All history museums and attractions to visit in Portland

Portland (Oregon) is a good place to visit if you are interested in history. Below we list all 12 history museums in Portland, to lose yourself in the place's cultural heritage and local history.

Are you a real history buff and are you looking for the best history museums to visit in Portland? These are the ones:

  1. Oregon Rail Heritage Center1

    Oregon Rail Heritage Center

     Portland, OR
    The Oregon Rail Heritage Center (ORHC) is a railway museum located in Portland, Oregon. It is home to three steam locomotives owned by the City of Portland. These include the Southern Pacific 4449, Spokane, Portland & Seattle 700, and Oregon Railroad & Navigation Co. 197. The first two locomotives are restored and operable, offering a unique glimpse into the history of rail transportation.
  2. Pittock Mansion2

    Pittock Mansion

     Portland, OR
    The Pittock Mansion is a grand residence constructed in the French Renaissance style. It is situated on the Tualatin Mountains, to the west of downtown Portland. This location offers visitors a unique perspective of the city, as the mansion is elevated approximately 250 meters above the city center. The mansion's architectural style and its scenic location make it a notable point of interest for tourists visiting Portland.
  3. Oregon Historical Society3

    Oregon Historical Society

     Portland, OR
    The Oregon Historical Society (OHS) is an organization that has been in existence since 1898. It is dedicated to exploring and sharing the history of the Oregon Country, which extends beyond the borders of the state of Oregon. The society operates the Oregon History Center, which houses the Oregon Historical Society Museum in Portland. This museum is a key part of the society's efforts to preserve and share Oregon's rich history.
  4. Lan Su Chinese Garden4

    Lan Su Chinese Garden

     Portland, OR
    The Lan Su Chinese Garden, previously known as the Portland Classical Chinese Garden, is a significant cultural landmark in the Chinatown area of the Old Town Chinatown neighborhood in Portland, Oregon. This walled Chinese garden spans an entire city block, covering approximately 40,000 square feet. It offers a unique opportunity to experience a piece of Chinese culture and history right in the heart of Portland.
  5. Five Oaks Museum5

    Five Oaks Museum

     Portland, OR
    Five Oaks Museum, previously known as the Washington County Museum, is a historical museum situated in Washington County, Oregon, United States. The museum is located at the Rock Creek campus of Portland Community College (PCC), which is to the north of Beaverton, Oregon.
  6. Movie Madness Video6

    Movie Madness Video

     Portland, OR
    Movie Madness Video is not just a video rental shop, but also a museum of film history. It is located in the Sunnyside neighborhood of Portland, Oregon, in the United States. This unique combination of a rental shop and museum offers visitors a chance to explore the history of film while also having the opportunity to rent a movie of their choice.
  7. Oregon Historical Society Museum7

    Oregon Historical Society Museum

     Portland, OR
    The Oregon Historical Society Museum is a history museum situated in the heart of downtown Portland, Oregon. This museum is a significant cultural institution that provides visitors with a comprehensive understanding of Oregon's rich history. It is easily accessible and located in a vibrant area of the city, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring Portland.
  8. Oregon Maritime Museum8

    Oregon Maritime Museum

     Portland, OR
    The Portland is currently home to the Oregon Maritime Museum, which owns the ship. The museum acquired the ship in 1991, nearly ten years after its retirement. Restoration work began with the intention of turning it into a stationary museum ship. The interest and fundraising for the project exceeded expectations, and $700,000 in donations allowed the Portland to be restored to a working and navigable state. The restoration work was completed in 1993, with occasional passenger trips until the Coast Guard inspected the ship in 2001 and halted passenger operations until the ship could pass inspection. The museum raised an additional $480,000, volunteers put in an additional million dollars in labor over seven years, and the ship was allowed to serve passengers again in 2008.
  9. Portland Police Museum9

    Portland Police Museum

     Portland, OR
    The Portland Police Museum showcases a variety of artifacts that provide insight into the city's law enforcement history. Visitors can expect to see a range of items, from historical documents to old uniforms, that tell the story of Portland's police force over the years.
  10. 10

    Japanese American Museum of Oregon

     Portland, OR
  11. 11

    Portland Chinatown Museum

     Portland, OR
  12. 12

    Hellenic-american Cultural Center & Museum

     Portland, OR