Oregon Historical Society
Oregon Historical Society
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
Explore Oregon’s past at the Oregon Historical Society! Located on the historic South Park Blocks in downtown Portland, the Oregon Historical Society’s museum is open seven days a week and features original and traveling exhibitions that tell stories of the people, places, and events that have shaped Oregon and American history. In February 2019, the Oregon Historical Society unveiled a brand permanent exhibit, Experience Oregon, that chronicles the state’s complex history through rare artifacts, hands-on interactives, and digital displays. The Society’s world-class research library is open Tuesday through Saturday and is the perfect place to research a historic home or find a long-lost pioneer relative. Don’t forget to stop by the museum store for a uniquely Oregon souvenir!
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Oregon Historical Society and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Downtown
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
1,871 within 5 kms
Attractions
598 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- NearwoodKnoxville, Iowa11 contributionsIntrigued with the Oregon TrailMy husband and I traveled to Portland to visit family and the first day’s activity included a visit to the Historical Museum. I am a fiction writer and wanted to learn more about the historic Oregon Trail as part of my research. The displays featured a lot of maps, actual artifacts, and a recreated covered wagon set in a panoramic illustrated background. The gift shop had a lot of interesting books on the topic. Entry fee was reasonable. Seniors and students get a discount. We stayed a little over an hour but could have lingered longer. Highly recommend this museum.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 October 2023
- John CIndianapolis, Indiana8 contributionsExcellent ExhibitsReally great tour through Oregon history in the 3rd floor permanent exhibit! Well worth the very reasonable admission price. Great way to spend a rainy hour or two in Portland.Thank you for sharing your review! I am glad that you enjoyed the Experience Oregon exhibit; we appreciate your support and recommendation!Written 13 March 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2024Travelled soloWritten 11 February 2024
- cgc9New York City, New York10 contributionsExcellent, make this your first stop!make this your first stop in portland. really well thoughtfully done. A lot of excellent content in three stories. under appreciated in my opinion. great gift shop. you should get your post cards here!Thank you for sharing your review! I am glad that you enjoyed the exhibits and gift shop; we appreciate your support and recommendation!Written 13 March 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2024Travelled soloWritten 9 March 2024
- Brent HSt. George, Utah47 contributionsVery nice museum. Well worth a visit.I enjoy historical museums and this one did not disappoint. Well laid out. Start on the 3rd floor, then work your way down. Exhibits are very professional. A must see if you want an overview of Portland. Staff were helpful and knowledgeable. Spent about 3 hours which was about right.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 June 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
471 reviews
Excellent
254
Very good
153
Average
48
Poor
12
Terrible
4
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
Sherry R
Phoenix, AZ93 contributions
Feb 2023
Information provided in a confusing blast. You can walk through room after room reading little placards to learn about the Native American Tribes and Oregon's racist history. Eventually, there is information about people coming from England via ship and overland from the East and Midwestern parts of the U.S. Unfortunately, after the initial short film, there are no other breaks from reading placards. No other short films or activities.
Really difficult to absorb so much disparate information all at once. I would have welcomed even a coffee shop with a few chairs to take a rest before I tried to finish the exhibit. If you live in Portland, it is free. It cost me $8.
Also, while I agree it is important to acknowledge racist and shameful events in the past, I would like to acknowledge that some white people (my relatives, for example), traveled to Oregon to make a better life for themselves; not to kill ethnic minorities.
I also saw a Motown exhibit. Unfortunately, the sound on the videos was so quiet, I could barely hear them!
Really difficult to absorb so much disparate information all at once. I would have welcomed even a coffee shop with a few chairs to take a rest before I tried to finish the exhibit. If you live in Portland, it is free. It cost me $8.
Also, while I agree it is important to acknowledge racist and shameful events in the past, I would like to acknowledge that some white people (my relatives, for example), traveled to Oregon to make a better life for themselves; not to kill ethnic minorities.
I also saw a Motown exhibit. Unfortunately, the sound on the videos was so quiet, I could barely hear them!
Written 27 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Princerman
Otsego, MN1,334 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
This was a neat little gem right near the farmers market. We were probably here a couple of hours. I am sure that more perspectives could be added but it was generally pretty good. I could see how a conservative person may not like this museum as much. A lot of stuff about how native Americans were hosed over time.
