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 in Astoria on the mouth of the Columbia River, this museum holds one of the largest collections of maritime artifacts in the West. Astoria is the gateway to the trade and travel of the Pacific, and many a ship saw her demise in the often-rough waters of America's longest east-west river. This is the only accredited museum of its type in the western states and is Oregon's official maritime museum. From canoes to submarines, there is plenty of intriguing water-vessel history to be explored.
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.
Serving as the link that connects the states of Oregon and Washington, the historic Astoria-Megler Bridge is the longest of its kind on the continent. Dating from 1966, the truss bridge spans 4.067 miles (6.55 kilometers) and is one of the most prominent landmarks in the area, stretching over the glistening waters of the Columbia River and making for a grand sight. While the bridge is usually open only to vehicles, the one-day Great Columbia Crossing event during October also enables pedestrians to traverse its scenic route.
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.
Set in the old Trinity Lutheran Church building, Charlene Larsen Center for the Performing Arts was previously owned by Clatsop Community College. This facility can comfortably seat hundreds of guests. This performance arts center is home to the beautiful Estey Pipe Organ Opus 1429. This old organ once belonged to Dr. John J. Sellwood, which was later installed in the church in 1938. This center is known to host a number of music concerts and recitals here.
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.