Places to visit native american culture exhibits in Oregon USA

Oregon, a land of diverse landscapes ranging from the rugged Pacific coastline to the high desert plateaus and the snow-capped Cascade Mountains, holds a rich tapestry of Native American history and culture. For those seeking to delve into the heritage of the indigenous peoples who have called this land home for millennia, Oregon offers a variety of museums, cultural centers, and historical sites. This article provides a guide to some of the key locations where visitors can explore and appreciate the vibrant and enduring legacy of Oregon’s Native American tribes.

Before embarking on this journey, it’s important to acknowledge the complex history of interactions between Native American tribes and settlers in Oregon. Understanding the historical context of treaties, displacement, and cultural assimilation is crucial for a respectful and informed experience. Each location listed below offers a unique perspective on the diverse cultures, traditions, and stories of Oregon’s Native American people.

Museums and Cultural Centers:

• A.R. Bowman Memorial Museum (Prineville): Located in Prineville, this museum offers a glimpse into the history of Crook County, including exhibits related to the Native American tribes who inhabited the area. While not exclusively focused on Native American culture, the museum provides valuable context for understanding the region’s past. The A.R. Bowman Memorial Museum is located at 246 N. Main St., Prineville, OR 97754. You can reach them by phone at (541) 447-3715.

• Champoeg State Park Visitor Center (Saint Paul): This state park marks the site of a significant meeting in 1843 where settlers voted to form a provisional government. The visitor center offers exhibits about the history of the area, including information about the Native American tribes who lived in the Willamette Valley prior to European settlement. The Champoeg State Park Visitor Center can be found at 8239 Champoeg Rd. N.E., Saint Paul, OR 97137. Their phone number is (503) 678-1251.

• Collier Memorial State Park (Chiloquin): Situated near Klamath Falls, this park features a pioneer village and a logging museum. While primarily focused on pioneer history, the park also acknowledges the Native American presence in the region, particularly the Klamath Tribes. Collier Memorial State Park is located on Hwy. 97, 30 miles north of Klamath Falls, Chiloquin, OR 97624. Their mailing address is 46000 Hwy. 97 N., Chiloquin, OR 97624, and they can be reached by phone at (541) 783-2471.

• Columbia County Historical Society Museum (Saint Helens): Housed in the Old County Courthouse in Saint Helens, this museum showcases the history of Columbia County, including exhibits on the Native American tribes who lived along the Columbia River. Visitors can learn about their traditional way of life and their interactions with early settlers. The Columbia County Historical Society Museum is located in the Old County Courthouse, Saint Helens, OR 97051. Contact them at (503) 397-3868 & 2353.

• Coos County Historical Society Museum (North Bend): Located in North Bend, this museum focuses on the history of Coos County, including the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw tribes. Exhibits may include artifacts, photographs, and information about their culture and traditions. The Coos County Historical Society Museum can be found at 1220 Sherman, North Bend, OR 97459. Their phone number is (541) 756-4847.

• Douglas County Museum of History and Natural History (Roseburg): This museum in Roseburg covers a wide range of topics related to the history and natural history of Douglas County. Exhibits may include information about the Native American tribes who lived in the area, such as the Umpqua and Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Indians. The Douglas County Museum of History and Natural History is located at 123 Museum Dr., Roseburg, OR 97470. Contact them at (541) 957-7007.

• Favell Museum of Western Art and Indian Artifacts (Klamath Falls): This museum in Klamath Falls boasts a significant collection of Western art and Native American artifacts. The Native American collection includes basketry, beadwork, clothing, and tools from various tribes across the United States, including those from the Klamath Basin. The Favell Museum of Western Art and Indian Artifacts is located at 125 W. Main St., Klamath Falls, OR 97601. Their mailing address is P.O. BOX 165, Klamath Falls, OR 97601, and they can be reached by phone at (541) 882-9996.

• Grant County Historical Museum (Canyon City): Located in Canyon City, this museum showcases the history of Grant County, including exhibits on the Native American tribes who inhabited the area. Visitors can learn about their culture and their interactions with early settlers and miners. The Grant County Historical Museum is located at 101 S. Canyon Blvd., Hwy. 395, Canyon City, OR 97820. Their mailing address is P.O. BOX 464, Canyon City, OR 97820, and they can be reached by phone at (503) 575-0362 & 1825.

• Harney County Historical Museum (Burns): This museum in Burns focuses on the history of Harney County, including the Northern Paiute people who traditionally inhabited the region. Exhibits may include artifacts, photographs, and information about their way of life. The Harney County Historical Museum can be found at 18 W. D St., Burns, OR 97720. Their phone number is (503) 573-2636 & 5618.

• The Heritage Museum (Astoria): Situated in Astoria, this museum explores the history of the region, including the Native American tribes who lived along the Columbia River. Exhibits may include artifacts, photographs, and information about their culture and their interactions with early explorers and traders. The Heritage Museum is located at 1618 Exchange, Astoria, OR 97103. Contact them at (503) 325-2203.

• High Desert Museum (Bend): The High Desert Museum in Bend offers a comprehensive look at the natural and cultural history of the High Desert region. Exhibits often include information about the Native American tribes who have lived in the area for thousands of years, with a focus on their relationship with the environment. The High Desert Museum is located at 59800 S. Highway 97, Bend, OR 97702-7963.

