Portland, Oregon has a lot going for it. This Pacific Northwest hot spot has been attracting people for years with their chill atmosphere, cool food scene, and general embrace of all things ‘weird.’
If you’re looking for something beyond that, well Portland has got you covered there too. There are tons of exciting museums in Portland. Each of these can add a bit of education, history, and culture to your trip to the Rose City.
In this post, we’re going to share a few (of the many) museums you should check out the next time you are in this part of the country.
The Portland Art Museum
Here’s a fun fact to start off: The Portland Art Museum is the oldest museum in the Pacific Northwest. A favorite corner of the museum is the Native American Art Center. Here you can learn all about life before the first pioneers arrived.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and opens at 10am.
Oregon Maritime Museum
Even though Portland is about 90 minutes from the coast, the Willamette River runs through the heart of it. So there is plenty of maritime history to explore. You’ll also find the Portland at the Oregon Maritime Museum which is the last steam-powered sternwheel tug still operating in the country.
The museum is open Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Fridays from 11am.
The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum
Beyond having a mouthful of a name, the Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum is a true Portland style experience. It’s not quite a museum, but it has tons of fascinating and off the beaten path items and exhibits to explore. Don’t forget to swing by the in-house ice cream shop for some truly unusual treats!
The museum is open daily from 11am.
World Forestry Center
The natural forest plays an important role in the history of the Pacific Northwest, and the World Forestry Center helps to explain why forests are such a vital part of our ecosystem. Also, there are exhibits on forests from all over the world and a couple of really cool interactive displays as well.
The museum is closed on Tuesdays.
Oregon Historical Society Museum
If you love learning quirky facts and trivia, the Oregon Historical Society Museum is going to be right up your alley. This museum celebrates the growth of Oregon over the last century. You’ll learn the history of the state, how Portland got its name, and why Oregon has a two-sided flag!
The museum is open daily.
Pittock Mansion
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It wasn’t all that long ago that Portland was a lonely outpost on the frontier. Today, it’s a bustling city attracting more and more attention each year. You can learn about the growth Portland has experienced over the years at the historic Pittock Mansion. See Portland’s transformation through the eyes of the Pittock family.
Pittock Mansion is open daily February through December.
You can spend a few days exploring Portland’s museums and come away with an excellent feel for the city. Add these to your itinerary when you’re in the area and start exploring.
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