Here Are 7 Museums In Portland That You Absolutely Must Visit

Portland has some amazing museum offerings that you simply must explore. Whether you want to escape the rain, heat or cold, these are the best museums around town where you can learn, play and explore many different interests right here in the city.

1. Oregon Historical Society

This downtown museum features informative exhibits of native and pioneer history, as well as history of Portland. It has many interactive exhibits which makes it fun for the whole family.

2. World Forestry Center

Situated in Washington Park, the World Forestry Center explores the role of the forest in our daily lives. Permanent and rotating exhibits make the museum ever-fresh and interesting for visitors of all ages.

3. Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

Our premier science museum has loads to explore, including a planetarium, submarine and a myriad of traveling exhibits that makes this a fascinating stop for science lovers young and old.

4. Portland Children's Museum

For families with young children, a visit to the children's museum is a must. A theater makes dress up come to life, a maze makes getting lost fun, and rotating exhibits makes the museum fresh every time you visit.

5. Portland Art Museum

We have an amazing art museum that at 240,000 square feet holds 42,000 works of art in its permanent collection. It typically features a major traveling exhibition, which makes a regular visit a great thing to explore some of the best art around.

6. Rice NW Museum of Rocks and Minerals

Located in Hillsboro, this museum is a must-visit for rock and geology lovers. Featuring over 20,000 specimens of rocks, minerals, and fossils, the museum is located in the founders' original ranch house, the first of its kind in Oregon and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

7. Oregon Rail Heritage Center

Home to three steam locomotives, this museum is eye-catching for rail lovers. A few small exhibits round out the museum, located in the SE Industrial district near OMSI.

What are your favorite museums in Portland?