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List of museums in Oregon facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Oregon is full of awesome places to visit, and museums are some of the best! A museum is like a special treasure chest where people collect, take care of, and show off interesting things. These things can be about history, art, science, or even really old objects. This list will help you discover some of the coolest museums in Oregon, perfect for kids aged 12-14. You'll find everything from hands-on science centers to historic houses and even places with old airplanes!

Awesome Museums to Explore

Here's a list of some exciting museums across Oregon. Get ready to learn and have fun!

Name Community County Region Type What Makes It Cool!
A. C. Gilbert's Discovery Village Salem Marion Willamette Valley Children's A hands-on museum with inventions by Alfred Carlton Gilbert, who created the Erector Set. It even has the world's largest Erector Set tower, standing 52 feet tall!
A. R. Bowman Memorial Museum Prineville Crook Central History - Local Learn about Crook County's past, including the City of Prineville Railroad and the local timber industry. They also have a military exhibit.
Albany Historic Carousel and Museum Albany Linn Willamette Valley Commodity - Carousel This museum is restoring a historic Dentzel Carousel. You can see the progress and enjoy carousel memorabilia.
Albany Regional Museum Albany Linn Willamette Valley History - Local Discover local history in a beautiful 1887 Italianate Victorian building. It's a great way to step back in time.
Alsea Bay Historic Interpretive Center Waldport Lincoln Coast Transportation This state park has exhibits about the Alsea Bridge and how bridges were built in Oregon. You can also learn about local transportation and Native American history.
Antique Powerland Museums Brooks Marion Willamette Valley Railroad / Machinery A huge place with many museums! You can see and learn about steam-powered equipment, old farm machinery, and even electric trolleys.
Applegate Trail Interpretive Center Sunny Valley Josephine Southern History - Local Explore pioneer artifacts, learn about the gold mining boom, and see how stagecoaches and railroads changed the area.
Astoria Column Astoria Clatsop Coast History - Local Climb this 125-foot tower for amazing views and see scenes of Oregon history carved on its outside.
Astoria Riverfront Trolley Astoria Clatsop Coast Transportation - Trolley Take a ride on a historic trolley along the Astoria riverfront. It's a fun way to see the city!
Baker Heritage Museum Baker City Baker Eastern History - Local Check out rocks and crystals, local history exhibits, a restored old house, and antique cars.
Baldwin Hotel Museum Klamath Falls Klamath Southern History - Local This four-story 1906 building shows local history and has the studio of an old photographer, Maud Baldwin.
Bandon Historical Society Museum Bandon Coos Coast History - Local Learn about Bandon's history, Native American artifacts, logging, fishing, and the big fire of 1936. They also have a maritime room.
Benton County Historical Society and Museum Philomath Benton Willamette Valley History - Local / Natural history This museum covers county history and has a huge collection of 60,000 natural history items. It's in a historic 1867 college building.
Bohemia Gold Mining Museum Cottage Grove Lane Willamette Valley Mining Discover the exciting history of gold mining in the area.
Bonneville Dam Visitor Centers Cascade Locks Hood River Portland Metro Multiple Take tours of the dam's powerhouse, learn about its construction, see the fish ladder, and explore the natural history of river fish.
Brooks Depot Museum Brooks Marion Willamette Valley History - Local Run by the Brooks Historical Society, this museum is located at Antique Powerland and is open once a month.
Bush Barn Art Center Salem Marion Willamette Valley Art Located in Bush's Pasture Park, this center features two galleries with modern art.
Bush House Museum Salem Marion Willamette Valley Historic house A beautiful Italianate Victorian home built in 1877–78. It has old-fashioned furniture, wallpapers, and fancy fireplaces.
Camp White Military Museum White City Jackson Southern Military Learn about the history of Camp White, an Army training base during World War II.
Canby Depot Museum Canby Clackamas Portland Metro Railroad / History - Local This museum, in a former train depot, tells the story of local and railroad history.
Cannon Beach History Center & Museum Cannon Beach Clatsop Coast History - Local See a cannon, a model of the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, and Native American longhouse exhibits.
Caples House Museum Columbia Columbia Portland Metro Historic house / Toys An 1870 home with antique furniture, medical tools, and Native American baskets. The carriage house has two floors of dolls and toys!
Cascade Locks Historical Museum Cascade Locks Hood River Mt. Hood/
The Gorge		 Multiple Located in an old lock tender's house, it features exhibits on the Cascade Locks, an Oregon Pony locomotive, and Native American history.
