Not every museum is a showcase for grandiose works of art, or priceless artifacts. In fact, if you want to transition an item from mundane to extraordinary you only need to showcase it with some lights and a written history, and… POOF! You’ve got a museum. Portland is loaded with these gems!
Our team recently went in search of the wonderful, wacky and downright bizarre museums Portland has to offer. Here’s what we came up with!
If you’ve ever wanted to witness an alien autopsy, check out Bigfoot, or eat ice cream topped with all sorts of creepie-crawlies, this place should be your first stop!
Have you ever really stopped to think about how profoundly important the vacuum cleaner is in modern society? What would life like without it? The vacuum cleaner has had a long and unusual path to modernity, and Stark’s goes great lengths in providing a detailed history of the device.
Movie Madness is a Portland institution. Known for its vast collection, knowledgeable staff, and display cases full of legendary film props, the iconic Belmont storefront has a well-earned reputation as one of the best video stores in the country.
Featuring Frank Kidd’s toy collection, the Kidd Toy museum showcases an amazing array of mechanical and still planes, trains and automobiles that are definitely worth checking out. If that’s not your thing, there’s even more. Frank’s wife has supplemented the collection with her dolls, teddy bears, and holiday collectibles.
Lincoln Street Kayak and Canoe Museum
Curated and built by Harvey Golden, this astounding collection boasts 64 life size kayaks and canoes creating one of the largest private collections in the world. The museum is only open one day a week, so be sure to plan ahead.
The National Hat Museum is America’s largest hat museum – brimming with information that will definitely go to your head!
This collection offers a carefully chosen selection from among the most characteristic styles of past eras, providing a wide-angle historical perspective on what has always been the essential accessory.
You’ve most likely never experienced anything like this before! Retired engineer Bruce Campbell owns a Boeing 727 in Hillsboro, just outside of Portland, that he has transformed into his house in the woods. He grants visitors the opportunity to visit his home if they sign risk and liability waivers.
Baron Mind might let you tour the mysterious hole in his backyard, then again, maybe he won’t. It totally depends upon how convincing you are in your email request. We strongly suggest you make an attempt to check out this truly eclectic tourist attraction.
