Industrial & heritage museums in Oregon

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is a technological museum that is situated in Portland, Oregon. It is located on the banks of the Willamette River, providing a scenic location for visitors. The museum is known for its focus on technology and science, making it an interesting destination for those interested in these fields.

The Tillamook Air Museum is a unique aviation museum located in the southern part of Tillamook, Oregon. It offers a rich history and a wide range of exhibits that cater to aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The museum is easily accessible and provides an educational and entertaining experience for visitors of all ages.

The Oregon Rail Heritage Center (ORHC) is a railway museum located in Portland, Oregon. It is home to three steam locomotives owned by the City of Portland. These include the Southern Pacific 4449, Spokane, Portland & Seattle 700, and Oregon Railroad & Navigation Co. 197. The first two locomotives are restored and operable, offering a unique glimpse into the history of rail transportation.

Heceta Head Light is a prominent lighthouse located on the Oregon Coast, precisely 13 miles north of Florence and 13 miles south of Yachats. This strategic location makes it a notable landmark for tourists exploring the Oregon Coast.

The United States lightship Columbia (WLV-604) is a significant part of maritime history. It was put into service in 1951 for the United States Coast Guard at the mouth of the Columbia River. This lightship played a crucial role in guiding ships through the Columbia River's sandbank and an area known as the Pacific Graveyard.

The Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum (WAAAM) is situated in Hood River, Oregon, United States. It is conveniently located next to the Ken Jernstedt Memorial Airport. This location makes it easily accessible for visitors who are interested in exploring the rich history of aviation and automobile transportation.

Powerland Heritage Park is typically open from April through September, from Wednesday to Sunday, between 9am and 4pm. The park hosts a variety of special events throughout the season, primarily on weekends. These events provide an opportunity for visitors to engage in unique experiences and learn more about the history and operation of power equipment.

The Oregon Electric Railway Museum, located in Brooks, Oregon, is recognized as the largest streetcar/trolley museum in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. It is a significant destination for those interested in the history and evolution of streetcars and trolleys, offering a unique insight into this aspect of transportation history.

The Astoria Riverfront Trolley is a heritage streetcar line that spans 3 miles. It operates in Astoria, Oregon, United States, and uses former freight railroad tracks that run along the south bank of the Columbia River. This unique transportation system provides a scenic route for visitors to explore the city and its beautiful riverfront.

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.

The Portland is currently home to the Oregon Maritime Museum, which owns the ship. The museum acquired the ship in 1991, nearly ten years after its retirement. Restoration work began with the intention of turning it into a stationary museum ship. The interest and fundraising for the project exceeded expectations, and $700,000 in donations allowed the Portland to be restored to a working and navigable state. The restoration work was completed in 1993, with occasional passenger trips until the Coast Guard inspected the ship in 2001 and halted passenger operations until the ship could pass inspection. The museum raised an additional $480,000, volunteers put in an additional million dollars in labor over seven years, and the ship was allowed to serve passengers again in 2008.

The Willamette Heritage Center, located in Salem, Oregon, is a museum that showcases several historic structures. These include the Thomas Kay woolen mill, the Jason Lee House, Methodist Parsonage, John D. Boon House, and the Pleasant Grove (Condit) Church. All these structures are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making them significant landmarks in the area.

The A. R. Bowman Memorial Museum, located in Prineville, Oregon, is a local history museum that opened its doors in 1971. It offers a deep dive into the history of Crook County and central Oregon, providing visitors with a rich understanding of the area's past.

The Uppertown Firefighter's Museum, also known as the Astoria Fire House No. 2, is a historic building situated in Astoria, Oregon. Since 1989, it has been serving as a museum, providing visitors with a glimpse into the history of firefighting in the region.

Powerland Heritage Park, formerly known as Antique Powerland, is a unique collection of museums and a heritage site dedicated to power equipment. This includes farm machinery, commercial trucks, trains, construction equipment, and the engines that power them. The park is located in Brooks, Oregon, United States, and offers a unique insight into the history and evolution of power equipment.

One of the main features of Collier Memorial State Park is the Collier Logging Museum. This outdoor museum boasts a large collection of historic logging equipment, some of which dates back to the 1880s. The collection includes ox drawn 'high wheels', steam-powered 'donkey engines', steam tractors, diesel 'cats', and a Beloit tree harvester. The museum also displays large saw mill machinery and railroad equipment used to transport logs out of the forest.

The Thomas J. Flippin House, often referred to as the Clatskanie Castle, is a significant architectural landmark in Clatskanie, Oregon. This 14-room, shingle-style Queen Anne structure stands as a testament to the architectural style of the late 19th century. The house's unique design and historical significance make it a point of interest for visitors to the area.

The Coos County Logging Museum is situated in the charming town of Myrtle Point, Oregon, in the United States. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to delve into the history of the local logging industry.

New museum dedicated to gold mining as it is closely connected to the local history. They will even teach you how to pan gold!

Community project that presents traditional technologies needed to create carousels and attempts to make one. You can even join the process.