Oregon Natural History Museums-State Wide Exploration!
Oregon natural history and cultural heritage is perhaps the most underrated, yet exuberant narrative across the United States.
Backtracking across the rugged Oregon Trail to Central Oregon, Portland, Coast Range Mountains and the Columbia River, one is sure to find many such enigmatic attractions that have a tale of their own to tell. So, go ahead, visit the Oregon natural history museums and lose yourself in the experience that is uniquely Oregon.
Rice NW Museum of Rocks and Minerals-Hillsboro Oregon-Metro Portland
In the current era of climate and topographical changes, it is interesting to learn about the sources of environment and economy that sustain us.
The Rice NW Museum of Rocks and Minerals, located in Hillsboro, 20 minutes west of downtown Portland, is dedicated to Earth Sciences. With an exclusive collection of precious natural treasures like the Alma Rose Rhodochrosite, a varied meteorite collection, the biggest opal-filled thunderegg, a number of fossils and dinosaur eggs, huge crystallized gold ingots and many other exhibits, the museum is a haven for individuals, families and tour groups alike.
The facility can also be rented for birthdays, weddings, corporate events and banquets. Adults are charged at $7 per head. The museum opens its doors on Wednesdays through Sundays from 1 pm till 5 pm. The site’s URL is: http://www.ricenorthwestmuseum.org/
Columbia River Maritime Museum-Astoria Oregon-The Coast
With a thrilling blend of history and technology, the Columbia River Maritime Museum teleports one back through the ages, with a journey through the tragic shipwrecks that occurred near the Columbia River.
The museum also features a short educational film on the many dangers associated with the Columbia River Bar. With six galleries showcasing a collection of over 30,000 artifacts, libraries housing more than 10,000 volumes and a photography exhibition with over 20,000 images, this museum is a powerhouse of knowledge.
Other specials include pilot simulators, recordings of Coast Guard rescues and a magnificent sight overlooking the Columbia River Bar. Charges for adults are $10 per head. Tour groups can take advantage of special discounts. The museum stays open daily, from 9:30 am till 5 pm. The site’s URL is: http://www.crmm.org/#
Tillamook Forest Center-Tillamook Oregon-The Coast
Nestled amidst the lush green forest region of the northern Coast Range Mountains, the Tillamook Forest Center is the perfect escape for a day of blissful relaxation and forest discovery. With a number of exhibits manned by knowledgeable forest guides, visitors can enjoy theater experiences, observe the rotating exhibits and indulge in a splendid view of the surrounding landscape from atop the Lookout Tower.
The award-winning Center also hosts a number of special events and educational programs to keep a dynamic pace. The best part is that admission and participation is entirely free since it is a non-profit facility. The Center stays open from Wednesday-Sunday from 10 am till 4 pm. It stays closed during December, January and February. The contact number is (502) 815-6800 and the URL is: http://www.tillamookforestcenter.org/index.html
Living Rock Studios-Brownsville Oregon-Central Oreon
Located near Eugene Oregon, this museum was put together using a personal collection of rocks, petrified woods, local crystals and unique stones from central Oregon. There is a tree on the inside of this “house” with an unusual staircase that shows off over 100 wooden pieces alone.
From cave-like rooms filled with creative rock structures arranged in way so as to become illuminated artworks when lit from behind to hollow trees made from petrified wood and bedecked with sparkling crystals, over two stories high, this museum is truly a sight for (rock) sore eyes! Add a plethora of life-sized paintings of numerous bird species and a wide gamut of rock collections and you have a truly inspiring experience.
Make sure you stop by the gift shop on your way back to collect some of these gems for yourself! Living Rock Studios is located in Bishop Way, Brownsville. Staying open from Tuesdays till Saturdays, its timings are 10 am – 5 pm. Group tours should be reserved beforehand. The site URL is: http://livingrockstudios.org/
High Desert Museum Bend-Central Oregon
Situated merely 5 miles south of Bend, Central Oregon, the High Desert Museum is a self-guided exhibition tour through the wildlife, history and culture of the Oregon Trail.
Experience what it was like to be a fur trader in the 1830s, real time. Or, go and visit the zoo to get a gander at the wild birds of prey, otters, wild cats and a prickly collection of the baby porcupines. Children can enjoy, and learn too, what with the Indoor and Outdoor play areas where they get hands-on experience of the wildlife and society of the high desert region.
While you’re at it, grab a bite at the Rimrock Cafe and buy a few mementos from the Silver Sage Store to show off to folks back home. Open from 9 am to 5 pm from May-October 31st and 10 am to 4 pm from November 1st – April 30th, the High Desert Museum is priced at $15 per head. Group tours can be booked as well. Site’s URL is http://www.highdesertmuseum.org/
Thomas Condon Paleontology Center-Eastern Oregon
Eastern Oregon was once home to the ancestors of the elephants, camels and rhinoceros that we see today. With a rich history of ancient animals that once used to roam freely here, the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center has a stupendous collection of more than 40,000 fossils and exhibits showcasing more than 50 million years of animal and plant evolution.
They even have a Junior Ranger Program, for budding paleontologists and kids. The interactive ambience is enhanced through exhibits, touch tables, microscopes, bones, fossils and formations. The admission is entirely free of charge and the timings are from 8:30 am till 4:30 pm, daily. The Center is located about 7 miles away from Dayville, Oregon, in the northwest direction. Contact number is (541) – 987 – 2333 and the site URL is: www.nps.gov/joda
Four Rivers Cultural Center and Museum-Eastern Oregon
Four rivers – the Snake, the Malheur, the Owyhee and the Payette have been the primary source of fusion of cultures around the compass of Oregon.
Located on 676 S.W. 5th Ave. – Ontario, Oregon, the Four Rivers Cultural Center and Museum showcases some of the best cultural relics of various civilizations which settled in this part of the country. Four Rivers Cultural Center and Museum (http://www.4rcc.com/) is open for exploration from Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm. For people who are interested in keeping the memoirs of the visit, the museum’s business hours starts from 8 am to 5 pm, five days a week, from Monday to Friday.
National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretative Center-Eastern Oregon
The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretative Center has qualified itself over the years in preserving the history, cultural heritage, natural and the visual features of the famous Oregon Trail. Situated 5 miles away from Baker city of Oregon, the trail center
(http://www.blm.gov/or/oregontrail/) is open for an entire year leaving Christmas, Thanksgiving and the New Year’s Eve. From April till October, the center operates from 9 am to 6 pm, 9 am to 4 pm for the period of November to March. Visiting the center during the winter seasons may be a tough call due to the extremely difficult weather conditions. Dial 541-523-1843 for detailed information for a winter visit to the center. Don’t forget to visit http://www.blm.gov/or/oregontrail/ to explore about the upcoming events in the center and the expenditure associated with it.
Topics on this page: Oregon Natural History Museums, Columbia River Maritime Museum, Tillamook Forest Center, High Desert Museum Bend
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Category: Heritage/History, Historic Destinations, Museums