Chachalu Museum and Cultural Center Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Polk County Willamette Valley Multiple This center shares the stories of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, celebrating their culture and history.
Children's Museum of Klamath Falls Klamath Falls Klamath Southern Children's A fun place for kids to play and learn through hands-on activities.
Children's Museum of Eastern Oregon Pendleton Umatilla Eastern Children's A great children's museum with lots of interactive exhibits for young learners.
Chinese House Railroad Museum Echo Umatilla Eastern Ethnic - Chinese American / Railroad See artifacts from railroad history and learn about the Chinese workers who built the railroads, in an original "China House."
Classic Aircraft Aviation Museum Hillsboro Washington Portland Metro Aviation Discover restored historic aircraft at the Hillsboro Airport. Perfect for plane enthusiasts!
Clatsop County Heritage Museum Astoria Clatsop Coast History - Local Explore local history, including Chinook and Clatsop Indian artifacts, in the former Astoria City Hall.
Collier Logging Museum Chiloquin Klamath Southern Industry An outdoor museum in Collier Memorial State Park with a huge collection of historic logging equipment and railroad items.
Columbia Gorge Discovery Center The Dalles Wasco Mt. Hood/
The Gorge		 Multiple This is the official center for the Columbia River Gorge. It covers local history, natural history, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and even the Ice Age!
Columbia River Maritime Museum Astoria Clatsop Coast Maritime Learn about the history of the Columbia River with interactive exhibits, maritime artifacts, and the Lightship Columbia, a National Historic Landmark.
Coos Art Museum Coos Bay Coos Coast Art Oregon's third oldest art museum, located in an Art Deco post office. It features modern art and offers classes.
Coos County Logging Museum Myrtle Point Coos Coast Industry - Timber See displays, pictures, and artifacts about 20th-century logging in a unique onion-shaped, shingled-dome building.
Coos History Museum Coos Bay Coos Coast History - Local Explore the history of the south Oregon coast, including logging, Native Americans, and ship construction.
Crater Rock Museum Central Point Jackson Southern Geology A fantastic place to see rocks, minerals, gems, fossils, and Native American artifacts.
Crown Point Vista House Troutdale Multnomah Portland Metro History - Local This beautiful stone building offers amazing views of the Columbia River Gorge. It has displays on the Gorge's history and geology.
Des Chutes Historical Museum Bend Deschutes Central History - Local Learn about the area's early history, Native American tribes, pioneers, the logging industry, and transportation.
DeWitt Museum Prairie City Grant Eastern History - Local / Railroad Located in a historic train station, it has railroad displays, local history, rocks, minerals, and mining exhibits.
Dorris Ranch Springfield Lane Willamette Valley Living A national historic site and working farm. It features a 19th-century pioneer village and is a public park.
Douglas County Museum Roseburg Douglas Coast Natural history / History - Local This museum combines natural history with local history exhibits.
Dufur Historical Society Museum Dufur Wasco Mt. Hood/
The Gorge		 History - Local See history displays in a historic log cabin, school, and museum building.
Eastern Oregon Fire Museum & Learning Center La Grande Union Eastern Firefighting This museum is in a former fire station and shows the history of firefighting, old fire trucks, and how technology has changed.
Eastern Oregon Museum Haines Baker Eastern History - Local Explore logging, mining, cowboy items, ranching, old housewares, clothing, dolls, toys, and even a former railroad depot and schoolhouse.
End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center Oregon City Clackamas Portland Metro History Experience presentations by live history interpreters dressed in pioneer clothing. Learn what it was like at the end of the Oregon Trail.
Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum McMinnville Yamhill Willamette Valley Aviation / Aerospace museum Home to Howard Hughes' famous "Spruce Goose" airplane! It also has other planes, helicopters, a Titan II missile, and space technology exhibits.
Favell Museum Klamath Falls Klamath Southern Art - Western / Ethnic - Native American This museum features Western art and a wonderful collection of Native American artifacts.
Five Oaks Museum Hillsboro Washington Portland Metro History - Local Learn about local history at this museum, located on the Portland Community College Rock Creek campus.
Flavel House Museum Astoria Clatsop Coast Historic house Tour this beautiful 1886 Queen Anne style home of Captain George Flavel, a river pilot. It has original woodwork and period furniture.
Fort Clatsop National Memorial Astoria Clatsop Coast Military See a replica of the winter camp used by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805–1806.
