The History Museum of Hood River County

An outdoor exhibit featuring the paddlewheel from the River Queen river boat

"River Queen - gone but not forgotten" by Bernt Rostad is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Quick Facts

Location:

Hood River, OR

MANAGED BY:

History Museum of Hood River County

Amenities

16 listed

Accessible Rooms, Audio Description, Benches/Seating, Cellular Signal, Gifts/Souvenirs/Books, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present, Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Telephone, Toilet - Flush, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Wheelchair Accessible

Lewis and Clark NHT Visitor Centers and Museums

This map shows a range of features associated with the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, which commemorates the 1803-1806 Lewis and Clark Expedition. The trail spans a large portion of the North American continent, from the Ohio River in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the mouth of the Columbia River in Oregon. The trail is comprised of the historic route of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, an auto tour route, high potential historic sites (shown in black), visitor centers (shown in orange), and pivotal places (shown in green). These features can be selected on the map to reveal additional information. Also shown is a base map displaying state boundaries, cities, rivers, and highways. The map conveys how a significant area of the North American continent was traversed by the Lewis and Clark Expedition and indicates the many places where visitors can learn about their journey and experience the landscape through which they traveled.

The History Museum of Hood River County is a beautiful place along the Columbia River that has provided a home for successive peoples and generations. Their intriguing stories and struggles are told through a collection of artifacts, including art, decorative arts, costumes, photographs, tools, agricultural and sporting equipment, and archival documents.

From precious Native American material to the first windsurfing board, the diverse holdings of the museum mirror the area’s diverse people and their interests. The vintage photograph collection of over 20,000 items is a strong part of the collection which can be enjoyed by all online at historichoodriver.com.

Temporary exhibitions bring into sharp focus people, events, and/or artifacts that deserve special attention. Each new project is designed to share the joy of discovery with visitors by offering first-hand encounters with real objects. Discover culture and history through fresh, engaging exhibits, and exciting programs. Permanent Exhibits include: Native American Culture, Early Settlers, Timber and Logging, Agriculture, Recreation, the Hood River Japanese American story, and Luhr Jensen & Sons: Where Legends Were Made.

The History Museum’s parent organization is Hood River County, which provides a major portion of the day to day operating costs and one full time paid staff person. Collection and education expenses are provided through donations, memberships, and admission fees. The History Museum’s grandparent organization is the Hood River County Historical Society and The Pioneer Society which began collecting artifacts in 1907. The current museum building was opened to the public in 1978 and was built from generous community support and donations.