Nature & natural history museums in Oregon

The Oregon Coast Aquarium, located in Newport, Oregon, is a renowned facility that opened its doors to the public in 1992. It is situated on a 23-acre property along Yaquina Bay, near the Pacific Ocean. The aquarium has been recognized as a world-class facility by USA Today and is ranked among the top ten aquariums in North America by Coastal Living magazine.

The Oregon Zoo is situated in the vibrant city of Portland, in the state of Oregon, United States. This location makes it easily accessible for both local residents and tourists alike, offering a unique opportunity to explore the diverse wildlife from around the world.

The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is a significant paleontological site located in Oregon, United States. It has been recognized and protected as a national monument since 1974. The site is named after John Day, a trapper who was part of the Astor expedition. This site is a testament to the rich history and geological significance of the region.

The World Forestry Center, located in Portland, Oregon, is a nonprofit educational institution that was established in 1964. The actual building, which is situated near the Oregon Zoo in Washington Park, opened its doors to the public in 1971. The center was initially known as the Western Forestry Center, but its name was changed in 1986 to reflect its global focus on forestry.

The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is a significant site located 6 miles northeast of Baker City, Oregon. It is situated on Oregon Route 86 atop Flagstaff Hill. The center spans an impressive 23,000 square feet and is dedicated to interpreting and preserving the history of the Oregon Trail.

Leach Botanical Garden is a sizable 16-acre botanical garden situated in the outer southeast region of Portland, Oregon. It is conveniently located near S.E. 122nd Avenue and Foster Road, making it easily accessible for visitors.

Hoyt Arboretum is a public park located in Portland, Oregon. It is part of the larger Washington Park complex and covers an expansive area of 189 acres. The arboretum is situated atop a ridge in the Tualatin Mountains, approximately two miles west of downtown Portland. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a diverse range of flora while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Shore Acres State Park is a vast 301-acre park situated in Coos County, Oregon. The park is uniquely positioned on a sandstone cliff, providing breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. This location offers a unique blend of natural beauty and tranquility, making it a perfect spot for those seeking a peaceful retreat amidst nature.

The Oregon Garden, located in Silverton, Oregon, is a sprawling 80-acre botanical garden that has been open to the public since 1999. It is home to a diverse range of plant species and habitats, making it a fascinating destination for nature lovers. One of the unique features of the garden is a house designed by the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the only one of its kind in Oregon.

The Lan Su Chinese Garden, previously known as the Portland Classical Chinese Garden, is a significant cultural landmark in the Chinatown area of the Old Town Chinatown neighborhood in Portland, Oregon. This walled Chinese garden spans an entire city block, covering approximately 40,000 square feet. It offers a unique opportunity to experience a piece of Chinese culture and history right in the heart of Portland.

The Columbia River Maritime Museum is a significant institution of maritime history located in Astoria, Oregon. It is situated approximately ten miles southeast of the mouth of the Columbia River. The museum is renowned for its quality exhibits and extensive collections, making it a notable destination for those interested in maritime history.

The University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History, also known as the UO Natural History Museum, is a significant natural history museum located at the University of Oregon in Eugene. It is situated near Hayward Field on the east side of the UO campus and is the largest natural history museum between Seattle and San Francisco. The museum is a center for archaeological and paleontological research in the Pacific Northwest and the wider world.

The Hatfield Marine Science Visitor Center serves as the public education wing of the HMSC. It offers a variety of exhibits focusing on marine species, marine research, and the coastal environment. The visitor center is open throughout the year, making it a great destination for tourists regardless of the season. Admission to the center is by donation, making it accessible to all.

The Tillamook State Forest offers a variety of recreational activities. It includes campgrounds, hiking and backpacking trails, and opportunities for fishing and swimming. Additionally, there is an interpretative center that provides information about the forest and its history.

The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum is a significant location for those interested in the history and culture of the Columbia River Gorge. Situated on a sprawling 54-acre site in The Dalles, Oregon, it serves as the official interpretive center for the region. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history of the area, gaining a deeper understanding of its significance.

Wildlife Safari is a unique drive-through safari and zoological park located in Winston, Oregon, United States. It offers a unique experience where visitors can drive their own vehicles through the park, allowing for up-close animal encounters and photo opportunities.

The Mount Pisgah Arboretum is a non-profit botanical garden and arboretum nestled within the Howard Buford Recreation Area. It is situated between the Coast Fork of the Willamette River and the slopes of Mount Pisgah, in the vicinity of Eugene-Springfield, Oregon, USA. This location offers a unique blend of natural beauty and biodiversity, making it an interesting destination for nature lovers.

The Cascades Raptor Center, located in Eugene, Oregon, is a unique nature center and wildlife hospital that focuses on the rehabilitation of raptors. This center is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sick, injured, and orphaned birds. When it's not possible to release the birds back into the wild due to their injuries or imprinting on humans, the center provides a long-term habitat for them.

The Rogerson Clematis Garden is a botanical garden situated at Luscher Farm Park, close to Lake Oswego, Oregon. This location offers a serene environment for visitors to explore and appreciate the beauty of nature. The garden is easily accessible and provides a tranquil setting for relaxation and leisure.

Great Cats World Park is a unique destination for animal lovers, particularly those with a fondness for big cats. This privately-owned roadside zoo is situated just a few miles south of Cave Junction, Oregon, in the United States. It offers visitors the opportunity to see a variety of big cats up close.

The Seaside Aquarium, located in Seaside, Oregon, is a privately owned establishment and one of the oldest aquariums on the West Coast of the United States. Its rich history and longevity make it a significant part of the region's heritage.

The West Coast Game Park Safari, located in Bandon, Oregon, United States, is a walk-through safari park that has been welcoming visitors since its opening in 1968. This park offers a unique experience of being able to walk through and observe a variety of animals in a semi-natural environment.

The High Desert Museum, situated near Bend, Oregon, United States, was inaugurated in 1982. It is a unique institution that brings together regional wildlife, culture, art, and natural resources to promote an understanding of the natural and cultural heritage of North America's high desert country.

Bush's Pasture Park, located in Salem, Oregon, is a public park and botanical garden that houses the Asahel Bush House. This historic house is now operated as the Bush House Museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. The park and museum provide a unique combination of natural beauty and historical significance, making it a worthwhile destination for tourists.

The Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals is a non-profit institution situated in Hillsboro, Oregon, United States. The museum, which opened its doors to the public in 1997, is conveniently located just north of the Sunset Highway on the northern edge of Hillsboro. This location makes it easily accessible for visitors from both the local area and those traveling from further afield.

The Beekman Native Plant Arboretum, located in Jackson County, Oregon, spans three acres and showcases a diverse range of trees, shrubs, and herbs. These plants are native to eight different zones of the Siskiyou and Cascade mountains in Southern Oregon. This arboretum provides a unique opportunity to explore the rich biodiversity of these regions without having to travel far.

Interpretative center that will provide you with handful of information on local volcanic activity and other issues.

One of the best museum in the state. Come here to overlook and explore more than 50 million years of plant and animal evolution.