Fort Dalles Museum The Dalles Wasco Mt. Hood/
The Gorge		 History - Local Discover military, pioneer, and Native American artifacts, Oregon Trail relics, old vehicles, and household items. It's on the National Register of Historic Places.
Fort Klamath Museum Klamath Falls Klamath Southern Fort Explore the eight-acre site of Fort Klamath (1863–1890). A replica of the guardhouse holds artifacts from the fort.
Fort Rock Valley Historical Homestead Museum Fort Rock Lake Southern Open-air museum This outdoor museum has original pioneer buildings like a church, school, and homestead cabins.
Fort Stevens Historical Area Warrenton Clatsop Coast Military Located in Fort Stevens State Park, this area has military history exhibits.
Fossil Museum & Pine Creek Schoolhouse Fossil Wheeler Eastern Natural history / History - Local Learn about the area's natural history, fossils, and local pioneer history.
Four Rivers Cultural Center Ontario Malheur Eastern History - Local / Ethnic - Native American This center features 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 Visit an 1892 farmhouse, a 1918 barn, a carriage house, and other historic farm buildings.
Garibaldi Museum Garibaldi Tillamook Coast Maritime Focuses on 18th-century Captain Robert Gray, his ships, and trade with Pacific Northwest Native Americans. See ship models and a reproduction of a ship's figurehead.
Gilliam County Historical Museum Condon Gilliam Eastern Open-air An outdoor museum with old farm equipment, a Union Pacific Railroad caboose, an 1884 log cabin, a 1910 school, and an early 20th-century jail.
Gordon House Silverton Marion Willamette Valley Historic house This is a special "Usonian" house designed by the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Grant County Historical Museum Canyon City Grant Eastern History - Local Explore the history of Grant County at this museum.
Grants Pass Museum of Art Grants Pass Josephine Southern Art Features works by local and regional artists.
Gresham History Museum Gresham Multnomah Portland Metro History - Local Learn about the history of Gresham and the surrounding area.
Hallie Ford Museum of Art Salem Marion Willamette Valley Art Part of Willamette University, this museum has art from Asia, Europe, Native America, and the local region.
Hanley Farm Museum Central Point Jackson Southern Farm A 37-acre working farm that shows what farm life was like in different historical periods.
Hanthorn Cannery Museum Astoria Clatsop Coast Industry Learn about the local cannery and fishing industries.
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 Features scale models of historic buildings, old cameras, antique farm equipment, and an 1867-era house.
Hatfield Marine Science Visitor Center Newport Lincoln Coast Natural history - Maritime Discover exhibits and programs that explain marine science research and the fishing industry.
Heceta Head Lighthouse Florence Lane Coast Maritime A working lighthouse that is open for tours.
Heritage Station Museum Pendleton Umatilla Eastern History - Local Also known as the Umatilla County Historical Museum, it's in a 1909 depot. The grounds include a caboose, an 1879 schoolhouse, and a log cabin.
High Desert Museum Bend Deschutes Central Multiple This museum has live animals, natural history exhibits, pioneer life displays, an 1880s ranch, an 1860s town, Native American exhibits, and antique vehicles.
Historic Deepwood Estate Salem Marion Willamette Valley Historic house A beautiful 1894 Queen Anne style Victorian home surrounded by four acres of gardens and nature trails.
Hood River County History Museum Hood River Hood River The Gorge History - Local Learn all 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 See rocks, minerals, Native American artifacts, dolls, and items related to local history.
Independence Heritage Museum Independence Polk Willamette Valley History - Local Explore the heritage of Independence at this museum.
Interactive Museum of Gaming and Puzzlery King City Washington Portland Metro Area Toy This museum is all about board games, puzzles, video games, and construction toys. Sounds like fun!
Jesse H. Settlemier House Woodburn Marion Willamette Valley Historic house A 14-room Queen Anne style home built in 1892 by Jesse Settlemier, who founded Woodburn.
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument Dayville Grant Eastern Natural history Visit the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center with fossil exhibits. The Cant Ranch Museum also shows the area's cultural heritage.
John Tigard House Tigard Washington Portland Metro Historic house An 1880 Victorian style farm home, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art Eugene Lane Willamette Valley Art Part of the University of Oregon, it has American, regional, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and European art.
Kam Wah Chung & Co. Museum John Day Grant Eastern Ethnic - Chinese A perfectly preserved Chinese apothecary and residence. It highlights Chinese culture and heritage in Oregon.
Kid Time! Medford Jackson Southern Children's A children's museum designed for hands-on learning and play.
