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List of museums in Oregon facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

This list is all about the cool museums you can visit in Oregon! A museum is a special place where people collect and take care of interesting things. These things can be about history, art, science, or even nature. Museums then show these collections to the public so everyone can learn and explore.

Main List of Museums

See also: List of museums in Portland, Oregon

Here's a big list of museums across Oregon. You can see what kind of museum it is, where it's located, and a quick summary of what you'll find there.

Name Community County Region Type Summary
A. C. Gilbert's Discovery Village Salem Marion Willamette Valley Children's A fun, hands-on museum with inventions by Alfred Carlton Gilbert, who created the Erector Set. It even has the world's largest Erector Set tower, which is 52 feet (16 m) tall!
A. R. Bowman Memorial Museum Prineville Crook Central History - Local Learn about the history of Crook County, including the City of Prineville Railroad, the local timber industry, and a military exhibit.
Agness-Illahe Museum Agness Curry Coast History - Local This museum is run by the Curry Historical Society and is open during certain seasons.
Albany Historic Carousel and Museum Albany Linn Willamette Valley Commodity - Carousel Check out this historic Dentzel Carousel Company carousel that's being restored. You can also see lots of carousel items and memories.
Albany Regional Museum Albany Linn Willamette Valley History - Local Website; This local history museum is in a beautiful 1887 Italianate Victorian building.
Alsea Bay Historic Interpretive Center Waldport Lincoln Coast Transportation This state park has exhibits about the Alsea Bridge, how bridges were built in Oregon, local transportation, and Native American history.
Anderson Homestead The Dalles Wasco Mt. Hood/
The Gorge		 Historic house Explore an 1895 homestead with a Swedish log house, granary, and barn. The Fort Dalles Museum offers tours here.
Antique Powerland Museums Brooks Marion Willamette Valley Railroad / Machinery This huge place shows and demonstrates old steam-powered machines and antique farm equipment. It includes the Oregon Electric Railway Museum and 13 other museums!
Applegate Pioneer Museum Veneta Lane Willamette Valley History - Local See pictures and items from West Lane's history.
Applegate Trail Interpretive Center Sunny Valley Josephine Southern History - Local Discover pioneer tools, learn about the impact of gold mining, and see exhibits on stagecoaches and railroads.
The Art Gym Marylhurst Clackamas Portland Metro Art This is a place at Marylhurst University where you can see modern art exhibits.
Asher Car Museum Fossil Wheeler Eastern Transportation - Automobile Information; This museum opened around 1970 and focuses on cars.
Ashland Historic Railroad Museum Ashland Jackson Southern Railroad Learn about the history of railroads in Ashland.
Astoria Children's Museum Astoria Clatsop Coast Children's This museum is for kids in Astoria.
Astoria Column Astoria Clatsop Coast History - Local Climb this 125-foot tower and see scenes of Oregon's history carved on its outside.
Astoria Riverfront Trolley Astoria Clatsop Coast Transportation - Trolley Ride a historic trolley along the Astoria riverfront.
Baker Cabin Carver Clackamas Portland Metro Historic house This unique log cabin was built in 1856. You can also see an 1895 Pioneer Church and an antique stagecoach.
Baker Heritage Museum Baker City Baker Eastern History - Local Website; See rocks and crystals, local history exhibits, the restored Adler House, and antique cars. It used to be called the Oregon Trail Regional Museum.
Baldwin Hotel Museum Klamath Falls Klamath Southern History - Local Explore local history and the studio of photographer Maud Baldwin in this four-story 1906 building.
Bandon Historical Society Museum Bandon Coos Coast History - Local Website; Learn about the history of Bandon, including Native American items, logging, fishing, cranberry farming, and the 1936 fire. It also has a maritime room.
Barn Museum Troutdale Multnomah Portland Metro History / Farm implements This museum shows farm equipment and other old items. It has exhibits on different historical topics.
Beekman House Jacksonville Jackson Southern Historic house This early 20th-century Victorian home is operated by the Jacksonville Heritage Society.
Benton County Historical Society and Museum Philomath Benton Willamette Valley History - Local / Natural history Website; Learn about county history and see 60,000 natural history items from the old Oregon State University Horner Museum. It's in the 1867 Philomath College building.
Bohemia Gold Mining Museum Cottage Grove Lane Willamette Valley Mining Discover the history of gold mining in the area.
Bonneville Dam Visitor Centers Cascade Locks Hood River Portland Metro Multiple Take tours of the powerhouse, learn about the dam's construction, see the fish ladder, and explore the natural history of the river's fish.
Brooks Depot Museum Brooks Marion Willamette Valley History - Local This museum is run by the Brooks Historical Society at Antique Powerland and is open on the first Saturday of each month.
Brunk House Salem/Rickreall at Brunks Corner Polk Willamette Valley Historic house This farmstead from 1861 shows what life was like for the pioneer Harrison Brunk family from 1860 to 1920.
Burrows House Newport Lincoln Coast History - Local website; This Victorian house has exhibits on local history and is operated by the Lincoln County Historical Society.
Bush Barn Art Center Salem Marion Willamette Valley Art Located in Bush's Pasture Park, this center has two modern art galleries.
