You could spend an entire year on the Tillamook Coast and not experience everything we value in our cultural heritage, which is very much alive today. Our dairy farms have been cared for by four and five generations. Our interpretive trails go back even farther, sharing the stories of native peoples, first settlers and modern stewardship. Stop by any museum and discover the history of our land and waters. Download our cultural heritage trail map.
Featured Destinations
Garibaldi Museum
The Garibaldi Museum is located between the base of Captain Robert Gray Mountain and the Tillamook Bay in Garibaldi Oregon. The museum is filled with memoirs of the maritime heritage of the North Coast, particularly the adventures of Captain Robert Gray. It is the mission of the museum to collect information concerning Captain Robert Gray and historic sailing vessels; the Lady Washington and The Columbia Rediviva. Read more…
Tillamook Quilt Trail
Quilts have been part of Tillamook County since the early pioneers first came over the mountain to the Tillamook Coast. The Quilt Trail concept, which started in Ohio, is very popular on the East coast as demonstrated by the 3,000+ quilt blocks mounted on barns and businesses. Read more…
Latimer Quilt & Textile Center
One of Tillamook’s greatest undiscovered treasures is the Latimer Quilt & Textile Center, located just off Wilson River Loop Road. What used to be an abandoned schoolhouse surrounded by blackberry bushes and birds nesting in its rafters has been beautifully and carefully restored to preserve and promote creation of, and education in, textile arts. Now it’s a vibrant museum where the textile arts are not only preserved but created on a daily basis, giving the building a living, breathing identity that radiates with energy. Read more…
Tillamook County Pioneer Museum
Have you learned about the treasure allegedly buried on Neahkahnie Mountain? Or have you heard the story of the first pilgrim who built his house inside a tree stump? What about the town built along Bayocean Spit that fell into the ocean? You’ll learn about these stories and many more during a trip to the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum on the corner of Pacific and Second Street in historic downtown Tillamook. Read more…
Tillamook Forest Center
The Tillamook Forest Center is a great place to develop a deeper connection with Oregon’s forests through experience and exploration of its engaging interpretive center. The interpretive center showcases the legacy of the historic Tillamook burn, and the public spirit behind a monumental reforestation effort. It was this spirit that helped to shape the sustainable forest management practices in place today. Read more…
International Police Museum, Rockaway Beach
Thanks to the extensive collection of law enforcement memorabilia shared by retired Chief of Police Ed Wortman, the International Police Museum inside the Washed Ashore store in Rockaway Beach is a fun, informative and interactive experience the whole family will enjoy. Read more…
Scenic Train Rides on the Oregon Coast
Experience the beautiful Tillamook Coast in a way like no other: riding an historic steam locomotive. Sit back and feel the breeze weave through your hair as the train chugs along Tillamook Bay, revealing breathtaking views of both the bay and the ocean. Read more…
Tillamook County Library
Stop by the library for fantastic visitor resources. As a community hub, the library has information on cultural events and ways to participate in the Tillamook Coast arts scene. Read more…
Councils, Clubs, & Societies
Clatsop Nehalem Language Reclamation Project
Sharing a strong attachment to their homeland on the northern Oregon coast, the Clatsop-Nehalem people have a strong commitment to maintaining the vitality of their culture and language, and to the well-being of their elders, children and future generations.
Northwest Old Iron Club
Members of the Early Day Gas Engine & Tractor Association preserve, restore and display old cars and trucks, and farm and logging equipment, tools and tractors. A summer event in Tillamook, Step Back in Time, displays the large collection.
Tillamook Swiss Society
Founded in 1922, the Swiss Society celebrates the cultural heritage of settlers in Tillamook County that started the dairy farming industry and the beginning of the cheesemaking business, Tillamook Creamery, which is now a national brand.
Tillamook County Pioneer Association
Founded in 1934, supports the work of the Tillamook Pioneer Museum by collecting and maintaining thousands of genealogical and historical records concerning past Tillamook County residents.
Tillamook County Historical Society
Formed in 1984, the historical society places historic plaques on buildings and sites in Tillamook County, and supports self-guided walking tours and a geocache trail in historic downtown Tillamook.
Tillamook County Cemetery and History Preservation
Volunteers work to clean headstones, maintain landscaping and preserve history of pioneers. Member of the Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries.
Tillamook Dairy Women
Volunteers continue the decades-long tradition of celebrating the first baby born in June at Tillamook Hospital, and for sponsoring the June Dairy Princess program.
Annual Events
- June Dairy Parade – June
- Pacific City Blessing of the Dory Fleet – June
- Tillamook Rodeo – June
- Clover’s Day Festival – July
- Dory Days – July
- Tillamook County Fair – August
- The Old Iron Show – August
- Garibaldi Blessing of the Fleet – September
Please Keep in Mind
- Our cultural organizations are supported by volunteers; hours of operation may fluctuate as a result.
- Organizations rely on donations and fundraising events; if you can, please donate. Every bit helps.
- If you live in the area, or are a second homeowner, consider becoming a volunteer.
