Visit Willamette Heritage Center

What You’ll See

Admission to the museum gives you access to exhibits in nine historic structures on our five-acre site. A self-guided tour map is available at the front desk to guide your journey through the museum.

Permanent exhibits in the 1840s homes explore the experiences of Native Americans in the Valley and early European settlement of Oregon including Jason Lee and the Methodist Mission to Oregon and the Oregon Trail.

The Thomas Kay Woolen Mill buildings provide an in-depth look at industrialization and the woolen industry in Oregon.

A new family-friendly tour option, included with museum admission, is a backpack for elementary-aged children. Learn more about our newest interactive activity, Backpack Buddies: Working on the Railroad.

Time Requirements

Our five acre site has lots of nooks and crannies to get lost in. You can easily spend two hours or more exploring our exhibits and visiting the shops and other retailers at the WHC.

mission-mill-001

Accessibility

In order to maintain our historic structures in their original forms, some of our buildings are not wheelchair accessible.  Please ask at the front desk for information on how to get the most out of your visit.

Willamette Heritage Center welcomes guests of every ability, and we want your visit to be relaxed and enjoyable. While the majority of our exhibits and attractions are wheelchair accessible, there are a few exceptions:

  • The Pleasant Grove Church, the Parsonage, and the 2nd floor of the Jason Lee are inaccessible to wheelchairs.

  • There is an access ramp to the Boon House at the back of the house to bypass the two-step stoop at the front.  The ramp door can be opened from the interior.  Front desk can provide door opener for your party if needed, just let them know!

  • The exterior pathway between the Picker House and Machine Shop has a set of two stairwells, making the Wheel House and Turbines inaccessible to wheelchairs.

  • A few walkways, due to the grade of incline, may pose a challenge especially for non-motorized chairs.

For those with wider wheelchairs or who prefer a wheelchair in anticipation of a longer visit, we do provide smaller-framed chairs to navigate narrow exhibit spaces and hallways.

View Site Map

Under the Museums for All mission, Willamette Heritage Center now offers free admission to qualifying individuals with the appropriate documentation.

  • These are the details for accessing WHC through Museums for All:

    • Present a valid Oregon Trail Card, also known as a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Oregon Health Plan (OHP), or Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, with a valid form of photo ID.
    • Each cardholder will gain free admission for a total of 4 people.
    • This benefit applies to museum self-guided tours Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm.
    • Excludes special events and programs.
    • Come back anytime! There is no limit to how many times you can visit.

     

Every year, WHC hosts a Low Sensory Day during spring break. This gives individuals with disabilities, their families, and support staff a chance to come enjoy self-guided exploration and quiet activities in the Education Center. All unnecessary lighting and loud machinery will be turned off to create a calm feel during your museum visit. 

Learn More Here

Parking

We have lots of free parking in our lot that can be accessed from Mill Street. We also have an electric car charging station and bike rack.

Docents

If you would like to have one of our wonderful docents lead your tour, please call to schedule. Docent-led tours can currently be scheduled with at least two weeks notice. Self-guided tours are available without reservations.

Group Tours

The Willamette Heritage Center offers special rates for adults, senior and student groups of 10 or more. Click here for more information about Group Tours.

View the Museum’s Introductory Video