Bush House Museum Salem Marion Willamette Valley Historic house This beautiful Italianate Victorian home was built in 1877–78. It has old fittings, furniture, original wallpapers, and fancy marble fireplaces. It's also in Bush's Pasture Park.
Camp White Military Museum White City Jackson Southern Military Located at the VA Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center & Clinic, this museum tells the story of Camp White, an Army training base during WWII.
Canby Depot Museum Canby Clackamas Portland Metro Railroad / History - Local Learn about local and railroad history in this former train depot, run by the Canby Historical Society.
Cannon Beach History Center & Museum Cannon Beach Clatsop Coast History - Local Website; See a cannon, a model of the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, and Native American artifacts, including a longhouse.
Canyon Life Museum Mill City Linn Willamette Valley History - Local Discover the history of life, logging, mining, and railroads in North Santiam Canyon. It has photographs and a research library.
Cape Blanco Lighthouse Gold Beach Curry Coast Maritime This is a working lighthouse from the mid-19th century that also serves as a museum.
Cape Meares Light Cape Meares Tillamook Coast Maritime Tour this inactive lighthouse from the 1890s.
Caples House Museum Columbia Columbia Portland Metro Historic house / Toys Website; Explore this 1870 home with an old doctor's office and kitchen. It has antique furniture, medical tools, Native American baskets, and pioneer tools. The carriage house has two floors of dolls, toys, and clothes!
Cascade Locks Historical Museum Cascade Locks Hood River Mt. Hood/
The Gorge		 Multiple Located in a lock tender's house, this museum has exhibits on the Cascade Locks and Canal, an Oregon Pony locomotive, and Columbia Gorge Native American and regional history.
Chachalu Museum and Cultural Center Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Polk County /
Willamette Valley		 Multiple Chachalu shares the stories of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon. It celebrates their culture and honors elders who kept traditions alive.
Chetco Valley Museum Brookings Curry Coast History - Local Learn about local history, including logging, fishing, bulb farming, ranching, and Native American items. It claims to have Oregon's largest Monterey Cypress Tree.
Children's Museum of Klamath Falls Klamath Falls Klamath Southern Children's A fun museum designed for children in Klamath Falls.
Children's Museum of Eastern Oregon Pendleton Umatilla Eastern Children's Website; A museum specifically for children to learn and play.
Chinese House Railroad Museum Echo Umatilla Eastern Ethnic - Chinese American / Railroad See items from railroad history and learn about Chinese workers. It's in an original "China House" where Chinese railroad workers lived.
Classic Aircraft Aviation Museum Hillsboro Washington Portland Metro Aviation This museum at Hillsboro Airport has restored historic aircraft.
Clatskanie Castle Clatskanie Columbia Portland Metro Historic house Also known as Flippin House, this is an Edwardian-style house.
Clatskanie Historical Museum Clatskanie Columbia Portland Metro History - Local This museum is operated by the Clatskanie Historical Society.
Clatsop County Heritage Museum Astoria Clatsop Coast History - Local Explore local history exhibits, see Chinook and Clatsop Indian artifacts, and visit the Clatsop County Historical Society archives. It's in the former Astoria City Hall.
Collier Logging Museum Chiloquin Klamath Southern Industry Located in Collier Memorial State Park, this outdoor museum has a large collection of old logging equipment and railroad items.
Columbia Gorge Discovery Center The Dalles Wasco Mt. Hood/
The Gorge		 Multiple Website; This is the official center for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. It includes the Wasco County Historical Museum and has exhibits on local history, nature, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and the Ice Age.
Columbia River Maritime Museum Astoria Clatsop Coast Maritime Learn about the history of the Columbia River with four interactive exhibits. See the Lightship Columbia (a National Historic Landmark) and maritime items from the Pacific Northwest.
Coos Art Museum Coos Bay Coos Coast Art This is Oregon's third oldest art museum, located in an Art Deco post office. It has a collection of modern art and offers classes.
Coos County Fairgrounds Museum Myrtle Point Coos Coast History - Local See antiques, school items, photos, and art at the Coos County Fairgrounds.
Coos County Logging Museum Myrtle Point Coos Coast Industry - Timber This museum shows pictures and items about 20th-century logging. It's in a unique onion-shaped wooden building.
Coos History Museum Coos Bay Coos Coast History - Local Website; Learn about the history of the south Oregon coast, logging, local Native Americans, and ship building. It's run by the Coos County Historical Society.
Coquille River Light Bandon Coos Coast Maritime This lighthouse is located in Bullards Beach State Park.
Coquille Valley Museum Coquille Coos Coast History - Local Run by the Coquille Valley Historical Society, this museum has tools, photos, an old printing press, and a blacksmith forge.
Cottage Grove Museum Cottage Grove Lane Willamette Valley History - Local Discover lumbering, mining, agriculture, covered bridges, and even items from the RMS Titanic. It's in an octagon-shaped former church.
Crater Lake National Park - Sinnott Memorial Observation Station Klamath Southern Natural history Learn about the geology of Crater Lake National Park.
Crater Rock Museum Central Point Jackson Southern Geology Website; See rocks, minerals, gems, fossils, and Native American artifacts.
Creswell Historical Museum Creswell Lane Willamette Valley History - Local This museum is operated by the Creswell Area Historical Society in a restored 1889 Methodist Church.