Klamath County Museum Klamath Falls Klamath Southern History - Local / Natural history This museum covers both history and natural history in a 1935 building that used to be a National Guard armory.
Lake County Museum Lakeview Lake Southern History - Local Explore the local history of Lake County.
Lane County History Museum Eugene Lane Willamette Valley History - Local Features an Oregon Trail exhibit, historic vehicles, period rooms, and children's exhibits. It includes the oldest building in the county, built in 1853.
Latimer Quilt and Textile Center Tillamook Tillamook Coast Art - Quilts See exhibits on both antique and modern quilts.
Linn County Historical Museum Brownsville Linn Willamette Valley History - Local Located in Brownsville's original railroad depot, it has railroad displays and tells the stories of Native People, Oregon Trail immigrants, and early settlers.
Little Log Church Museum Yachats Lincoln Coast Multiple This museum has local historical artifacts, a seashell collection, and works by local artists and authors.
Marshfield Sun Printing Museum Coos Bay Coos Coast Media - Newspaper See old printing presses and newspaper exhibits from the Marshfield Sun newspaper (1891–1944).
Maude Kerns Art Center Eugene Lane Willamette Valley Art A community visual arts center that showcases different types of art.
Milwaukie Museum Milwaukie Clackamas Portland Metro Historic house An 1865 farmhouse with a collection that includes an 1872 horse-drawn streetcar from Portland.
Molalla Museum Complex Molalla Clackamas Portland Metro Multiple This complex includes historic houses, a farm and logging machinery shed. It focuses on Native Americans, pioneers, agriculture, and the timber industry.
Monteith House Albany Linn Willamette Valley Historic house A restored Pioneer Era home from 1849, listed 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 Features pioneer, homestead, agricultural, and rural history artifacts.
Mount Angel Abbey Museum Mount Angel Marion Willamette Valley Multiple This museum has natural history dioramas, religious artifacts, and even Civil War memorabilia.
Moyer House Brownsville Linn Willamette Valley Historic house A late 19th-century Italian-style mansion with Victorian furnishings.
Mt. Hood Cultural Center & Museum Government Camp Clackamas Mt. Hood/
The Gorge		 History - Local Learn about the history of the Mt. Hood area, including its art and natural history.
Museum At Warm Springs Warm Springs Jefferson Central Ethnic - Native American Discover the rich history and culture of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.
Museum of the Oregon Territory Oregon City Clackamas Portland Metro History Explore Oregon's culture, early photography, industry, and the history of Oregon City and Willamette Falls.
National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center Baker City Baker Eastern History Learn about the history, natural history, and cultural history of the Oregon Trail and its settlers.
Newell House Museum St. Paul Marion Willamette Valley Historic house A reconstructed home of the first Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives. It offers living history activities and artifacts.
Next Level Pinball Museum Hillsboro Washington Portland Metro Gaming A fun place with pinball machines and arcade games. Get ready to play!
North Lincoln County Historical Museum Lincoln City Lincoln Coast History - Local Explore 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 old tools.
Oakridge Museum Oakridge Lane Willamette Valley History - Local Learn about farming, logging, railroading, the U.S. Forest Service, and early families in the upper Willamette River region.
Old Aurora Colony Aurora Marion Willamette Valley Open-air This complex includes a local history museum and mid-19th-century buildings like an ox barn, cabin, and summer kitchen.
Oregon Air and Space Museum Eugene Lane Willamette Valley Aerospace See aircraft, artifacts, and exhibits on the history of aviation and space exploration. They have a rare WWII aviator uniform!
Oregon Coast Historical Railway Coos Bay Coos Coast Railroad A heritage railway and museum where you can learn about old trains.
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 more than 300 movies that have been filmed in Oregon.
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 Oregon's official military history center. It has military arms, vehicles, aircraft, uniforms, and a library.
Oregon Paleo Lands Institute Center Fossil Wheeler Eastern Natural history Learn about the area's geology, fossils, and natural history.
Oregon State Capitol Salem Marion Willamette Valley History Take tours of the state capitol 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 how mental health treatments have changed over time.
Oregon Trail Agricultural Museum Nyssa Malheur Eastern Agriculture This museum has old farm and ranch equipment, restored sheep wagons, and historical photos of the Oregon Trail area.
Original Wasco County Courthouse The Dalles Wasco Mt. Hood/
The Gorge		 History Visit this 1859 courthouse with a sheriff's office and three old jail cells.
