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Americans love traveling and going on vacations — who doesn’t? But the majority of Americans have historically selected the same cities and areas over and over again. Travelers and vacationers love heading to Florida, New York City, California, and Vegas, and that’s totally fine. But what about a spot way up in the Northwestern portion of the country? We’re talking about Oregon.
People don’t often think about Oregon as a great travel or vacation designation. All that is starting to change. With vibrant cities like Eugene and Portland, Oregonians have a lot to be excited about. Tourists from around the country and the world are beginning to get curious about what Oregon has to offer.
Sure, Portland is a great spot for travelers with kids, since the city has 132 playgrounds, but kids can entertain themselves in just about any location. Oregon truly is an amazing spot for people of all ages and interests.
According to Oregon Live, travelers can get free admission to 12 Oregon attractions throughout 2019.
The Portland Attractions Marketing Alliance announced its annual reciprocal membership deal, offering free admission every month of the year to one of 12 attractions around the state. Every month a different attraction will be featured, opening its doors to members of the 11 others for no cost at all. For example, if you become a member to the Oregon Zoo, you and up to three other guests can access one or all of the 11 others if you so choose.
- January: Oregon Zoo — Formally the Portland Zoo and Washington Park Zoo, is located in Washington Park in Portland and is the oldest zoo west of the Mississippi River. Located at 4001 Southwest Canyon Road, Portland, OR.
- February: Oregon Historical Society — This is a scholarly asset and public resource dedicated to power the power of history into every visitor’s hands; as well as advancing knowledge all over the world. This museum was created in 1898 and enjoys approximately 44,000 visitors annually. Located at 200 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR.
- March: Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum — This innovation museum showcases all kinds of military and civilian aircraft and space crafts, including the Hughes H-4 Hercules, commonly known as the Spruce Goose. Located at 500 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way, McMinnville, OR.
- April: Washington County Museum — This museum has all kinds of modern artwork and historical exhibits, showcasing Oregon’s diverse culture. Located at 17677 NW Springville Rd, Portland, OR.
- May: Architectural Heritage Center — This center educates and advocates for the preservation of Portland’s historically built environment and culture. Located at 701 SE Grand Ave, Portland, OR.
- June: Columbia River Maritime Museum — This museum of all things maritime is roughly 10 miles from the mouth of the Columbia River in Astoria. Located at 1792 Marine Dr, Astoria, OR.
- July: Deepwood Museum and Gardens — This historic Salem house was constructed by Dr. Luke A Port, back in the late 1890s. Located at 1116 Mission St SE, Salem, OR.
- August: Clark County Historical Museum — This museum features rotating exhibits of local interest including Native American craft exhibits. Located at 1511 Main St, Vancouver, WA.
- September: Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals — This rocks and minerals museum is great for anyone interested in all things earth science. Located at 26385 NW Groveland Dr, Hillsboro, OR.
- October: World Forestry Center — According to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife survey, 40% of the population participates in some kind of wildlife activity annually. Thanks to the World Forestry Center, this nonprofit helps educate outdoor enthusiasts about wildfire safety, agriculture, nature appreciation, and more. Located at 4033 Southwest Canyon Road, Portland, OR.
- November: Oregon Coast Aquarium — Opened in 1992, this facility sits on 23 acres across the Yaquina Bay near the Pacific Ocean. Located at 2820 SE Ferry Slip Rd, Newport, OR.
- December: Lan Su Chinese Garden — In the early 1980s, an initiative was started to build a Chinese garden in Portland. This walled garden is roughly 40,000 share feet and located at 239 NW Everett St, Portland, OR.
Additionally, for domestic and international sports fans, Oregon is a must-visit. Not only does Oregon University’s football team have the coolest jerseys in the history of sports, the basketball team has caught some serious momentum in recent years.
Nicknamed “Rip City,” Portland is buzzing on nights that their Trail Blazers are home at the Moda Center. With all-star guards like Damien Lillard and C.J. McCollum, this team could win in exciting fashion on any given night against any given opponent. Again, people don’t consider Portland to be a great basketball town, but the Trail Blazers actually have the sixth-highest all-time NBA regular season win-loss record percentage at .535%.
Whether you’re a basketball-loving family, nature and wildlife enthusiasts, or just an American history buff, consider Oregon for your next travel or vacation destination — you won’t be disappointed.