Museums, Science Centers, & Aquariums

We at the Techno Science Supersite are reluctant to use the word museum to describe the following places. The word museum conjures up paintings, statutes, and objects all frozen in time with little to no sound. None of the following fits that description. What we've included here is not some kind of historical art freezer; no, these are active learning centers, playgrounds for the mind, filled with engaging hands-on activities and programs to stretch the minds of the most dispassionate and jaded youth. In fact, many of the classes, camps, and programs listed elsewhere in our site come from these places. We hope you get a chance to explore them all.

A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village

Named after the inventor of the Erector set—the world's first educational toy and inspiration for many engineers around the world—A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village is a great hands-on learning museum aimed at kids and adults alike. As they say, it takes a village...

Location: Salem, OR

Audubon Society Wildlife Sanctuary

Nestled in the heart of Forest Park, the Audubon Society Wildlife Sanctuary contains 143 acres of serene woodland filled with native plants and animals: from Stellar's Jay to Barred Owls, from Pacific Giant Salamanders to Roughskin Newts, from Oregon Grape to Salmonberry. The hiking trails, ponds, creeks, and pavilion makes this location perfect for observing wildlife. It's also a great place to learn more about conservation and wildlife care.

Location: Portland, OR

Evergreen Aviation Museum

If you've been to McMinville, you've probably driven by this mammoth museum that's home to the Spruce Goose—the world's largest wooden flying boat with a wingspan that's longer than a football field. The Spruce Goose is worth the admission alone, but there is much that goes on at this museum, which also houses over 50 other aircraft and exhibits and is soon to include an IMAX theater. There are also some great online activities at the bottom of their education page.

Location: McMinnville, OR

High Desert Museum

With over 20 exhibits and attractions, you'll be busy trying to experience all of the high desert's wildlife, history, and culture that the High Desert Museum has to offer. This is perfect for those of you with a passion for wildlife and natural history.

Location: Bend, OR

Magness Tree Farm

This tree farm in Wilsonville—a branch (get it? branch?) of the World Forestry Center— is a great place to observe the natural processes of forests as well as the impact of various forestry techniques. It's free to the public, and there are self-guided tours or you could call to arrange one.

Location: Wilsonville, OR

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

For those of you who -- like me -- are born to love volcanoes, you cannot afford to miss out on the stunning beauty and impressive effects of that fateful 1980 eruption. You can also witness a volcano as it is rebuilding itself. This is the opportunity of a lifetime; don't miss out. There are three main observatories to visit (each one offers unique perspectives on the impact of the volcano:

Locations: Toutle, WA (Coldwater and Johnston Ridge) Castle Rock, WA (Silver Lake)

OMSI Oregon Museum Of Science And Industry

OMSI is a museum after the Techno Science Supersite's own heart. Between the top-notch exhibits, OMNIMAX theater, planetarium, world-class education programs, and USS Blueback Submarine—just to name a few—you won't be able to see it all with just one visit.

Location: Portland, OR

Oregon Coast Aquarium

Visit Keiko's former home, walk among the sharks, enjoy the antics of the adorable sea otters, and marvel at the beautiful elegance of the glowing jellies. There is much to see and learn in this top-notch aquarium.

Location: Newport, OR

Oregon Zoo

I can't speak for other zoos, but as far as the Oregon Zoo goes, it is so much more than a zoo. From classes, to sleepovers, to concerts, to zoolights, to trainrides, to the simulation theatre, this zoo rocks!

Location: Portland, OR

OSU Hatfield Marine Science Visitor Center

This visitor center is an extension of Oregon State University and is dedicated to marine science. What sets this apart from your typical aquarium is that it showcases scientific research. It's a lab as well as a learning center.

Location: Newport, OR

Portland Children's Museum

When in Portland, be sure to visit the Children's Museum. It's mainly aimed at the younger crowd, but the fun, hands-on and interactive exhibits will keep you engaged for hours.

Location: Portland, OR (near the Zoo)

Science Factory Children's Museum and Planetarium

There always seems to be something going on at the Science Factory Children's Museum. As if the cool exhibits and the Planetarium weren't enough to keep you busy, there are always classes, events, and more going on.

Location: Eugene, OR

Science Works Museum

When in southern Oregon, be sure to stop by the Science Works Museum. There are all kinds of great exhibits like the Bubble-ology room, the hall of illusions, cannonball blast, and the latest exhibit, A View from Space.

Location: Ashland, OR

Tillamook Air Museum

All you airplane enthusiasts and World War II buffs owe it to yourselves to make a stop at the Tillamook Air Museum during your next visit to the Oregon Coast. The museum is housed in the world's largest wooden structure: a blimp hangar from World War II. It's worth it just to see the world's highest basketball backboard (actually, I have no idea if it really is the highest backboard, but even Michael Jordan would be hard pressed to even make the shot (it's 120 feet up in the air).

Location: Tillamook, OR

Tualatin Hills Nature Park

In the heart of Beaverton, there lies an oasis of a time before Portland was developed. It's the Tualatin Hills Nature Park. Enjoy one of many hikes through the solitude, check out the Interpretive Center, or even take a environmental education class. It's conveniently located next to the Merlo Rd. MAX stop.

Location: Beaverton, OR

World Forestry Center Discovery Museum

The World Forestry Center Discovery Museum is the premiere place to learn all about forests and what we can do to continue enjoying them for generations to come. Since the 2005 rennovation, the forestry center has ramped up their exhibits to some truly amazing experiences, from the raft ride, to the canopy lift ride, to the many Global Forest Stories journeys you can take around the world (from Siberia to China to Africa).

Location: Portland, OR (Near the Zoo)