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BEST RATED SALEM, OR PLACES TO SEE

3 Best Places To See in Salem, OR

Expert-recommended Top 3 Places To Visit in Salem, Oregon. All of our places to see actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence. You deserve only the best!

Gilbert House Children's Museum - Salem, OR Places To See - Destination Image
Gilbert House Children's Museum - Salem, OR Places To See - Attraction Image
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Best Places To See in Salem OR - Gilbert House Children's Museum video
11+ YEARS IN TBR
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GILBERT HOUSE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM

(5.0 Score)
116 Marion Street NorthEast,
Salem, OR 97301 Directions

Since 1989

Specialty:

✓Homeschool Adventures ✓Workshops ✓Students ✓Discover The Wonder ✓Exhibitions ✓Summer Camps ✓Block Party ✓Story Time ✓Youth ✓Field Trips ✓Gilbert House for Grown-ups and Engineering Studio ✓Teachers ✓Educational ✓Preschool ✓Adult ✓Legacy Of Play Day ✓Parties ✓Family Programs ✓Membership Benefits ✓Membership Policies ✓Nursing and Pumping ✓Changing Tables

"Gilbert House Children's Museum provides creative and engaging educational experiences that activate children's natural interests. The museum comprises 20 hands-on exhibits, a 20,000-square-feet outdoor discovery area, camps, field trips, membership opportunities, and educational programs in the sciences, arts, and humanities. The museum provides a space where children can explore, create, and discover in a fun and enriching environment. The museum comprises five historic houses, including the Rockenfield House, Gilbert House, Parrish House, Little Gem, and Wilson-Durbin House. Gilbert House Children's Museum offers free admission for members and infants (under 1 year).

2026 Highlights: Gilbert House Children's Museum offers free admission to the museum for one year from the date of membership purchase."

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License #7185085

Price:

Admissions
General Admission: $16
Seniors (60+) & Militaryveterans: : $14

Discount:

25% Off for Up to Four People to Participating Museums in The Northwest Association of Youth Museums (NWAYM)

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Contact:

(503) 371-3631

Tue-Sun: 10am - 5pm
Mon: Closed

TBR® Inspection Report:

Powerland Heritage Park - Salem, OR Places To See - Destination Image
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11+ YEARS IN TBR
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POWERLAND HERITAGE PARK

(4.9 Score)
3995 Brooklake Road,
Salem, OR 97303 Directions

Since 1996

Specialty:

✓The Great Oregon Steam-up ✓Pacific NW Truck Show ✓Hops and Vines ✓Trolley Harvest Celebration ✓Crawlers ✓Historic Trolley ✓Miniature Railroad ✓Farm Display ✓Rides ✓Logging Gear ✓Early Electricity Exhibit ✓Models ✓Blacksmithing ✓Authentic Steam Sawmill ✓Swap Meet ✓Children's Passport Program ✓Group Visits ✓Facility and Grounds Rental ✓Volunteer Opportunities ✓Saturday Classes ✓Steam School

"Powerland Heritage Park is a 62-acre campus that provides 14 diverse museums, each dedicated to celebrating the rich industrial heritage that has shaped the region. The museum has a collection of farm machinery, commercial trucks, trains, construction equipment, and engines. The museum offers visitors a unique blend of educational and interactive experiences. Powerland Heritage Park is home to the Great Oregon Steam-Up. The steam-powered sawmill operates twice a day, and the trolley tours the site perimeter all four days of the show. The Great Oregon Steam-Up is the biggest gathering in Antique Powerland throughout the year, involving both the museums and many other guests. Powerland Heritage Park is proud to showcase its celebration of innovations, tales, and machinery.