Crown Point Country Historical Society Corbett Multnomah Portland Metro History - Local Website; This museum is located in a large classroom at the Historic Springdale School Community Center.
Crown Point Vista House Troutdale Multnomah Portland Metro History - Local This stone building offers amazing views of the Columbia River Gorge. It has displays on the Gorge's history and geology, and local history.
Curry Historical Society Museum Gold Beach Curry Coast History - Local / Regional Learn about local and regional history here. It's run by the Curry County Historical Society.
Des Chutes Historical Museum Bend Deschutes Central History - Local Exhibits cover the area's early history, Native American tribes, explorers, pioneers, the logging industry, transportation, and home life.
DeWitt Museum Prairie City Grant Eastern History - Local / Railroad Located in a historic train station, this museum has railroad displays, local history, rocks, minerals, and mining exhibits.
Dolly Wares Doll Museum Florence Lane Coast Toy This museum has a collection of over 3,000 dolls.
Dorris Ranch Springfield Lane Willamette Valley Living Website; This is a national historic site, a working farm, and a public park. It features a 19th-century pioneer village.
Douglas County Museum Roseburg Douglas Coast Natural history / History - Local Explore both natural history and local history in this museum.
Lee House Museum Junction City Lane Willamette Valley History - Local See medical equipment and items related to Junction City's history. It's run by the Junction City Historical Society.
Dufur Historical Society Museum Dufur Wasco Mt. Hood/
The Gorge		 History - Local website; This museum has history displays in a historic log cabin, school, and museum building.
Eagle Point Museum Eagle Point Jackson Southern History - Local Learn about the history of Eagle Point.
East Linn Museum Sweet Home Linn Willamette Valley History - Local The collection includes logging tools, period rooms, farm tools, equipment, and photographs.
Eastern Oregon Fire Museum & Learning Center La Grande Union Eastern Firefighting This museum is in a former fire station (1899–2002). It has exhibits on firefighting history, firehouse culture, and vintage fire trucks.
Eastern Oregon Museum Haines Baker Eastern History - Local See logging, mining, cowboy items, ranching, housewares, clothing, dolls, toys, a former railroad depot, and a one-room schoolhouse.
Echo Historical Museum Echo Umatilla Eastern History - Local Discover the local history of Echo.
Elgin Museum Elgin Union Eastern History - Local Learn about the history of Elgin.
End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center Oregon City Clackamas Portland Metro History Website; Enjoy presentations by live history interpreters dressed in pioneer-era clothing.
Ermatinger House Oregon City Clackamas Portland Metro Historic house This house, built in 1845, is the oldest in Clackamas County.
Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum McMinnville Yamhill Willamette Valley Aviation / Aerospace museum This museum is home to Howard Hughes' Spruce Goose! It also has airplanes, aircraft engines, helicopters, a Titan II ICBM, and space technology exhibits.
E. W. Smith and Bill Edmondson Museum Butte Falls Jackson Southern History - Local This museum is operated by the Big Butte Historical Society and is open by appointment.
Favell Museum Klamath Falls Klamath Southern Art - Western / Ethnic - Native American Website; See Western art and Native American artifacts.
FireHouse Gallery Grants Pass Josephine Southern Art Operated by Rogue Community College, this gallery shows works by local, regional, national, and international artists.
Flavel House Museum Astoria Clatsop Coast Historic house This 1886 Queen Anne style home belonged to Captain George Flavel. It has original woodwork and period furnishings.
Floed–Lane House Roseburg Douglas Southern Historic house This mid-19th-century house is operated by the Douglas County Historical Society.
Fort Clatsop National Memorial Astoria Clatsop Coast Military See a replica of the 1805–1806 winter camp of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Fort Dalles Museum The Dalles Wasco Mt. Hood/
The Gorge		 History - Local This museum has military, pioneer, and Native American artifacts, Oregon Trail relics, early vehicles, and household items.
Fort Klamath Museum Klamath Falls Klamath Southern Fort This eight-acre site was Fort Klamath (1863–1890). A replica of the guardhouse has artifacts from the fort.
Fort Rock Valley Historical Homestead Museum Fort Rock Lake Southern Open-air Explore original pioneer buildings like a church, school, houses, and homestead cabins.
Fort Stevens Historical Area Warrenton Clatsop Coast Military This historical area is located in Fort Stevens State Park.
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site Oregon City Clackamas Portland Metro Military See a restored fort with living history demonstrations in Washington state. In Oregon, you can visit the former home of John McLoughlin, a Victorian-era house with craft demonstrations.
Fossil Museum & Pine Creek Schoolhouse Fossil Wheeler Eastern Natural history / History - Local Learn about the natural history and local history of the area.
Four Rivers Cultural Center Ontario Malheur Eastern History - Local / Ethnic - Native American Website; This center has local history and Native American exhibits, including artifacts from the Sioux, Navajo, Northern Paiute, and Haida tribes.
Frazier Farmstead Museum Milton-Freewater Umatilla Eastern Historic house - Farmstead Website; Visit an 1892 farmhouse, a 1918 barn, a carriage house, and other buildings.
