All open air museums to visit in Oregon

Experience history come to life at open-air museums in Oregon. These museums feature historical buildings, reenactments, and interactive exhibits in an outdoor setting.

Are you interested in experiencing history firsthand? These are the best open air museums in Oregon:

  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. National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center2

    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.
  3. Fort Stevens Historic Area - Fort Stevens State Park3

    Fort Stevens Historic Area - Fort Stevens State Park

     Hammond, OR
    Fort Stevens, located in Oregon, served as an American military installation from 1863 to 1947. Its primary role was to guard the mouth of the Columbia River. Today, it holds a place on the National Register of Historic Places, signifying its historical importance and preservation.
  4. Powerland Heritage Park4

    Powerland Heritage Park

     Salem, OR
    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.
  5. Philip Foster Farm5

    Philip Foster Farm

     Eagle Creek, OR
    Philip Foster Farm is a historic site located in Eagle Creek, Oregon, in close proximity to the city of Estacada. This site offers a unique opportunity to explore the history of the region and the life of American pioneer Philip Foster.
  6. Fort Rock Valley Historical Society6

    Fort Rock Valley Historical Society

     Fort Rock, OR
    The Fort Rock Valley Historical Homestead Museum, located in Fort Rock, Oregon, is a unique collection of original homestead-era buildings from the early 1900s. The museum, which opened in 1988, features a variety of structures including a church, school, houses, and homestead cabins, all assembled in a village-like setting. These buildings were moved to the museum site from various locations around the Fort Rock Valley, providing a tangible link to the area's past.
  7. Powerland Heritage Park7

    Powerland Heritage Park

     Brooks, OR
    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.
  8. Collier State Park - Logging Museum8

    Collier State Park - Logging Museum

     Chiloquin, OR
    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.
  9. 9

    Frazier Farmstead Museum

     Milton-Freewater, OR
    The 19th century farmhouse has been transformed into a captivating living history museum where you can experience yourself the traditional way of life.