Written 22 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EaglesFan27
Reading, PA695 contributions
May 2023
As an east coast person, I really enjoyed learning about the history of Oregon. The museum talks about the geography, the native peoples, followed by the more recent history of the state. The third-floor gallery was the best part, while the others were ok.
Written 7 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
adventuregirl14
United States1,269 contributions
Mar 2020
Loved the sheer amount of history that this museum encompasses - so much to take in about the state. I usually get bored in museums but this was different. There were so many interactive exhibits, videos to watch, etc. I would definitely recommend a trip to the Oregon Historical Society if you are visiting Portland!
Written 5 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SMF-Collegeville
Batesville, IN205 contributions
July 2023
Great museum with a good mix of information and interactive exhibits to ensure that all can move at their own speed. Purposely provides a range of viewpoints and makes history feel more alive. Has an area that is specifically focused on exhibits for younger kids.
Written 21 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nearwood
Knoxville, IA11 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
My husband and I traveled to Portland to visit family and the first day’s activity included a visit to the Historical Museum. I am a fiction writer and wanted to learn more about the historic Oregon Trail as part of my research. The displays featured a lot of maps, actual artifacts, and a recreated covered wagon set in a panoramic illustrated background. The gift shop had a lot of interesting books on the topic. Entry fee was reasonable. Seniors and students get a discount. We stayed a little over an hour but could have lingered longer. Highly recommend this museum.
Written 18 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Monica F
Ravenna, Italy86 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
During my week in Portland I visited this wonderful museum. The love of Oregon history is visible in every detail. In a week it is difficult to savor the beauty of Portland, let alone all of Oregon. The historical museum is a great opportunity to learn about and savor the wonderful uniqueness of this state. The old wild West.
Written 1 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brent H
St. George, UT47 contributions
June 2024 • Couples
I enjoy historical museums and this one did not disappoint. Well laid out. Start on the 3rd floor, then work your way down. Exhibits are very professional. A must see if you want an overview of Portland. Staff were helpful and knowledgeable. Spent about 3 hours which was about right.
Written 24 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John C
Indianapolis, IN8 contributions
Feb 2024 • Solo
Really great tour through Oregon history in the 3rd floor permanent exhibit! Well worth the very reasonable admission price. Great way to spend a rainy hour or two in Portland.
Written 11 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for sharing your review! I am glad that you enjoyed the Experience Oregon exhibit; we appreciate your support and recommendation!
Written 13 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
cgc9
New York City, NY10 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
make this your first stop in portland. really well thoughtfully done. A lot of excellent content in three stories. under appreciated in my opinion. great gift shop. you should get your post cards here!
Written 9 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for sharing your review! I am glad that you enjoyed the exhibits and gift shop; we appreciate your support and recommendation!
Written 13 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I don't remember where it was, but we parked inside and walked about a block.
Written 3 July 2019
According to their website:
Monday – Saturday:
10am – 5pm
Sundays:
Noon – 5pm
Of course, they are closed today (Memorial Day).
BTW, when we visited last month, we learned that the main exhibit on Oregon history was closing at the end of April for an extensive renovation. The temporary galleries, gift shop, etc. are still open, but you may want to hold off visiting (or plan on visiting again) when the main exhibit hall is again open.
Written 27 May 2018
No. Several other good ones and the Oregon My Oregon is closing April 29 and a new “permanent “ one opens February 14 2019.
Written 30 March 2018
I believe the current admission is 11 for adults an 9 for seniors over 60.
Written 24 May 2017
How much does it cost to see the ww11 exhibit and what time are the showings?
Written 28 November 2015
I am not sure but I will check it out and get back to you tomorrow
Written 30 November 2015
Tzyy
Singapore
Hi, I understand there are coin lockers near the information counter. Any idea if it will be big enough to store backpacks? We will be coming in to Portland via bus and the hotel is at the other side of town. It will make more sense to visit the museum before heading towards the hotel.
Written 14 November 2015
I emailed the Historical Society, and here is their reply:
Gail,
Our lockers should be large enough to hold a backpack depending on the size of it. Otherwise, we can hold things behind the Visitor Services desk.
Joey Beach
Lead Visitor Services Coordinator
503.306.5290
Written 17 November 2015
Showing results 1-7 of 7
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing