Things to Do in Oregon

The Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in McMinnville was founded by Airforce Lieutenant and Oregon Native Michael King Smith.

The museum serves to preserve the history of air and space flight, as well as to educate the public.

Exhibits include a collection of WWII aircraft, an SR-71 Blackbird, a Titan missile, and a B-17 bomber.

Also on display is the cargo hold of the original Spruce Goose, built by industrialist and aviator Howard Hughes.

Guests can learn about helicopters, airplanes, and rockets, and can also tour the Oregon Aviation Hall of Honor, which honors outstanding men and women aviators from the state.

500 Northeast Captain Michael King Smith Way, McMinnville, OR 97128, Phone: 503-434-4180, Map

Portland Japanese Garden is a traditional style Japanese Garden comprised of five smaller gardens—The Flat Garden, Sand and Stone Garden, Tea Garden, Strolling Pond Garden and Natural Garden. This garden was built to honor Portland's Sister City Sapporo, Japan. There is a waterfall, tea house and lovely view of the mountains from this area of Washington Park.

The land is leased from the City of Portland and sits next to the International Rose Test Garden. These two attractions are usually visited simultaneously by horticulturalists from all over the world.

Portland Japanese Garden, 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205, (503) 223-1321, Map

The Organ Trail was a treacherous 2,000 mile-long road that settlers took to find a new life on the west coast. Visitors to the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center will find information about the settlers, their journey, and the dangers they faced along the way.

Exhibits include information on the history of the trail, wagon replicas, artifacts from the trail, and depictions of the way of life of both the settlers and the Native Americans from the area.

There are also four miles of hiking trails with beautiful mountain views surrounding the center. A theater inside the center hosts live shows, lectures, and films throughout the year.

22267 OR Hwy 86, Baker City, OR 97814, Phone: 541-523-1843 , Map

Part of Oregon State University, the Hatfield Marine Science Center Oregon State University in Newport is a working lab where scientists study the ocean and the creatures that live in it. The science center has open exhibits to allow the public to better understand marine life and to help in conservation efforts.

Guests can reach out and touch marine animals such as fish and sea stars in the tide pool tanks, or view three tanks full of colorful ornamental fish.

They can see the on-site octopus that occupies the first tank in the building, and watch as he is fed. Educational programs, day camps, and family events are also offered. More info

2030 SE Marine Science Dr., Newport, OR 97365, Phone: 541-867-0100 , Map

The Oregon Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland is a fun, interactive learning experience for both children and adults.

Guests can browse through 5 galleries with over 200 exhibits dedicated to space, agriculture, energy, robotics, and the ocean.

Eight laboratories provide hands-on learning experiences in such topics as chemistry, life science, physics, and industrial design.

A large state-of-the-art movie theater at the museum shows Hollywood blockbusters, documentaries, and educational films.

The museum also hosts special events such as demonstrations, festivals, and exhibitions.

1945 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR 97214, Phone: 503-797-4000 , Map

View whales in their natural habitat with Whale Research EcoExcursions.

Captain Carrie Newell is a professor of marine biology and a whale researcher.

She and her team lead daily excursions to see gray whales as they migrate up and down the West Coast.

EcoExcursions take guests on comfortable gasoline powered boats and provide coats, rain gear, hats, and gloves for the trip.

Excursions are held year-round, but the best time of year for whale viewing is during the summer months.

Tours must be booked in advance, and are held weather permitting. Tours will not be held in rough weather.

Whale Research EcoExcursions, 234 SE Hwy 101, Depoe Bay, OR 97341, Phone: 541-912-6734

The a class="map1" href="https://lansugarden.org/" target="_blank">Lan Su Chinese Garden was built by Chinese artisans and reflects the traditional Chinese style of blending art with nature.

Guests can relax and connect with nature as they take a quiet walk through the beautifully landscaped paths.

The garden also offers many activities, events, and classes that showcase Chinese art and culture.

Learn how to play Mahjong, watch a demonstration of Chinese brush painting, or listen to Chinese music or poetry.

The garden is open daily, year-round. Self-guided tours are always available, and guided tours are offered at various times throughout the day.

Lan Su Chinese Garden, 239 Northwest Everett Street, Portland, OR 97209, Phone: 503-228-8131

Wanderlust Tours has been guiding travelers to the best of Central Oregon since 1993. Their professional guides provide small group tours of the natural wonders of the state. In the summer, guests can canoe or kayak on the Cascade Lakes, tour an underground lava tube cave, or view a non-active volcano. In the winter, travelers can take daytime or nighttime snowshoe tour through the snow, or relax and warm up around a bonfire. Local brewery tours and custom events are also available. Tours must be booked in advance. Wanderlust provides equipment. Guests must provide appropriate clothing, water bottles, and sunscreen.

Wanderlust Tours, 61535 S Hwy 97,Suite 13, Bend, OR 97702, Phone: 541-389-8359, Facebook

The Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria is dedicated to the history, landscape, and wildlife of the Columbia River Bar. The bar, one of the most dangerous river passages in the world, has caused approximately 2000 shipwrecks since 1972.

The museum contains exhibits dedicated to the history of the area, the pilots of the Columbia River and the U.S. Coast Guard, as well as the floating lighthouse ship, the Columbia.

The museum also has an IMAX theater and hosts events and classes for children and adults.

1792 Maritime Drive, Astoria, OR 97103, Phone: 503-325-2323, Map

The High Desert Museum is dedicated to the preservation and understanding of the natural history, culture, and art of Oregon. The museum was founded in 1982 by biology student and environmentalist Donald M. Kerr.

Today, the museum covers 135 woodland acres and over 100,000 square feet of indoor exhibit spaces. Guests can see native animals such as the otter, bobcat, hawk, falcon, and badger, or can tour a historic homestead and sawmill. The museum also contains exhibits dedicated to the early settlers of Oregon and to Native American life and culture. Special camps and educational events are held throughout the year.

High Desert Museum, 59800 South Hwy 57, Bend, OR 97702, Phone: 541-382-4754