Are you interested in learning about different cultures and their histories? Here are the ethnology museums to visit in Oregon:
1National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center
Baker City, ORThe 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. 2Rogue River Ranch National Historic Site
Agness, ORThe Rogue River Ranch is a historic site that dates back to the pioneer era. It is situated on the northern bank of the Rogue River, within the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in southwestern Oregon. This location offers visitors a glimpse into the past, with its original buildings and surrounding natural beauty. 3Oregon Historical Society
Portland, ORThe Oregon Historical Society (OHS) is an organization that has been in existence since 1898. It is dedicated to exploring and sharing the history of the Oregon Country, which extends beyond the borders of the state of Oregon. The society operates the Oregon History Center, which houses the Oregon Historical Society Museum in Portland. This museum is a key part of the society's efforts to preserve and share Oregon's rich history. 4Museum of Natural and Cultural History
Eugene, ORThe 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. 5Five Oaks Museum
Portland, ORFive Oaks Museum, previously known as the Washington County Museum, is a historical museum situated in Washington County, Oregon, United States. The museum is located at the Rock Creek campus of Portland Community College (PCC), which is to the north of Beaverton, Oregon. 6Alsea Bay Historic Interpretive Center
Waldport, ORThe Alsea Bay Historic Interpretive Center is a public facility located in the city of Waldport, Oregon. It is managed and owned by the city itself. This center provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about the history and culture of the area. 7Tamástslikt Cultural Institute
Mission, ORThe Tamástslikt Cultural Institute is a unique cultural destination located on the Umatilla Indian Reservation near Pendleton in eastern Oregon. As a museum and research institute, it offers visitors an opportunity to delve into the rich history and culture of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla tribes of Native Americans. The institute is the only Native American museum along the Oregon Trail, making it a significant stop for those interested in understanding the Native American perspective of this historical route. 8Anderson Homestead
The Dalles, ORThe Lewis Anderson House, Barn and Granary is a historic ensemble of buildings, currently located in The Dalles, Oregon, United States. This collection of buildings showcases the 1890s Swedish American vernacular architecture and provides a glimpse into the life of Swedish immigrants during that period. The ensemble was originally located on a farm on Pleasant Ridge, south of The Dalles, and was relocated to its current location in 1972 for restoration and protection. 9Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site
John Day, ORThe Kam Wah Chung & Co. Museum is a significant landmark located in John Day, Oregon. It is recognized as a state park and a National Historic Landmark, dedicated to preserving the early Chinese culture in the region. This site offers a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the rich history and heritage of the Chinese community that once thrived in the area. 10Oregon Historical Society Museum
Portland, ORThe Oregon Historical Society Museum is a history museum situated in the heart of downtown Portland, Oregon. This museum is a significant cultural institution that provides visitors with a comprehensive understanding of Oregon's rich history. It is easily accessible and located in a vibrant area of the city, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring Portland. 11Deschutes Historical Museum
Bend, ORThe Deschutes Historical Museum, located in the historic Reid School in Bend, Oregon, is a repository of local history. This museum provides a unique opportunity to delve into the rich history of the region, offering a glimpse into the past through its various exhibits. 12The High Desert Museum
Deschutes River Woods, ORThe 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. 13Newell Pioneer Village
Butteville, ORThe Newell House Museum, also known as the Robert Newell House, is a historical site located in Champoeg, Oregon, United States. This museum is a significant part of the local history and offers a unique insight into the life and times of Oregon politician Robert Newell.- 14
Tamástslikt Cultural Institute
Pendleton, ORThe Tamástslikt Cultural Institute is a unique cultural destination located on the Umatilla Indian Reservation near Pendleton in eastern Oregon. As a museum and research institute, it offers visitors a deep dive into the rich history and culture of the Native American tribes of the region. The institute is the only Native American museum along the Oregon Trail, making it a significant stop for those interested in understanding the indigenous perspective of this historical route. - 15
Old Aurora Colony Museum
Aurora, ORLiving history museum preserving artifacts from the founding German colony founded in 1856. Amazing place with lots to see. - 16
Siuslaw Pioneer Museum
Florence, ORThis museum sheds the light on the life of the first settlers, loggers and fishermen and the local history. - 17
Applegate Trail Intepretive Center
Wolf Creek, ORHistorical museum and an reenactment center with many interesting displays related to local history and gold rush. - 18
Favell Museum
Klamath Falls, ORPremier museum and gallery dedicated to Western art and Indian artifacts from Klamath Basin. A must see. - 19
Coos History Museum
North Bend, ORThis museum presents the rich and colorful history and culture of the region. Everything from Indian art to shipwrecks. - 20
Four Rivers Cultural Center
Ontario, ORMuseum, art gallery and entertainment venue showcasing the art, culture and traditions of local Indian tribes. - 21
Agness-Illahe Museum
Agness, ORSmall community museum that displays a motley of Indian artifacts, early settlers' history and pioneer memorabilia.