All ethnology museums to visit in Oregon

Explore the cultural diversity and heritage at 21 ethnology museums in Oregon. These museums offer insights into the traditions, customs, and ways of life of various communities.

Are you interested in learning about different cultures and their histories? Here are the ethnology museums to visit in Oregon:

  1. National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center1

    National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center

     Baker City, OR
    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.
  2. Rogue River Ranch National Historic Site2

    Rogue River Ranch National Historic Site

     Agness, OR
    The 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.
  3. Oregon Historical Society3

    Oregon Historical Society

     Portland, OR
    The 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.
  4. Museum of Natural and Cultural History4

    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.
  5. Five Oaks Museum5

    Five Oaks Museum

     Portland, OR
    Five 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.
  6. Alsea Bay Historic Interpretive Center6

    Alsea Bay Historic Interpretive Center

     Waldport, OR
    The 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.
  7. Tamástslikt Cultural Institute7

    Tamástslikt Cultural Institute

     Mission, OR
    The 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.
  8. Anderson Homestead8

    Anderson Homestead

     The Dalles, OR
    The 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.
  9. Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site9

    Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site

     John Day, OR
    The 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.
  10. Oregon Historical Society Museum10

    Oregon Historical Society Museum

     Portland, OR
    The 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.
  11. Deschutes Historical Museum11

    Deschutes Historical Museum

     Bend, OR
    The 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.
  12. The High Desert Museum12

    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.
  13. Newell Pioneer Village13

    Newell Pioneer Village

     Butteville, OR
    The 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.
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    Tamástslikt Cultural Institute

     Pendleton, OR
    The 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.
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    Old Aurora Colony Museum

     Aurora, OR
    Living history museum preserving artifacts from the founding German colony founded in 1856. Amazing place with lots to see.
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    Siuslaw Pioneer Museum

     Florence, OR
    This museum sheds the light on the life of the first settlers, loggers and fishermen and the local history.
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    Applegate Trail Intepretive Center

     Wolf Creek, OR
    Historical museum and an reenactment center with many interesting displays related to local history and gold rush.
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    Favell Museum

     Klamath Falls, OR
    Premier museum and gallery dedicated to Western art and Indian artifacts from Klamath Basin. A must see.
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    Coos History Museum

     North Bend, OR
    This museum presents the rich and colorful history and culture of the region. Everything from Indian art to shipwrecks.
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    Four Rivers Cultural Center

     Ontario, OR
    Museum, art gallery and entertainment venue showcasing the art, culture and traditions of local Indian tribes.
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    Agness-Illahe Museum

     Agness, OR
    Small community museum that displays a motley of Indian artifacts, early settlers' history and pioneer memorabilia.