"Wow don't miss this museum" "I was so impressed with this museum! I didn't know much about the Columbia River and was totally drawn into all the interesting displays. I loved it."
"GREAT EXPERIENCE" "We consider this a must stop if you are in Astoria. The films are excellent, as are all of the exhibits."
(5 Stars) "First time in the museum & absolutely loved it. Lots on hands on things to try & learn about. Lots of audio so not just a bunch to read about, which is fantastic! Real ships & some incredible history. We would definitely go again. My boys 4 & 8 had a great time.
(5 Stars) "It is way bigger than we originally thought. We went there with kids from 4-11 years old. Everyone had fun. It wasn't a children's museum or science center; but there was a lot for the kids to do and enjoy. We spent 4 hours there and still didn't do everything."
"Well Done Museum" This is a well done museum if you are interested in the marine history of the Columbia; the section of the risks that the coast guard takes in rescuing off the Columbia River bar was very well done, and the lightship Columbia is included.
"OUTSTANDING Museum" SUPERB!!!!! We arrived at 10:00 before the crowds and spent two hours going through the exhibits, then another hour going through the light ship. Extremely friendly staff, awesome exhibits that really explain the birth and growth of the Columbia River from Lewis and Clark onward.
"Really inexpensive for all you get access to." Great place to learn about the Pacific northwest and how dangerous the area can be for watercraft. Great history lessons too. Favorite part was the weather forecaster green screen...silly but fun for our party of adults.
"There is Soooo Much to See” “We had no idea there was so much to see in the Museum. We will definitely go back because I got so tired trying to see it all in one afternoon. There are interactive exhibits, videos, displays, knowledgeable employees. Just incredible! 5 stars”
"Absolutely loved this museum" "It was our first stop when we got to Astoria and I feel like it really set the mood for the rest of the trip. I'm not super into history but this museum was very fascinating even if you're not a history fanatic. They did an amazing job incorporating the different elements of Astoria's history including the historical shipwrecks, the prevalent Coast Guard, and how much modern boating / rescue technology has evolved. Highly recommend!"
"I didn't want to go" "I went almost kicking and screaming with my husband. To my surprise and delight I loved it. Very educational and everything is pristine. I learned a lot and my husband had to wait for me. We also got to board a ship docked outside and included in the price you get to go on board, you get a good idea of what it was like to be in the Navy (sic). We paid $5 extra to see a movie in 3D. It was wonderful on the underworld life in the sea. Don't miss it, it was money well spent.”
“I was surprised how interesting the museum was!” "So much rich culture and history about the Columbia was fascinating, and I loved all the interactive displays, those are the best! Especially the tour on an actual boat! Astoria is great, I wanna live there. I would definitely return to this museum. We only got to spend a couple hours in there which was enough time to see everything, but you could easily spend all day in there and learn so much! I wish my whole family could come.”
“More Interesting Than Hoped” "I'm not a big Maritime buff by any means, but this museum really caught my attention and my interest. Many interactive exhibits draw you into the material they present, and the more traditional displays are also very well done. I definitely came out having learned more that when I went in. A special thank you for the display of signed flags belonging to Japanese soldiers. It's a moving presentation reminding us of our common humanity."
“Great History of the Area” “What a great Museum for children and adults to enjoy. Lots of history to learn about many ships and their seamen. Over a hundred years of history and knowledge, it’s always great to be able to say I learned something new today. Give yourself lots of time there is lots to see, hear, and read.”
“Well curated, informative museum” “A gem of a museum, with good experience about the Pacific NW, the Columbia River, and its history. I found the displays of old maps particularly interesting. Informative about rescue, the dangers of crossing the bar, the fishing and canning industry, and so on. Also, an excellent shop.”
“Definitely a nice visit on the river in Astoria" "I had no idea about how treacherous the Columbia Bar was and is, causing numerous ship wrecks. Sections on bar and river boat pilots, white water rescues, the fishing industry, and weather are all highly educational and entertaining. There is also a large WWII exhibit of interest. Everyone in the family should be able to find something of interest here. Also, the location of the museum on the water front under the bridge is stunning.”