Oswego Heritage Center Lake Oswego Clackamas Portland Metro History - Local Explore the local history of Lake Oswego.
Pacific Maritime and Heritage Center Newport Lincoln Coast Maritime This center has maritime exhibits, local history, and art, run by the Lincoln County Historical Society.
Pacific Northwest Truck Museum Brooks Marion Willamette Valley Transportation Located at Antique Powerland, this museum features vintage trucks, vans, semi-trailers, and tractors.
Pendleton Air Museum Pendleton Umatilla Eastern History - Local, Military A non-profit museum focusing on military and aviation history, with strong ties to WWII events like the Doolittle Raiders.
Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon Hall of Fame Pendleton Umatilla Eastern Hall of fame - Rodeo See cowboy and cowgirl memorabilia, Native American regalia, championship saddles, and historical photos from the famous Pendleton Round-Up.
Petersen Rock Garden & Museum Redmond Deschutes Central Unique Explore miniature buildings, lagoons, bridges, gardens, churches, and castles, all made of rock!
Philip Foster Farm Eagle Creek Clackamas Portland Metro Farm Visit the farm of Philip Foster, with original 19th-century houses, a barn, covered wagons, and a replica blacksmith shop.
Pioneer Mothers Memorial Cabin Museum St. Paul Marion Willamette Valley Historic house A log cabin filled with pioneer artifacts, located in Champoeg State Heritage Area.
Pioneer-Indian Museum Canyonville Douglas Southern History - Local Features pioneer and Native American artifacts.
Polk County Museum Rickreall Polk Willamette Valley History - Local Exhibits on 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 also 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 museum is in a 1907 building. In 1894, a group of unemployed men called Coxey's Army famously hijacked a train here!
Railroad Park Medford Jackson Southern Railroad A 49-acre city park with full-size railroad cars, a caboose, a locomotive, and model trains.
Real Life Exhibit Tigard Washington Portland Metro Humanitarian Aid Step into the lives and homes of people affected by crises around the world. 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"! See huge pieces of gold, meteorites, and dinosaur eggs.
Ripley's Believe It or Not! Newport Lincoln Coast Amusement A museum full of strange and amazing exhibits that will make you say, "Believe It or Not!"
Rinehart Stone House Museum Vale Malheur Eastern Oregon Trail / House museum See local history items and photos, and learn about the Oregon Trail in this 1872 sandstone building. It was a stop for travelers and a shelter during an uprising.
Rogue River Museum Gold Beach Curry Coast Multiple Learn about the natural history and history of the Rogue River.
Rorick House Museum The Dalles Wasco Mt. Hood/
The Gorge		 Historic house An 1850 period house operated by the Wasco County Historical Society.
Sandy Historical Museum Sandy Clackamas Portland Metro History - Local Learn about the history of Sandy and the surrounding area.
Schmidt House Museum Grants Pass Josephine Southern Historic house This early 20th-century home has period furniture and an antique toy collection.
Schminck Memorial Museum Lakeview Lake Southern History - Local Features Native American and pioneer artifacts, antique household items, and furnishings.
Schneider Museum of Art Ashland Jackson Southern Art Part of Southern Oregon University, this museum showcases various art exhibits.
Science Factory Children's Museum & Planetarium Eugene Lane Willamette Valley Children's / Science - Science center A hands-on science museum for children with a planetarium to explore space!
ScienceWorks Hands-on Museum Ashland Jackson Southern Science A hands-on science museum for all ages with rotating exhibits, a "maker" space, and permanent physics exhibits.
Scio Historical Depot Museum Scio Linn Willamette Valley History - Local See memorabilia from the area, including clothing, farm tools, and household goods, in the original 1890s railroad depot.
Seaside Historical Society Museum Seaside Clatsop Coast History - Local Learn about local history and Native American artifacts. The Butterfield Cottage shows what a beach cottage looked like in 1912.
Shelton-McMurphey-Johnson House Eugene Lane Willamette Valley Historic house Known as the "Castle on the Hill," this is a beautiful Queen Anne style Victorian mansion built in 1888.
Sherman County Historical Museum Moro Sherman Eastern History - Local Features farm machinery, tools, household items, and memorabilia from Sherman County's early settlers and Native American items.
Sherwood Heritage Center Sherwood Washington Portland Metro History A museum and living history site in two historical buildings, including a train exhibit.
Silverton Country Museum Silverton Marion Willamette Valley History - Local Learn about Silverton area history in the 1908 Ames/Warnock House.
Siuslaw Pioneer Museum Florence Lane Coast History - Local Discover the history of the Siuslaw River and its pioneers, including logging, agriculture, blacksmithing, and Native American artifacts.
