What to do on the People’s Coast
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Charleston Marine Life Center
CMLC: Part Aquarium, Part Museum, All Discovery. Located on the edge of the harbor in Charleston, Oregon, the CMLC is an exciting place of discovery for all ages. The CMLC’s aquaria, displays, artwork, and views reveal the hidden and remarkable diversity of life off Oregon, from the coast to the deep sea. From the Center’s windows, watch fishing boats unload their catch, and seals, sea lions and birds a few feet away. Walk under whale skeletons, reach into a tidepool touch tank, get face to face with an octopus and a wolf eel, and watch video from deep reefs and undersea vents. Enjoy the many interactive displays and opportunities to explore specimens, and learn about ongoing research. The CMLC is part of the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology, the marine science field station of the University of Oregon.
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Columbia River Maritime Museum
Six galleries, the Great Hall, and the Lightship Columbia interpret the region's rich maritime history. Visitors of all ages experience what it's like to pilot a tugboat, participate in a Coast Guard rescue, and live in Astoria during the height of salmon fishing. Explore marine transportation from the days of dugout canoes, through the age of sail, to the present. Walk the bridge of a WW II warship, marvel at the 44-ft motor lifeboat plowing through a wave in a rescue mission. Interactive, hands-on exhibits. Board the Lightship Columbia, a National Historic Landmark that once guided ships to safety at the mouth of the Columbia River. Watch family friendly movies in the 3D theater. Take classes at the Barbey Martime Center. Sail a model boat on the newly opened Warnock Model Boat Pond.
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Florence Events Center
An executive retreat for your company? A convention or tradeshow for your organization? An affordable performance hall for your theater arts or music group? The perfect site for a family reunion or wedding reception? We’re that place—the Florence Events Center! You can have up to 21,000 total square feet of space, including a nearly 8000 sq. ft. dividable flat floor, a 450-seat state-of-the-art performance hall, conference rooms, on-site catering, and an attentive staff that works extra hard to make your event perfect. From international caliber entertainment to intimate family gatherings. From regional conferences to local fundraising banquets. In short, we can help you create a memorable event for four to 400 people! We also offer a full rental inventory for your off-site or outdoor event. For more information contact our helpful, friendly staff now at 997-1994, [email protected], or online at EventCenter.org.
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Lincoln City Cultural Center
Located in the historic DeLake School building (built in the 1920s), the Lincoln City Cultural Center has been bringing locals and visitors alike together to enjoy, share and experience visual and performing arts and culture for more than 25 years. Concerts and community events, the PJ Chessman Gallery, art classes for all ages and skill levels, various yoga classes, a gift shop, facility rentals and the Farmers and Crafters Market are just a few of the Cultural Center’s many enriching aspects that make it a mainstay of artistic expression and appreciation in this coastal community.
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Port Orford Lifeboat Station Museum
Port Orford Coast Guard (Lifeboat) Station was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 29, 1998. From 1934 into the 1960s U.S. Coast Guard “surfmen” lived here, ever alert for ships in distress. When a call came they risked their lives to save others. See the 36-foot self-righting motor lifeboat number 36498 on the grounds. Visit the museum in the former barracks/office building. Four other historic buildings also remain at this 101.29-acre site. This is the only Forge River-type station left on the West Coast. The 36-foot boat came into use during the 1930’s and generally had a three-man crew. U.S. Coast Guard 36′ motor lifeboat 36498 served at the Port Orford Lifeboat Station until the station ceased lifeboat services in 1964. She came home to Port Orford in early 2000.
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The Hawthorne Gallery
The Hawthorne Gallery located at 517 Jefferson Street (Hwy 101) in Port Orford represents the artwork of the talented Hawthorne family as well as many other outstanding contemporary artists. Brothers Chris and Gregory have created a unique showcase for the arts with the stunning backdrop of Battle Rock Beach and the Pacific Ocean. Come browse the colorful works of art ranging from glass to bronze to paintings to ceramic sculpture. We promise you will be amazed at the collection. Open 7 days a week from 10am to 6pm. Call 541-366-2266 for more information.
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The Hughes Ranch
Visit the restored 1898 Victorian farmhouse built for pioneers Patrick and Jane Hughes. After operating a successful dairy ranch for more than thirty years, the couple was able to pay pioneer builder Pehr Johan Lindberg to design and build the comfortable, two-story home. You can learn about ranch life more than 100 years ago and about the couple’s seven children, one of whom was a longtime keeper at Cape Blanco Light Station. Free tours are provided April through October each year. You can also visit the nearby Pioneer cemetery or enjoy miles of hiking trails at Cape Blanco State Park.
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Tillamook Forest Center
Find Yourself in the Forest at the Tillamook Forest Center. Are you ready for fun and adventure in the forest? The Tillamook Forest Center, Oregon's forest visitor and education center, beckons from the lush green landscape from the northern Coast Range. The Tillamook Forest Center is FREE and its exhibits and programs showcase the legacy of the Tillamook Burn and the public spirit behind the monumental reforestation effort which led to the Tillamook State Forest of today. Discover the power of fire through our award-winning film Legacy of Fire, the miracle of the salmon lifecycle, and the resilient, dynamic and productive nature of forests. Climb the 40 foot tall replica fire lookout tower where you can learn about the life of a lookout. Then stroll out onto the suspension bridge and peer into the rushing waters of the Wilson River.
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2nd Street Gallery
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4th Street Studio & Gallery
Brought to you by OCVA in association with Travel Oregon & Wildernet