Garibaldi Museum Garibaldi Tillamook Coast Maritime Website; This museum focuses on 18th-century Captain Robert Gray, his ships, and trade with Pacific Northwest Native Americans. It has ship models and a wing on local history.
Gilliam County Historical Museum Condon Gilliam Eastern Open-air website; See old farm equipment, a Union Pacific Railroad caboose, an 1884 log cabin, a 1910 school, and an early 20th-century jail.
Gold Hill Historical Society Museum Gold Hill Jackson Southern History - Local This museum is housed in the Beeman-Martin house.
Gordon House Silverton Marion Willamette Valley Historic house This unique Usonian house was designed by the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Grant County Historical Museum Canyon City Grant Eastern History - Local Website; Learn about the history of Grant County.
Grants Pass Museum of Art Grants Pass Josephine Southern Art This museum features art by regional artists.
Gresham History Museum Gresham Multnomah Portland Metro History - Local Discover the history of Gresham and the surrounding area. It's run by the Gresham Historical Society.
Hallie Ford Museum of Art Salem Marion Willamette Valley Art Part of Willamette University, this museum has collections of Asian, European, Native American, and regional art.
Hanley Farm Museum Central Point Jackson Southern Farm Web page; This 37-acre working farm shows what farm life was like during different periods. It's operated by the Southern Oregon Historical Society.
Hanthorn Cannery Museum Astoria Clatsop Coast Industry website; Learn about the local cannery and fishing industries.
Harlow House Museum Troutdale Multnomah Portland Metro Historic house This house is on the National Register of Historic Places, and its grounds are part of the city park system.
Harney County Historical Society Museum Burns Harney Eastern History - Local See pioneer family items, furniture, Native American artifacts, weapons, and clothing.
Harrisburg Area Museum Harrisburg Linn Willamette Valley History - Local Explore scale models of historic buildings, cameras, buttons, antique farm equipment, and household items. See pictures and stories of early settlers.
Hatfield Marine Science Visitor Center Newport Lincoln Coast Natural history - Maritime This center has exhibits and programs that explain scientific research in marine natural history and the fishing industry.
Heceta Head Lighthouse Florence Lane Coast Maritime This is a working lighthouse that you can tour.
Helzer Art Gallery - Portland Community College Hillsboro Washington Portland Metro Art website; This art gallery is located in Building 3 of the Rock Creek Campus.
Heritage Station Museum Pendleton Umatilla Eastern History - Local Website; Also known as Umatilla County Historical Museum, it's in a 1909 depot. The grounds include a caboose, an 1879 one-room schoolhouse, and an 1879 homestead with a log cabin.
Heslin House Fairview Multnomah Portland Metro Historic house This late 19th-century house is operated by the East County Historical Organization.
High Desert Museum Bend Deschutes Central Multiple This museum has live animals, natural history exhibits, and shows pioneer life. You can visit an 1880 ranch, an early 1860s town, Native American exhibits, and see antique vehicles.
Historic Barlow House Barlow Clackamas Portland Metro Historic house This historic house is open by appointment.
Historic Deepwood Estate Salem Marion Willamette Valley Historic house This 1894 Queen Anne style Victorian Home is on about 4 acres (16,000 m2) of beautiful gardens and nature trails.
Hood River County History Museum Hood River Hood River The Gorge History - Local Learn about the history of Hood River County.
Hoover-Minthorn House Museum Newberg Yamhill Willamette Valley Historic house This late 19th-century home was where President Herbert Hoover lived from 1885 to 1889.
Hutson Museum Parkdale Hood River The Gorge Natural history / History - Local Also known as the "Jesse and Winifred Hutson Museum," it has rocks, minerals, Native American artifacts, and items related to local history.
I. O. N. Heritage Museum Jordan Valley Malheur Eastern History - Local This museum covers the history of an area that includes parts of Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada (that's what "I.O.N." stands for!).
Independence Heritage Museum Independence Polk Willamette Valley History - Local Website; Explore the history of Independence.
International Museum of Carousel Art Hood River Hood River Mt. Hood/
The Gorge		 Commodity - Carousel This museum claims to have the world's largest collection of antique carousel art. It's temporarily closed while it moves to a new location.
Interactive Museum of Gaming and Puzzlery King City Washington Portland Metro Area Toy website; This museum is all about board games, puzzles, video games, and construction toys.
Jesse H. Settlemier House Woodburn Marion Willamette Valley Historic house This 14-room, Queen Anne style home was built in 1892 by Jesse Settlemier, who founded Woodburn.
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument Dayville Grant Eastern Natural history This monument includes the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center with fossil exhibits. You can also visit the Cant Ranch Museum to learn about the area's cultural heritage.
John Tigard House Tigard Washington Portland Metro Historic house This 1880 Victorian-style farm home is run by the Tigard Historical Association.
Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art Eugene Lane Willamette Valley Art Part of the University of Oregon, this museum has American, regional, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and European art.
Kam Wah Chung & Co. Museum John Day Grant Eastern Ethnic - Chinese This perfectly preserved Chinese apothecary (old pharmacy) and home shows Chinese culture and heritage in Oregon.
Kathrin Cawein Gallery of Art Forest Grove Washington Portland Metro Art - Contemporary This art gallery at Pacific University is named after the artist, Kathrin Cawein.