"GREAT EXPERIENCE" "We consider this a must stop if you are in Astoria. The films are excellent, as are all of the exhibits."
(5 Stars) "First time in the museum & absolutely loved it. Lots on hands on things to try & learn about. Lots of audio so not just a bunch to read about, which is fantastic! Real ships & some incredible history. We would definitely go again. My boys 4 & 8 had a great time.
(5 Stars) "It is way bigger than we originally thought. We went there with kids from 4-11 years old. Everyone had fun. It wasn't a children's museum or science center; but there was a lot for the kids to do and enjoy. We spent 4 hours there and still didn't do everything."
"Well Done Museum" This is a well done museum if you are interested in the marine history of the Columbia; the section of the risks that the coast guard takes in rescuing off the Columbia River bar was very well done, and the lightship Columbia is included.
"OUTSTANDING Museum" SUPERB!!!!! We arrived at 10:00 before the crowds and spent two hours going through the exhibits, then another hour going through the light ship. Extremely friendly staff, awesome exhibits that really explain the birth and growth of the Columbia River from Lewis and Clark onward.
"Really inexpensive for all you get access to." Great place to learn about the Pacific northwest and how dangerous the area can be for watercraft. Great history lessons too. Favorite part was the weather forecaster green screen...silly but fun for our party of adults.
"There is Soooo Much to See” “We had no idea there was so much to see in the Museum. We will definitely go back because I got so tired trying to see it all in one afternoon. There are interactive exhibits, videos, displays, knowledgeable employees. Just incredible! 5 stars”
"Absolutely loved this museum" "It was our first stop when we got to Astoria and I feel like it really set the mood for the rest of the trip. I'm not super into history but this museum was very fascinating even if you're not a history fanatic. They did an amazing job incorporating the different elements of Astoria's history including the historical shipwrecks, the prevalent Coast Guard, and how much modern boating / rescue technology has evolved. Highly recommend!"
"I didn't want to go" "I went almost kicking and screaming with my husband. To my surprise and delight I loved it. Very educational and everything is pristine. I learned a lot and my husband had to wait for me. We also got to board a ship docked outside and included in the price you get to go on board, you get a good idea of what it was like to be in the Navy (sic). We paid $5 extra to see a movie in 3D. It was wonderful on the underworld life in the sea. Don't miss it, it was money well spent.”
“I was surprised how interesting the museum was!” "So much rich culture and history about the Columbia was fascinating, and I loved all the interactive displays, those are the best! Especially the tour on an actual boat! Astoria is great, I wanna live there. I would definitely return to this museum. We only got to spend a couple hours in there which was enough time to see everything, but you could easily spend all day in there and learn so much! I wish my whole family could come.”
“More Interesting Than Hoped” "I'm not a big Maritime buff by any means, but this museum really caught my attention and my interest. Many interactive exhibits draw you into the material they present, and the more traditional displays are also very well done. I definitely came out having learned more that when I went in. A special thank you for the display of signed flags belonging to Japanese soldiers. It's a moving presentation reminding us of our common humanity."
“Great History of the Area” “What a great Museum for children and adults to enjoy. Lots of history to learn about many ships and their seamen. Over a hundred years of history and knowledge, it’s always great to be able to say I learned something new today. Give yourself lots of time there is lots to see, hear, and read.”
“Well curated, informative museum” “A gem of a museum, with good experience about the Pacific NW, the Columbia River, and its history. I found the displays of old maps particularly interesting. Informative about rescue, the dangers of crossing the bar, the fishing and canning industry, and so on. Also, an excellent shop.”
“Definitely a nice visit on the river in Astoria" "I had no idea about how treacherous the Columbia Bar was and is, causing numerous ship wrecks. Sections on bar and river boat pilots, white water rescues, the fishing industry, and weather are all highly educational and entertaining. There is also a large WWII exhibit of interest. Everyone in the family should be able to find something of interest here. Also, the location of the museum on the water front under the bridge is stunning.”
