All animal museums to visit in Oregon

Delve into the diverse world of animals at 16 animal museums in Oregon. These museums showcase a variety of species, habitats, and the role of animals in our ecosystem.

Are you an animal lover looking to explore the best animal museums in Oregon? Here are your best options:

  1. Oregon Coast Aquarium1

    Oregon Coast Aquarium

     Newport, OR
    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.
  2. Oregon Zoo2

    Oregon Zoo

     Portland, OR
    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.
  3. The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum3

    The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum

     Portland, OR
    The collection of this museum consists of various anomalies, peculiarities and mysteries. Learn more about UFO/UAP/Aliens, Sasquatch, Urban Legends and more. Have fun with and take photos of interactive exhibits you can be a part of. Also home to several strange and lesser known artifacts of Portlan
  4. Thomas Condon Visitor Center - John Day Fossil Beds National Monument4

    Thomas Condon Visitor Center - John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

     Kimberly, OR
    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.
  5. Shore Acres State Park5

    Shore Acres State Park

     Coos Bay, OR
    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.
  6. Museum of Natural and Cultural History6

    Museum of Natural and Cultural History

     Eugene, OR
    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.
  7. Hatfield Marine Science Center7

    Hatfield Marine Science Center

     Newport, OR
    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.
  8. Columbia Gorge Discovery Center8

    Columbia Gorge Discovery Center

     Dallesport, OR
    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.
  9. Petersen Rock Garden & Museum9

    Petersen Rock Garden & Museum

     Redmond, OR
    Petersen Rock Garden is a unique rock garden and museum situated between the cities of Bend and Redmond in Deschutes County, Oregon. This attraction was created by Rasmus Petersen, a Danish immigrant who settled in Central Oregon in the early 1900s. The garden features detailed miniature castles, churches, and other small buildings and monuments made from a variety of rock types. It also includes design elements such as bridges, water features, and natural landscaping.
  10. Wildlife Safari10

    Wildlife Safari

     Winston, OR
    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.
  11. Cascades Raptor Center11

    Cascades Raptor Center

     Eugene, OR
    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.
  12. Great Cats World Park12

    Great Cats World Park

     Cave Junction, OR
    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.
  13. Seaside Aquarium13

    Seaside Aquarium

     Seaside, OR
    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.
  14. West Coast Game Park Safari14

    West Coast Game Park Safari

     Bandon, OR
    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.
  15. The High Desert Museum15

    The High Desert Museum

     Deschutes River Woods, OR
    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.
  16. 16

    Thomas Condon Visitor Center - John Day Fossil Beds

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