The nationally renowned Columbia River Maritime Museum offers guests a unique glimpse into the history of the Columbia River, from the days of dugout canoes, through the sailing age, to today. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the stories of the legendary Columbia River Bar, one of the most dangerous passages in the world.

Caroline Wuebben, Director of External Engagement at the Museum shares, “There is something here for everyone – visual learners, tactile learners, readers, and listeners. We are not just a collection of boats…we share stories and perspectives that offer a look into the settlement and development of Astoria and the Columbia River.”

Here’s what you can expect when you visit this world-class Astoria-based museum.

Unique Exhibits:
Visitors can explore the rich maritime history and breathtaking beauty of the Pacific Northwest through extensive interactive exhibits and galleries. 

Learn about the ‘Twin Palaces of the Pacific’ – the S.S. Great Northern and S.S. Northern Pacific – the fastest and most luxurious twin ships in the Pacific now providing a new route between San Francisco and Portland via Astoria. Also, see exciting exhibits about crossing the perilous Columbia River Bar Witness the legendary fishing runs, and take a tour of the floating lighthouse, the Lightship Columbia. Besides these, guests can also experience interactive displays like piloting a tugboat, trying their hand at giving a weather forecast or experiencing full-sized Coast Guard and fishing vessels.

Distinct Collections:
The Museum’s collection, both inside the building and outside the campus – such as the Lightship, the large anchor and propeller, the large jetty rock, and the model boat pond – are special and not to be missed.

3D Theater:
This 36-seat, wheelchair-accessible theater offers a huge 16x9 foot screen and pure digital surround sound, bringing films to life. Admission is $5 per person and not included in the museum entrance admission price. Shark Kingdom – which is an epic family adventure that shows how the ocean’s top predator plays a key role in the marine ecosystem - shows on the hour starting at 10am. Fungi: The Web of Life, which gives viewers a peek into the secret world of fungi, shows every half hour starting at 10:30am. 

Museum Store
The Museum Store plays a key role in the operations of Columbia River Maritime Museum, and all proceeds from purchases support educational programming for all ages, as well as the general fund. All merchandise is carefully selected to reflect and interpret the Museum’s mission, its permanent collections, as well as special exhibits on view for a limited time. Can’t make it to the Museum right away? Visit the online store here to peruse the variety of unique items available.

Looking ahead, the Museum just launched a two-year campus transformation project that includes two phases of remodeling of the existing building and the launch of two new exhibits this fall. There will also be the groundbreaking to start construction of a new $30 million building, Mariners Hall, anticipated to open Summer of 2026.

Wuebben said, “Mariners Hall will allow us to display so much more of our collection – and allow us to share stories tied to these objects.  The in-depth exhibit of Indigenous people, Cedar & Sea, will provide us the opportunity to close the circle on the history of our area – not what is perceived but what actually occurred. The Chinook nation’s collaboration and contribution to this true history is an important piece of understanding Astoria, Clatsop County, and the Columbia River.”

Stop by and experience the unique Columbia Maritime Museum soon! Located at 1792 Marine Drive in Astoria, the Museum is open every day from 9:30am to 5:00 pm, except on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Learn more about admission or how to become a museum member here.