Columbia River Maritime Museum

1792 Marine Dr.

Astoria, Oregon 97103

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Explore the world of marine transportation from the days of dugout canoes, through the age of sail, to the present.

Watch a dramatic 12-minute film introducing the history and perils of the the Columbia River. Sail a model boat on the newly opened Warnock Model Boat Pond. Walk the bridge of a World War II warship, marvel at the 44-foot motor lifeboat plowing through a wave in a rescue mission. Participate in four interactive and hands-on exhibits including taking the helm in a tugboat wheelhouse.

The museum’s 3D theater brings family-friendly movies to life in grand fashion, onto the huge screen and in pure digital surround sound.

And what’s more…you can board the Lightship Columbia, a National Historic Landmark, that once guided ships to safety at the mouth of the Columbia River.

Columbia River Maritime Museum

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating based on 1836 reviews

TripAdvisor

February 10, 2024

rickh57

Interesting history of the Columbia River Bar and ship traffic.

An interesting museum. We've driven past it many times but never stopped. We did a tour of the Columbia light ship, climbing down into the engine room.
January 26, 2024

Frank D

Excellent Museum

I was really looking forward to the Maritime Museum when we were planning out our couple days in Astoria. The museum is is very well done with excellent full size boat displays that allow you up close to the history of boats that have gone up and down the Columbia River. There is a very cool boat display of a Coast Guard Boat rescuing someone while battling the rough waters off the Columbia River Bar. There is lots to see and a lot of interactive displays too. Then it's off to the Columbia Lightship to tour that too. I would say the museum and lightship tour took about 3 total hours. It is about the max amount of time I wanted to spend there, so it worked out perfectly for us. It's not too big and not too small.
November 4, 2023

Malice6

Good Maritime experience

This was a repeat visit for us after several years And several previous visits. It is really an excellent coordinated exhibit of both local history and current activities around the outstanding Coast Guard rescue boat school. There is much to learn and experience about the most dangerous river entrance and the importance of maritime commerce here. Adjacent to the museum is a former light ship available for touring. Overall it is interesting and educational for all ages. Reason for not top rating : -A real cheesy gift shop not up to the excellent venue and quality of the museum. Showing once again that bad taste is everywhere.
October 20, 2023

Clinton S

The best maritime museum I have visited

The Columbia Maritime Museum was much more than I expected. I am interested in the sea, it's power and the courage of the seafarers than ride her waves. This place was first class with boats, 3D movies, stories and all who dared to travel the "Graveyard of the Pacific" at the mouth of the Columbia River. Tales of the many shipwrecks and rescuers that aid them. If you love the sea and oceanic history this is a must sea. The quality of the exhibits is top shelf. Plan on a couple hours.
September 25, 2023

slhokie

Great Way to Learn about Sea Rescures

This is a good place to learn about the coast guard rescues in the area. There are some simulations of actual rescues and large exhibits of the rescue boats as well as fishing boats. There is also a section about the salmon canning industry that was large before overfishing did it in. Outside we went on a lighthouse boat. The staff member ws very receptive to our questions.