Spray Pioneer Museum Spray Wheeler Eastern History - Local Features pioneer items, photographs, and farm implements.
Springfield Museum Springfield Lane Willamette Valley History - Local Located 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 A 1908 period home with original furnishings, personal belongings, and kitchen utensils from one of Oregon Territory's earliest families.
Sumpter Museum and Public Library Sumpter Baker Eastern History - Local / Natural history Explore the history and natural history of the Sumpter Valley.
Sumpter Valley Gold Dredge Sumpter Baker Eastern Industry - Mining Visit a historic gold dredge, which is a huge machine used to dig for gold, and explore the 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.
Think Link Discovery Center La Grande Union Eastern Children's A fun discovery center for kids to learn and explore.
Thompson's Mills State Heritage Site Shedd Linn Willamette Valley Industry/ State History Oregon's oldest water-powered mill! Take guided or self-guided tours, see pioneer orchards, and meet heritage turkeys, ducks, and chickens.
Tillamook County Pioneer Museum Tillamook Tillamook Coast History - Local This museum combines North Oregon coastal history and natural history in the former courthouse in downtown Tillamook.
Tillamook Air Museum Tillamook Tillamook Coast Aviation Located in a huge WWII blimp hangar, it has over 30 "War Birds" (historic aircraft) and memorabilia.
Toledo History Center Toledo Lincoln Coast History - Local Learn about logging, railroads, the marine industry, boatbuilding, and the settlement history of the Toledo area.
Train Mountain Railroad Chiloquin Klamath Southern Railroad A miniature hobbyist railroad and museum with antique full-size railroad cars and artifacts.
Traveling Children's Heritage Museum Greenleaf Lane Willamette Valley Children's / History - Local This unique museum can move! It has a model covered wagon, a canvas tent, historical artifacts, and old photographs.
Tualatin Heritage Center Tualatin Clackamas Portland Metro History - Local Operated by the Tualatin Historical Society, this center explores local history.
Umpqua Discovery Center Reedsport Douglas Coast Natural history / History - Local Features nature exhibits and history exhibits about the Kuuich tribe, fur traders, and 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 Coast Guard, and local history in a working lighthouse and former Coast Guard Station.
Union County Museum Union Union Eastern History - Local Discover cowboys, cattle, natural and cultural history of the Grande Ronde Valley, agriculture, timber, and pioneers.
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, located 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.
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, spirituality, tools, and clothing.
Vernonia Pioneer Museum Vernonia Columbia Portland Metro History - Local Features artifacts of local history and Native American artifacts.
Waldport Heritage Museum Waldport Lincoln Coast History - Local Operated by the Alsi Historical and Genealogical Society, this museum explores local history.
Wallowa Band Nez Perce Trail Interpretive Center Wallowa Wallowa Eastern Ethnic - Native American Learn about the Wallowa Band Nez Perce culture and history.
Wallowa County Museum Joseph Wallowa Eastern History - Local Discover the local history of Wallowa County.
Watts House Pioneer Museum Scappoose Columbia Portland Metro History - Local This museum, in a 1902 Victorian house, shows local history and period displays.
Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum Hood River Hood River Mt. Hood/
The Gorge		 Aviation / Automobile Focuses on aircraft from 1903 to 1941, light WWII military aircraft, antique cars, and aircraft engines.
Willamette Heritage Center Salem Marion Willamette Valley Multiple This center includes the former Thomas Kay woolen mill (1889–1962), Jason Lee's Methodist mission houses, an Oregon Trail settler's house, and a 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.
Woodburn Historical Museum Woodburn Marion Willamette Valley History - Local Explore the local history of Woodburn.
Woodville Museum Rogue River Jackson Southern History - Local Operated by the Woodville Historical Society, this museum shares local history.
Yamhill Valley Heritage Center McMinnville Yamhill Willamette Valley History - Local Operated by the Yamhill County Historical Society, it includes 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, a pioneer bedroom, dolls, quilts, and Native American baskets.
Yaquina Bay Light Newport Lincoln Coast Maritime Visit this lighthouse and see what the keeper's quarters looked like long ago.
Yaquina Head Interpretive Center Newport Lincoln Coast Maritime Explore the lighthouse and its interpretive center to learn about the coast.
Yaquina Pacific Railroad Historical Society Toledo Lincoln Coast Railroad 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 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 A turn-of-the-century farmstead house with furnishings that span over 100 years.

