A Ride Down the Tracks Reveals Memories of the Past
Douglas County Museum Exhibits
Travel far back in time when Oregon was under the sea with locally discovered ocean fossils through the chilling Ice Age where wooly mammoths roamed the land up to today with exhibits describing contemporary Douglas County and all it has to offer.
Permanent Exhibitions
Wagons West & The Oregon Trail
Embark on a Historic Journey
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history of the pioneers of the West and the Oregon Trail exhibit. This captivating exhibition brings history to life through its impressive collection of life-size displays and meticulously restored artifacts. As you explore, you’ll encounter pioneer wagons, a fully stocked general store, interactive exhibits, and so much more.
Roseburg Blast
THE impact ON businesses in Roseburg
On August 7, 1959 a fire at Gerretsen Building Supply Company ignited a truck parked on the adjacent street. The truck was carrying a two ton load of dynamite and four and one-half tons of ammonium nitrate. The subsequent blast leveled eight city blocks.
The O&C Railroad
Enjoy the fascinating world of railways past
At the O&C Railroad exhibit, you’ll be delighted to find a wealth of historical treasures. Step inside and marvel at the authentic railroad station from Dillard, as well as the last remaining Oregon and California rail car. The museum doesn’t stop there – it proudly showcases antique images of trains and railroad life in abundance.
Logger’s Bunkhouse
shelter and comfort for the tireless
Despite its rustic charm, the logger’s bunkhouse exudes a sense of camaraderie and community, where stories are shared, laughter rings out, and friendships forged in the crucible of the wilderness endure for a lifetime.
Ancient Oregon
embark on an extraordinary journey through time
Prepare to be captivated by the rich and enthralling ancient history of Oregon’s Umpqua Valley. This scenic region is not only a haven for nature enthusiasts but also a treasure trove of traces from a time long past. From the remnants of ancient civilizations to fossilized remains, evidence of Oregon’s captivating history can be found at every turn.
David Douglas Natural History Area
indefatigable botanist and natural historian
David Douglas is an iconic figure in Oregon’s botanical history, largely due to his association with the famous Douglas-fir tree, the state tree of Oregon. His remarkable journey from humble origins to becoming an esteemed collector of plants and animals in the Pacific Northwest is a testament to his passion and good fortune.
Children’s Discovery Room
fostering a love for exploration
A place where young minds embark on a thrilling expedition into the realm of exploration. This immersive exhibit is designed to foster a love for exploration among children of all ages. Visitors are greeted by a vibrant and inviting atmosphere, filled with interactive displays and hands-on activities.
Gold Mining & the Fur Trade
prosperity and endless opportunity
Discover the captivating tale of southern Oregon’s rich history, where the worlds of gold mining and the fur trade collided in a fascinating narrative. Step back in time as we delve into the remarkable events that shaped this region and explore how the hub that was the Umpqua Valley.
Changing Exhibitions
History of Wine in Douglas County
Toasting the Umpqua Valley
The new limited-time exhibit navigates visitors through the illustrious and rich history of the wine industry in the Umpqua Valley, from pre-prohibition to post-prohibition to the wide array of world-renowned vineyards we see growing in our beautiful valley today.
Archie Creek Fire
Rise from the ashes
A collection of emotional before-and-after images of the Glide and Idleyld Park communities affect by the Archie Creek wildfire on September 8, 2020. The fire which ultimately burned more than 131,000 acres, the largest recorded natural disaster in Douglas County history.