• Jensen Arctic Museum (Monmouth): Located at Western Oregon State College in Monmouth, this museum houses a collection of artifacts from the Arctic region, including items related to the indigenous peoples of Alaska and Siberia. While not specifically focused on Oregon tribes, it provides a broader context for understanding Native American cultures. The Jensen Arctic Museum is located at 590 W. Church St., Western Oregon State College, Monmouth, OR 97361. Contact them at (503) 838-8468.

• Junction City Historical Society (Junction City): This local historical society in Junction City may have exhibits related to the Native American tribes who lived in the area prior to European settlement. Contact them for specific information about their collections. The Junction City Historical Society can be found at 655 Holly St., Junction City, OR 97448. Their phone number is (541) 998-2924.

• Kerbyville Museum (Kerby): This museum in Kerby focuses on the history of the Kerbyville area, including the Native American tribes who lived in the region. Exhibits may include artifacts and information about their culture and their interactions with early settlers. The Kerbyville Museum is located at 24195 Redwood Hwy. 199, Kerby, OR 97531. Their mailing address is P.O. BOX 34, Kerby, OR 97531, and they can be reached by phone at (503) 592-2076.

• Klamath County Museum (Klamath Falls): This museum in Klamath Falls showcases the history of Klamath County, with a significant emphasis on the Klamath Tribes. Exhibits may include artifacts, photographs, and information about their culture, traditions, and history. Klamath County Museum is located at 1451 Main St., Klamath Falls, OR 97601. Contact them at (541) 883-4208.

• University of Oregon Museum of Natural History (Eugene): This museum in Eugene features exhibits on the natural and cultural history of Oregon, including extensive collections of Native American artifacts. Visitors can learn about the diverse cultures of Oregon’s tribes and their relationship with the environment. The University of Oregon Museum of Natural History is located at 1680 E. 15th Ave., Eugene, OR 97403-1224. Their mailing address is 1124 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-1224, and they can be reached by phone at (541) 346-3024.

• The Museum at Warm Springs (Warm Springs): This museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history and culture of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs (Warm Springs, Wasco, and Paiute). The museum features exhibits of artifacts, photographs, and artwork, as well as cultural demonstrations and educational programs. This is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning about the rich heritage of these tribes. The Museum at Warm Springs is located at 2189 Hwy. 26, Warm Springs, OR 97761. Their mailing address is P.O. BOX C, Warm Springs, OR 97761, and they can be reached by phone at (503) 555-3331.

• Oregon Historical Society (Portland): Located in Portland, the Oregon Historical Society features exhibits on the history of Oregon, including the Native American tribes who have lived in the state for thousands of years. The society also has a research library with extensive collections of documents and photographs related to Native American history. The Oregon Historical Society is located at 1200 S.W. Park Ave., Portland, OR 97205. Contact them at (503) 222-1741.

• Portland Art Museum (Portland): The Portland Art Museum boasts a collection of Native American art from across the United States, including pieces from Oregon tribes. The collection includes basketry, beadwork, carvings, and paintings. The Portland Art Museum is located at 1219 S.W. Park Ave., Portland, OR 97205. Contact them at (503) 226-2811.

• Robert E. Newell House, DAR Museum (Saint Paul): This historic house museum in Saint Paul offers a glimpse into the life of Robert Newell, an early Oregon pioneer. While not exclusively focused on Native American culture, the museum provides context for understanding the interactions between settlers and Native American tribes in the Willamette Valley. The Robert E. Newell House, DAR Museum is located at 8089 Champeog Rd. N.E., Saint Paul, OR 97137 and can be reached by phone at (503) 678-5537.

• Schminck Memorial Museum (Lakeview): This museum in Lakeview showcases the history of Lake County, including exhibits on the Native American tribes who inhabited the area. Visitors can learn about their culture and their interactions with early settlers. The Schminck Memorial Museum is located at 128 S. E St., Lakeview, OR 97630 and can be reached by phone at (503) 947-3134.

• Wallowa Nez Perce Interpretive Center, Inc. (Wallowa): This center in Wallowa focuses on the history and culture of the Nez Perce tribe, who have a long and significant connection to the Wallowa Valley. Visitors can learn about their traditional way of life, their interactions with early settlers, and their ongoing efforts to preserve their culture. Wallowa Nez Perce Interpretive Center, Inc. can be contacted by mail at P.O. Box 15, Wallowa, OR 97885 or by phone at (541) 886-3101.

Online Resources:

• Oregon State Archives Online Exhibits: The Oregon State Archives offers a variety of online exhibits that explore different aspects of Oregon history, including Native American history. These exhibits can provide valuable context and information for those planning a visit to Oregon or those interested in learning more about the state’s Native American heritage.

When visiting any of these locations, it’s important to remember that you are engaging with living cultures. Be respectful of tribal traditions and protocols. Many tribes have their own websites and cultural centers that offer valuable resources and information. Consider contacting the specific tribe whose history you are interested in to learn more about their culture and current activities.

Exploring the places to visit native american culture exhibits in Oregon USA offers a unique opportunity to connect with the rich and diverse heritage of the state’s indigenous peoples. By visiting these museums, cultural centers, and historical sites, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the history, traditions, and ongoing contributions of Oregon’s Native American tribes. Remember to approach your exploration with respect and a willingness to learn from the stories and experiences of the people who have called Oregon home for thousands of years. Places to visit native american culture exhibits in Oregon USA offer a unique glimpse into the state’s history. Places to visit native american culture exhibits in Oregon USA are very important to know.