More Museums at Antique Powerland

Antique Powerland Museums is a huge place that includes 14 other museums and heritage groups. Here are some of them:

Oregon's Regions for Museums

The museums in the table above are grouped by regions, which are used by the Oregon Museums Association:

  • Central: This includes all of Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson counties. It also covers most of Wasco County, except for the northern parts near Interstate 84.
  • Coast: This region includes all of Clatsop, Coos, Curry, Lincoln, and Tillamook counties. It also covers the western parts of Douglas County (like Scottsburg) and western Lane County (like Mapleton).
  • Eastern: This is a large region with all of Baker, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, and Wheeler counties.
  • Mount Hood/The Gorge: This region includes all of Hood River County. It also covers parts of northern Wasco County (near Interstate 84) and eastern parts of Multnomah and Clackamas counties, including areas east of U.S. Route 26 and places like Multnomah Falls.
  • Portland Metro: This includes all of Columbia and Washington counties. It also covers parts of Clackamas and Multnomah counties, including Sandy and Estacada, and all areas west of them.
  • Southern: This region has all of Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, and Lake counties. It also covers most of Douglas County, except for Scottsburg and areas to its west.
  • Willamette Valley: This includes all of Benton, Linn, Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties. It also covers most of Lane County, except for Mapleton and areas to its west.

Museums with Different Names

Sometimes museums are known by more than one name, or they change their names. Here are some other names for museums on our list:

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Wasco County Historical Museum – is now part of the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center.
  • Yamhill Museum — see Yamhill County Historical Society Museum.

Museums That Are No Longer Open

Sadly, some museums have closed over the years:

  • Columbia County Museum, St. Helens, closed in 2007.
  • Horner Museum, Corvallis, closed in 1995.
  • Jacksonville Museum, closed in 2009.
  • Sage Museum, Shaniko.
  • Pacific Northwest Museum of Natural History, Ashland.
  • Working Wonders Children's Museum, Bend, closed in 2009.
  • Jensen Arctic Museum, Monmouth, closed in 2013. Its collection moved to the Museum of Natural and Cultural History at the University of Oregon.
  • Pioneer Telephone Museum, Eugene, closed in 2016.

See also

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