Kerbyville Museum Kerby Josephine Southern History - Local See exhibits on local history, including mining, logging, pioneer history, and Native Americans.
Kid Time! Medford Jackson Southern Children's A museum designed for children to explore and learn.
Klamath County Museum Klamath Falls Klamath Southern History - Local / Natural history Website; This museum covers history and natural history. It's in a 1935 building that used to be a National Guard armory.
Lake Creek Historical Society Lake Creek Jackson Southern History - Local Learn about the local history of Lake Creek.
Lake County Museum Lakeview Lake Southern History - Local Discover the history of Lake County.
Lane County History Museum Eugene Lane Willamette Valley History - Local Website; This museum has an Oregon Trail exhibit, historic vehicles, period rooms, children's exhibits, and old crafts. It includes the Lane County Clerk's Building, the oldest building in the county (built 1853).
Latimer Quilt and Textile Center Tillamook Tillamook Coast Art - Quilts Website; See exhibits on old and modern quilts.
Linn County Historical Museum Brownsville Linn Willamette Valley History - Local Website; Located in Brownsville's original railroad depot, it has railroad displays. Learn about Native People, Oregon Trail immigrants, and early families.
Little Log Church Museum Yachats Lincoln Coast Multiple This museum has local historical items, a seashell collection, and works by local artists and authors.
Manuel Museum Hot Lake Union Eastern Multiple Located in the Hot Lake Hotel, this museum features Native American artifacts, military items, and pioneer objects.
Marshfield Sun Printing Museum Coos Bay Coos Coast Media - Newspaper This museum shows the old office of the Marshfield Sun newspaper (1891–1944). See printing presses and exhibits related to newspapers and photos.
Maude Kerns Art Center Eugene Lane Willamette Valley Art This is a community visual arts center.
Milwaukie Museum Milwaukie Clackamas Portland Metro Historic house This 1865 farmhouse has a collection that includes an 1872 horse-drawn streetcar.
Molalla Museum Complex Molalla Clackamas Portland Metro Multiple website; This complex includes the historic Dibble House, Vonder Ahe House, and a farm & logging machinery shed. It focuses on Native Americans, early pioneers, agriculture, and the timber industry.
Monteith House Albany Linn Willamette Valley Historic house This 1849 restored Pioneer Era home is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Morrow County Agriculture Museum Heppner Morrow Eastern Agriculture Learn about farming, ranching, and forestry in the area.
Morrow County Museum Heppner Morrow Eastern History - Local See pioneer, homestead, agricultural, and rural history items.
Mount Angel Abbey Museum Mount Angel Marion Willamette Valley Multiple This museum has natural history displays, religious items, and Civil War memorabilia.
Moyer House Brownsville Linn Willamette Valley Historic house This late 19th-century Italian-style mansion has Victorian furnishings.
Mt. Hood Cultural Center & Museum Government Camp Clackamas Mt. Hood/
The Gorge		 History - Local Website; Learn about the history of the Mt. Hood area, including art and natural history.
Museum At Warm Springs Warm Springs Jefferson Central Ethnic - Native American Discover the history and culture of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.
Museum of the Oregon Territory Oregon City Clackamas Portland Metro History Website; This museum covers Oregon's culture, early photography, industry, and Oregon City. It's operated by the Clackamas County Historical Society.
National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center Baker City Baker Eastern History Learn about the history, natural history, and culture of the Oregon Trail settlement.
Newell House Museum St. Paul Marion Willamette Valley Historic house This is a reconstructed home of the first Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives. It has living history activities and items from the French Prairie region.
Newport Visual Arts Center Newport Lincoln Coast Art This center is a public art exhibition space and offers art education programs.
North Lincoln County Historical Museum Lincoln City Lincoln Coast History - Local Website; Learn about the history of north Lincoln County, including Native Americans and pioneers.
Oakland Museum Oakland Douglas Southern History - Local See historic furniture, a bank exhibit, a post office, a general store, clothing, toys, and photographs.
Oakridge Museum Oakridge Lane Willamette Valley History - Local Learn about farming, logging, railroading, the U.S. Forest Service, and local families. It has a caboose and trucks.
Old Aurora Colony Aurora Marion Willamette Valley Open-air Website; This complex includes a local history museum and mid-19th-century buildings like an ox barn, cabin, and summer kitchen.
Old St. Peter's Landmark The Dalles Wasco Mt. Hood/
The Gorge		 Historic building - Church This former Roman Catholic church from 1898 has beautiful marble altars and stained glass windows.
Oregon Air and Space Museum Eugene Lane Willamette Valley Aerospace See aircraft, artifacts, and exhibits on the history of aviation and space exploration. It has a rare WWII American Eagle aviator uniform.
Oregon Coast Historical Railway Coos Bay Coos Coast Railroad website; This is a heritage railway and museum.
Oregon Electric Railway Museum Brooks Marion Willamette Valley Railroad See electric trolleys on the grounds of Antique Powerland.
Oregon Film Museum Astoria Clatsop Coast Film Learn about the history of movies filmed in Oregon. Over 300 movies have been made here!
Oregon Fire Service Museum Brooks Marion Willamette Valley Firefighting This museum has historical fire records, equipment, and memorabilia.
Oregon Military Museum Clackamas Clackamas Portland Metro Military This is the state's official military history museum. It has military weapons, restored vehicles and aircraft, uniforms, and a library.
Oregon Paleo Lands Institute Center Fossil Wheeler Eastern Natural history website; Learn about the area's geology, fossils, and natural history.
Oregon State Capitol Salem Marion Willamette Valley History Take tours of the building and see exhibits of art and minerals.
Oregon State Hospital Museum of Mental Health Salem Marion Willamette Valley Medical Learn about the history of the hospital and past medical treatments.
Oregon Trail Agricultural Museum Nyssa Malheur Eastern Agriculture This museum has old farm and ranch equipment, restored sheep wagons, and historical photos of Nyssa and the surrounding area.
Original Wasco County Courthouse The Dalles Wasco Mt. Hood/
The Gorge		 History Visit this 1859 courthouse with a sheriff's office and three jail cells.
Oswego Heritage Center Lake Oswego Clackamas Portland Metro History - Local website; Learn about the history of Lake Oswego.
Pacific Maritime and Heritage Center Newport Lincoln Coast Maritime website; Operated by the Lincoln County Historical Society, this center has maritime exhibits, local history, and art.
Pacific Northwest Truck Museum Brooks Marion Willamette Valley Transportation Located at Antique Powerland, this museum has vintage trucks, vans, semi-trailers, and tractors.
Pacific University Museum Forest Grove Washington Portland Metro History - Local Part of Pacific University, this museum tells the history of the university. It's in Old College Hall, the oldest building (1850) at Pacific University.
Patrick Hughes House Sixes Curry Coast Historic house Built in 1898, this house is part of the "Historic Patrick Hughes Ranch" and is run by the Cape Blanco Heritage Society.
Pendleton Air Museum Pendleton Umatilla Eastern History - Local, Military https://Pendletonairmuseum.org This non-profit museum focuses on military and aviation history, especially ties to WWII Doolittle Raiders and Pendleton Field.
Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon Hall of Fame Pendleton Umatilla Eastern Hall of fame - Rodeo See cowboy and cowgirl items, Native American regalia, championship saddles, and historical photos.
Petersen Rock Garden & Museum Redmond Deschutes Central This unique place has miniature buildings, lagoons, and gardens made of rock.
Philip Foster Farm Eagle Creek Clackamas Portland Metro Farm Visit the farm of Philip Foster, with original 19th-century houses and barn, covered wagons, and a replica blacksmith shop.
Phoenix Historical Museum Phoenix Jackson Southern History - Local This museum is operated by the Phoenix Historical Society.
Pioneer Mothers Memorial Cabin Museum St. Paul Marion Willamette Valley Historic house This log cabin in Champoeg State Heritage Area has pioneer artifacts.
Pioneer-Indian Museum Canyonville Douglas Southern History - Local Operated by the South Umpqua Historical Society, this museum has pioneer and Native American artifacts.
Pitney House Museum Junction City Lane Willamette Valley Historic house Run by the Junction City Historical Society, this 1870s home has Danish settler artifacts and an adjacent jail.
Polk County Museum Rickreall Polk Willamette Valley History - Local Website; Exhibits cover agriculture, logging, and the Kalapuya tribe who lived in Polk County.
Port Orford Lifeboat Station Museum Port Orford Curry Coast Maritime Learn about the lifeboat station in this 1934 building. It's on the National Register of Historic Places.
Prewitt-Allen Archaeological Museum Salem Marion Willamette Valley Archaeology Part of Corban University, this museum has archaeological artifacts from the Middle East and Greece.
Rail Depot Museum Troutdale Multnomah Portland Metro Railroad This building was built in 1907. A Union Pacific caboose is in the parking lot. It's run by the Troutdale Historical Society.
Railroad Park Medford Jackson Southern Railroad website; This city park has full-size railroad cars, a caboose, a locomotive, and model trains.
Real Life Exhibit Tigard Washington Portland Metro Humanitarian Aid Website; Step into the lives of people affected by crises around the world. It's part of Medical Teams International.
Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals Hillsboro Washington Portland Metro Geology This museum claims to have the "largest opal-filled thunderegg in the world." It also has large pieces of crystallized gold, meteorites, and dinosaur eggs.
Ripley's Believe It or Not! Newport Lincoln Coast Amusement See strange and amazing exhibits at this popular attraction.
Rinehart Stone House Museum Vale Malheur Eastern Oregon Trail / House museum This 1872 sandstone building was a stop for travelers on the Oregon Trail. It has local history items and photos.
Rogue River Museum Gold Beach Curry Coast Multiple Learn about the natural history and history of the Rogue River.
Rogue River Ranch Curry Coast Historic house This is a complex of pioneer ranch houses.
Rorick House Museum The Dalles Wasco Mt. Hood/
The Gorge		 Historic house This 1850 period house is operated by the Wasco County Historical Society.
Santiam Historical Society Museum Stayton Marion Willamette Valley History - Local Learn about the local history of Santiam.
Sandy Historical Museum Sandy Clackamas Portland Metro History - Local Website; This museum is run by the Sandy Historical Society.
Schmidt House Museum Grants Pass Josephine Southern Historic house Run by the Josephine County Historical Society, this early 20th-century house includes an antique toy collection.
