews) - Great bit of history in our backyard! Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours History Museums Lots of things to look at specifically highlighting the settlement of Linn County. You’ll see several domestic living displays as well as many job related displays that include logging, doctor, printing, mining, photography, blacksmith and harness and more. Lots of photos and memorabilia and knowledgeable guides to answer questions and point out particularly interesting items. All of our kids (ages 9-18) really enjoyed going.See more..
