Arts in Garibaldi

Explore the life of 18th-century sailors, get to know explorer Captain Robert Gray and his historic vessels, and learn about the founding of Garibaldi. The native peoples’ exhibit features baskets, tools and arts. With 8,000 square feet of space, the museum offers interactive exhibits, artifacts, photo collections and videos.

Nestled between the base of Captain Robert Gray Mountain and Tillamook Bay, the Museum is dedicated to preserving the maritime heritage of the Pacific Northwest by collecting information concerning Captain Gray and his historic vessels, the Lady Washington and the Columbia Rediviva. Displayed are models of the ships, an eight-foot tall reproduction of the Columbia’s figure head, a half model of the Columbia showing how the ship was provisioned for long voyage, as well as reproductions of clothing of seafarers and musical instruments. The Museum, founded in 1986 by Col. Charles M. Parkin, Jr., opened July 1, 2004. Col. Parker served in the Army Corps of Engineers and co-authored an account of Captain Gray’s voyage, “Capt. Gray in the Pacific NW.”

The Garibaldi library offers books, DVD’s, audiobooks, and other items for all ages and features three public computers and an extensive Westerns collection.

Cared for by the Garibaldi Cultural Heritage Initiative, this historic boathouse built in 1936 was used as a Coast Guard life-saving station to help ships and fishing boats in Tillamook Bay. The boathouse, undergoing a preservation effort, has a gallery of historic interpretive signage and photos, and offers a unique venue for special events. It is one of the most photographed buildings on the Oregon Coast, thanks to its long boardwalk pier where people cast fishing lines and crab pots.

The Old Mill property was once home to a succession of lumber mills, the first opening in 1918, and the last closing in 1974. The still standing Smoke Stack is the last remnant of those by gone days. The property was purchased in the late 1970s and a RV park and main lodge were built. It is home to the annual Crab Races (March), a Garibaldi tradition since 1984.

Enjoy the beautiful Oregon coastline by riding the rails behind a historic steam locomotive. This scenic trip hugs along Tillamook Bay and the Pacific Ocean, giving you a glimpse of what train travel was like in the early 20th century. Special excursions and dinner trains are scheduled throughout the year, including the Fall Excursion trip into the Nehalem River Canyon.

In times past, the Port of Garibaldi was a link to the outside world. Today it is a powerful component of the local economy, providing hundreds of jobs and serving as a key fishing and boating hub for tens of thousands of commercial fishermen, sportsmen and tourists every year. Formed in 1910, the district totals 346 square miles and encompasses the cities of Bay City, Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach stretching from the coast to the eastern boundary of Tillamook County. It is home to nearly 20 water-dependent businesses, four charter companies, 55 commercial fishing boats and the U.S. Coast Guard station. The 277-slip marina is the largest between Newport and Warrenton. Eighty-five percent of the state’s clam harvest is landed in Garibaldi.

Following 21 years in Alaska, Kym opened Swift Stitches in Garibaldi in 2016. This fabric studio offers both fabric and patterns. Stop in, say hi, and swap quilting stories. On Facebook @Swiftstitches