Schminck Memorial Museum Lakeview Lake Southern History - Local See Native American and pioneer artifacts, antique household items, and furnishings.
Schneider Museum of Art Ashland Jackson Southern Art Website; This art museum is part of Southern Oregon University.
Science Factory Children's Museum & Planetarium Eugene Lane Willamette Valley Children's / Science - Science center This is a hands-on science museum for children.
ScienceWorks Hands-on Museum Ashland Jackson Southern Science A hands-on science museum for all ages. It has changing exhibits, a "DaVinci's Garage" tinkering space, and permanent exhibits on physics.
Scio Historical Depot Museum Scio Linn Willamette Valley History - Local See items from the area, including clothing, farm tools, and household goods. It's in the original 1890s West Scio railroad depot.
Seaside Historical Society Museum Seaside Clatsop Coast History - Local Website; Learn about local history and see Native American artifacts. The Butterfield Cottage shows a beach cottage from 1912.
Shelton-McMurphey-Johnson House Eugene Lane Willamette Valley Historic house Known as the "Castle on the Hill," this beautiful Queen Anne style Victorian mansion was built in 1888.
Sherman County Historical Museum Moro Sherman Eastern History - Local Website; See farm machinery, tools, household items, and items from Sherman County's early settlers and Native Americans.
Sherwood Heritage Center Sherwood Washington Portland Metro History website; This museum and living history site is in two historical buildings and has a train exhibit.
Shedd Museum Shedd Linn Willamette Valley History - Local Housed in the former Bank of Shedd, this museum has community items, including Civil War and Oregon Trail items.
Silverton Country Museum Silverton Marion Willamette Valley History - Local website; Learn about Silverton area history. It's operated by the Silverton County Historical Society in the 1908 Ames/Warnock House.
Siuslaw Pioneer Museum Florence Lane Coast History - Local Website; Discover the history of the Siuslaw River and its pioneers, logging, agriculture, blacksmithing, and Native American artifacts.
Spray Pioneer Museum Spray Wheeler Eastern History - Local This museum has pioneer items, photographs, and farm tools.
Springfield Museum Springfield Lane Willamette Valley History - Local This museum is in the 1911 Oregon Power Company transformer station, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Stevens-Crawford Heritage House Oregon City Clackamas Portland Metro Historic house Website; This 1908 home has original furnishings, personal belongings, and kitchen items from one of Oregon Territory's earliest families.
Sumpter Museum and Public Library Sumpter Baker Eastern History - Local / Natural history Learn about the history and natural history of the Sumpter Valley.
Sumpter Valley Gold Dredge Sumpter Baker Eastern Industry - Mining See a historic gold dredge, which is a large machine used to dig for gold. It's now a museum and park.
Talent Historical Society Museum Talent Jackson Southern History - Local Learn about the local history of Talent.
Tamastslikt Cultural Institute Pendleton Umatilla Eastern Ethnic - Native American Discover the history and culture of the Tamastslikt people. It's connected to the Wildhorse Resort & Casino.
Think Link Discovery Center La Grande Union Eastern Children's Website; A discovery center for children to learn and explore.
Thompson's Mills State Heritage Site Shedd Linn Willamette Valley Industry/ State History This is Oregon's oldest water-powered mill. You can take guided or self-guided tours. The grounds are open for picnics and fishing.
Tillamook County Pioneer Museum Tillamook Tillamook Coast History - Local Website; This museum combines North Oregon coastal history and natural history. It's in the former courthouse in downtown Tillamook.
Tillamook Air Museum Tillamook Tillamook Coast Aviation Located in a huge WWII blimp hangar, this museum has over 30 "War Birds" (old military planes) and other items.
Toledo History Center Toledo Lincoln Coast History - Local Learn about the logging, railroad, marine industry, boatbuilding, and settlement history of the Toledo area.
Train Mountain Railroad Chiloquin Klamath Southern Railroad This museum has miniature hobbyist railroads and antique full-size railroad cars and items.
Traveling Children's Heritage Museum Greenleaf Lane Willamette Valley Children's / History - Local This museum can be moved from place to place! It has a model covered wagon, a canvas tent, historical items, and old photographs.
Tualatin Heritage Center Tualatin Clackamas Portland Metro History - Local This center is operated by the Tualatin Historical Society.
Umatilla Museum and Historical Foundation Umatilla Umatilla Eastern History - Local Website; Learn about the local history of Umatilla.
Umpqua Discovery Center Reedsport Douglas Coast Natural history / History - Local Website; This center has nature exhibits and history exhibits about the Kuuich tribe, fur traders, and early European settlers of the Lower Umpqua River.
Umpqua River Lighthouse and Coastal History Museum Winchester Bay Douglas Coast Maritime Learn about the history of the lighthouse, the local Coast Guard, and local history. It's in a working lighthouse and a former Coast Guard Station.
Union County Museum Union Union Eastern History - Local website; See items about cowboys, cattle, natural and cultural history of the Grande Ronde Valley, agriculture, timber, transportation, pioneers, and mining.
University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History Eugene Lane Willamette Valley Natural history / History Explore Oregon's landscapes, climate, ecosystems, fossils, geology, and cultures through archaeological sites.
Upper Rogue Historical Society Museum Trail Jackson Southern History - Local See artifacts and pictures from the Upper Rogue area. It's in a former tavern.
Uppertown Firefighter's Museum Astoria Clatsop Coast Fire fighting See fire-fighting equipment from 1879 to 1963, including hand-pulled, horse-drawn, and motorized fire engines. It's operated by the Clatsop County Historical Society.
U.S. Cavalry and American Indian Museum Blue River Lane Willamette Valley Multiple Learn about the history of the U.S. Cavalry from 1861 to 1943, and Native American daily life, tools, clothing, and baskets.
Vernonia Pioneer Museum Vernonia Columbia Portland Metro History - Local See artifacts of local history and Native American artifacts.
Waldport Heritage Museum Waldport Lincoln Coast History - Local website; This museum is operated by the Alsi Historical and Genealogical Society.
Wallowa Band Nez Perce Trail Interpretive Center Wallowa Wallowa Eastern Ethnic - Native American Website; Learn about the culture and history of the Wallowa Band Nez Perce.
Wallowa County Museum Joseph Wallowa Eastern History - Local Discover the history of Wallowa County.
Washington County Museum Hillsboro Washington Portland Metro History - Local This museum is located in Downtown Hillsboro at the Civic Center.
Watts House Pioneer Museum Scappoose Columbia Portland Metro History - Local Run by the Scappoose Historical Society, this museum has local history and period displays in a 1902 Victorian house.
Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum Hood River Hood River Mt. Hood/
The Gorge		 Aviation / Automobile This museum focuses on aircraft from 1903 to 1941, as well as antique cars and military vehicles. Website
Willamette Heritage Center Salem Marion Willamette Valley Multiple This center includes the former Thomas Kay woolen mill (1889–1962) and Jason Lee's Methodist mission to Oregon from 1834. See mission houses, a settler's house, and historic church.
Willamina Museum of Local History Willamina Yamhill Willamette Valley History - Local Learn about the local history of Willamina.
William L. Holmes House at Rose Farm Oregon City Clackamas Portland Metro Historic house This is the oldest American home in Oregon City.
Wiseman Gallery Grants Pass Josephine Southern Art Operated by Rogue Community College, this gallery shows aesthetic, cultural, and social art.
Woodburn Historical Museum Woodburn Marion Willamette Valley History - Local Learn about the local history of Woodburn.
Woodville Museum Rogue River Jackson Southern History - Local This museum is operated by the Woodville Historical Society.
Yamhill Valley Heritage Center McMinnville Yamhill Willamette Valley History - Local Operated by the Yamhill County Historical Society, this center has antique farm equipment, a sawmill, and a schoolhouse.
Yamhill County Historical Society Museum Lafayette Yamhill Willamette Valley History - Local See tools, carriages, doctor's and dentist's equipment, pioneer bedroom, old parlor, dolls, quilts, and Native American baskets.
Yaquina Bay Light Newport Lincoln Coast Maritime This lighthouse has period rooms showing what the keeper's quarters looked like.
Yaquina Head Interpretive Center Newport Lincoln Coast Maritime Visit this lighthouse and its interpretive center to learn about the area.
Yaquina Pacific Railroad Historical Society Toledo Lincoln Coast Railroad Website; This place has an outdoor railroad and logging "Heritage Square," with a 1922 Baldwin Steam engine, a 1923 railway Post Office car, and a 1907 caboose.
Yaquina River Museum of Art Toledo Lincoln Coast Art Website; See paintings by artists who were inspired by the land and people of the Yaquina River area.
Zimmerman House Gresham Multnomah Portland Metro Historic house This turn-of-the-century farmstead house has furnishings from over 100 years ago.

Museums at Antique Powerland

Antique Powerland Museums is a special place that includes 14 other museums and heritage groups working together. Here are the ones that are part of it (some are also listed in the main table above):

Oregon Regions Explained

The regions used in the museum list help you know where each museum is located in Oregon. These regions are based on how the Oregon Museums Association divides the state:

Other Names for Museums

Sometimes museums are known by different names, or their names have changed over time. Here are some other names for museums that are in the list above:

  • Gateway to Discovery — another name for the Gateway Coastal Natural History Center.
  • Coos County Historical Society Museum – changed its name to Coos Historical and Maritime Museum in 2004.
  • Coos-Curry Museum – this museum later split into what are now the Coos Historical and Maritime Museum and Curry Historical Society Museum.
  • Deepwood Estate – see Historic Deepwood Estate.
  • Heritage Museum – see Clatsop County Historical Society Heritage Museum.
  • Historic Patrick Hughes House – see Patrick Hughes House.
  • Hughes Historic House – see Patrick Hughes House.
  • Jordan Valley Owyhee Heritage Council Museum – see I. O. N. Jordan Valley Heritage Museum.
  • Old College Hall
  • Telephone Pioneers Museum – see Qwest Pioneer Telephone Museum.
  • Tillamook Naval Museum – see Tillamook Naval Air Station.
  • Wasco County Historical Museum – this museum is now part of the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center.
  • Yamhill Museum — see Yamhill County Historical Society Museum.

See also

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List of museums in Oregon Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.