Hanthorn Cannery Museum prides itself on being the oldest fish processing plant on the lower Columbia River. Established by J.O. Hanthorn in 1875, the facility comprised eight buildings, including cold storage units. Today, the old cannery serves as a fascinating museum that narrates the story of the bygone era. Here, you can walk through old freezer rooms that once stored tuna. The collection includes old canning equipment, historic gillnet boats, fishing gear, and documents tracing back to the cannery's beginning. The museum also has a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs.
The Astoria Column, a beacon on the Pacific Northwest Coastline, is a wooden tower that stands on the Coxcomb Hill. The highest point of the tower enables visitors to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the Columbia River, and the volcanic mountain Mount Rainier. The concrete tower was built in 1926 and features 164 steps that end at the spectacular observation deck. The historic monument is adorned with art and inscriptions of the city's history. Steeped in history, the column is an unmissable attraction in Astoria.
Located close to Columbia River, Liberty Theater opened its doors in 1925. This old theater is part of the historic Astor Building. The building was listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1984. This Italian Renaissance-style theater houses several oil paintings that were made by the artist, Joseph Knowles. It can seat hundreds of guests. They also offer the McTavish room and Paulson Pavilion on rent.
The Queen-styled Victorian house of the former captain George, the Flavel House Museum, has been given the recognition of a historic site. Within the house, visitors will encounter furnishings that reflect the history of Astoria. The house is defined by a octagon tower with beautiful, ancient themed verandas. The on-site Carriage House now serves as a gift and goods store. Aesthetically pleasing to every visitor, the house is certainly a must visit attraction to every person at the city of Astoria. Call ahead for more information.
Heritage Museum is one of Astoria's best-kept museums. Operating under the Clatsop County Historical Society banner, this museum is housed in the city's old town hall building from 1904, which was designed by architect Emil Schacht. Heritage Museum is an archive of all things 'local history' and displays both temporary as well as permanent exhibits. Among the items on display here are arts and crafts from the 19th Century, fishing and hunting equipment, old photographs, and other relics from the bygone era. Presenting the town's fascinating history in a Neo-Classical atmosphere, Heritage Museum is an unmissable attraction in Astoria for history buffs.
Named for John Jacob Astor of the Pacific Fur Company, this neck of the woods was established to counter a Lewis and Clark fur trading camp. Fort Astoria's construction began in 1811, making it the oldest American settlement on North America's Pacific coast. Today, the old fur-trading depot also guards the mouth of America's largest east-west river, the Columbia. Today, the carefully restored fort forms an important landmark of Astoria. Surrounded by a small garden, it makes for a tranquil space to stop by.
The United States Lightship Columbia is the fourth and final lightship stationed at the jaws of the River Columbia. It was established in 1851 and is located in Astoria, Oregon, and was the first lightship to shine a beam on the river. The working and functioning of the ship demanded as many as 17 members on board, with ten on duty at all times. It is 128 foot (39 meters) in length with a beam of 30 foot (9.1 meters).
The Archimedes Gallery showcases contemporary artwork that is pushing the boundaries, uncovering new avenues of thought and artistic expression. The collection is diverse, appealing to an eclectic audience. However, the gallery is especially popular amongst those with a penchant for realist and surrealist contemporary art and illustrations. The collection is dynamic, adapting to the ever-evolving world of art, offering the city's art enthusiasts an exciting melange of fresh new perspectives on the contemporary world.
Nestled in the heart of Astoria, Grace Episcopal Church serves as a religious place for the Christian community in Astoria for more than a century. Constructed in the 1880s, this church features beautiful Gothic architecture. The church entrance stands on an elevation, offering visitors wonderful views of the Columbia River. Handicapped elevator to the nave, area to accommodate wheelchairs and special parking facilities are are available.
Stop by the Jeffrey Hull Gallery for a look at the artist's spectacular watercolor and oil paintings. Born into the thriving art community of Cannon Beach, the self-taught artist is deeply inspired by the beauty of the Oregon coastline. His paintings not only capture the enchanting beauty of the scene itself, but also the mood and emotions they evoke with amazing clarity. In 1987, Jeffrey Hull and his wife established the gallery which now displays his latest artwork alongside Giclée and Lithograph prints. Visit the gallery for a glimpse at the world through the eyes of the artist.
The Bronze Coast Gallery features a curated collection of bronze sculpture and fine art by regional, national and international artists. Established in 1993 by Kim Barnett, the gallery has come to be one of the region's premier destinations for fine art, with an impeccable reputation that is bolstered by much acclaim. Limited edition bronze sculpture forms the core of a collection that also includes original paintings, evocative photographs and remarkable giclee prints, attracting the attention of those of discerning taste. Favored by art collectors, critics and enthusiasts, the Bronze Coast Gallery is widely recognized as one of Cannon Beach's very best.
Hanthorn Cannery Museum prides itself on being the oldest fish processing plant on the lower Columbia River. Established by J.O. Hanthorn in 1875, the facility comprised eight buildings, including cold storage units. Today, the old cannery serves as a fascinating museum that narrates the story of the bygone era. Here, you can walk through old freezer rooms that once stored tuna. The collection includes old canning equipment, historic gillnet boats, fishing gear, and documents tracing back to the cannery's beginning. The museum also has a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs.