Change The Way You Look At Trees!
Located in Portland’s beautiful Washington Park, our 20,000 square foot museum is sure to delight anyone from ages 3 to 103. Visitors will be both educated and entertained as they learn about the importance of forests and trees in our lives, as well as environmental sustainability.
Built in dramatic Cascadian style architecture, the stunning Discovery Museum has been a Portland icon since 1971. Visitors can take a wet-free raft ride, see the forest from a bird’s-eye-view, learn about different people who work in the forest, and “travel” to Russia, China, South Africa and Brazil to discover how those regions are utilizing their forests and the challenges they face.
The first floor of our museum focuses on forests of the Pacific Northwest and the role they play in providing habitat, water, recreation, wood, and a multitude of other benefits. The Forest Store also provides guests with unique gift and souvenir options, many made in Oregon.
The second floor tells global forest stories exploring climate, wildlife, and how people around the world are connected to and dependent on their local forests. You will also find the special Leadership Hall and our exhibit on Portland’s historic Old Forestry Building that burned in 1964.
Families and school groups will find exhibits that pique curiosity and encourage active learning. This is a must-see attraction for anyone who lives in the Pacific Northwest or is visiting from out of town.
The World Forestry Discovery Museum is located across from the Oregon Zoo and adjacent to the Hoyt Arboretum and Vietnam Memorial. Students can explore forests top-to-bottom on two floors of unique hands-on exhibits. Focus on the native trees and forests of the Pacific Northwest or “The Four Forests” found around the world. Colorful and thoughtful exhibits are suitable for all ages and include tree planting, wildlife, benefits of wood, outdoor recreation, and forest careers. Allow 1-2 hours. Free admission for teachers and group leaders to help prepare for your trip. No food service or lunchroom is available on site. Many groups combine their visit with a picnic, hike, or project outdoors in the Hoyt Arboretum.
Bus reimbursement may be available through OFRI. Click registration form for more information.
The World Forestry Center is honored to support fundraising activities of educational organizations or non-profits. If your organization qualifies for a donation under this criteria, please send us a request and we will donate a Family 4-Pack of tickets to the Discovery Museum, located on the World Forestry Center’s campus.
In person – Bring a donation request letter on your organization’s letterhead to the Admissions Desk in the Discovery Museum and passes will be issued to you at that time.
The Discovery Museum hours are 10am-5pm. We are closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the winter season between Labor Day and Memorial Day.