2026 Highlights: Powerland Heritage Park offers complimentary gate passes to members."

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Price:

TROLLEY RIDE FEES:
Adults $7
Senior military $5
Youth $3
Family $20

Discount:

10% Off on the Dezotell Museum gift shop

Contact:

(503) 393-2424

Wed-Sun: 10am - 4pm
Mon & Tue: Closed

TBR® Inspection Report:

Hallie Ford Museum of Art - Salem, OR Places To See - Destination Image
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11+ YEARS IN TBR
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HALLIE FORD MUSEUM OF ART

(4.8 Score)
700 State Street,
Salem, OR 97301 Directions

Since 1998

Specialty:

✓The Ancient World ✓Carl Hall Gallery ✓The Museum Store ✓Exhibitions ✓Educational Programs ✓Asian Collections ✓Tours and Groups ✓Mark and Janeth Sponenburgh ✓Event Rentals ✓American Art ✓European ✓Northwest Collection ✓Museum Membership ✓Tours ✓Gallery Talks ✓Lectures ✓Films ✓Music Programs ✓Demonstrations ✓Classes ✓Workshops ✓School Tours ✓Self-guided Tours

“Hallie Ford Museum of Art showcases creations by Pacific Northwest and Native American artists, featuring works from ancient to modern times. The museum helps visitors experience the impact of new ideas and hope for a possible future. Hallie Ford Museum of Art provides regular activities that promote creativity. The museum is a leader in research on the art of the Northwest, with one of the most significant collections of Northwest art and a history of important publications and exhibitions. The museum exhibits collections of both art and historical artifacts in its 27,000-square-feet facility. Hallie Ford Museum of Art is the third-largest art museum in Oregon, exploring the human spirit's creativity as embodied in the art of diverse cultures, places, and periods. The museum also hosts various traveling exhibits in two of its six galleries. Hallie Ford Museum of Art affords free admission for members, youth (ages 0-17), educators and students.”

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Price:

Admission:
General: $8
Senior ( 55+): $5
Groups
Adult Tours (Per Person): $5

Discount:

10% Off on Art Books and Related Merchandise at The HFMA Shop for Members

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Contact:

(503) 370-6855

Tue-Sat: 12pm - 5pm
Mon & Sun: Closed

TBR® Inspection Report:

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GILBERT HOUSE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM REVIEWS

Our kids absolutely LOVE this place. We have a hard time even getting into the actual Children's Museum because they have so much fun playing in the Main Street (pretend) restaurant at the front entrance. There are lots of things to do inside and out, whether it's hot or cold outside. AC inside all the museums houses and water features for outdoor areas. Friendly staff and the membership pricing is very affordable.

Happen to be down in Salem so decided to check this place out. It isn't like most other children's museums I've been to and was worried my almost 7 year old was gonna be to old for stuff. But was very wrong, she loved it. Bubble room was a hit. Build Legos to race, played burger shop, and loved the green screen room. Plus the outside play area is really nice.

This is not just a historical moment or a children's museum. This place is not only beautiful but right on the waterfront and magical to children. During the day you can always hear their laughter and playing.

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POWERLAND HERITAGE PARK REVIEWS

We went with our two-year-old and he had a blast looking at all the trucks and tractors! The whole family rode on the mini trains too. Also, it was fun to learn about them and meet the train conductors! We’re definitely hoping to come back again over the holidays for their special event.

What a unique place. Everything old that's powered by gas or wood or oil is here. Several different vehicular museums, and lots of friendly people. Stream up is the highlight of the year and so much fun.

The steam up is a great event each year. We did the Christmas lights this year for the first time and they were great as well, definitely worth seeing.

HALLIE FORD MUSEUM OF ART REVIEWS

I love this museum, first time there yesterday. Lighting was perfect, attentive staff, beautiful antique art on display with interesting story cards posted for each. I love to know the history provenance of the lovely artworks I see! Nice and clean, easy to find and park, and I can't wait to go back for another visit.

We adore this small museum that features terrific NW artists. This time Brenda Mallory’s constructed artwork was featured. We’ve previously visited to see Lucinda Parker paintings, Peter Voulkos ceramics, and a magnificent PNW basketry and carving exhibition. Well worth the effort to visit.

I just discovered this museum this year, and I was blown away both times I went. Really a gem for the City of Salem and for Willamette University. Excellent display of art and easy to walk around. Tremendous place.

TBR® Inspection Score Report

GILBERT HOUSE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM Total Inspection Points: 119/120
Business Hours: 9
Acknowledgments: 10
Business Images: 10
Complete Info: 10
Contact Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Experience: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Social Media: 10
Video: 10
Website Source: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

POWERLAND HERITAGE PARK Total Inspection Points: 118/120
Business Hours: 9
Contact Info: 9
Acknowledgments: 10
Business Images: 10
Complete Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Experience: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Pricing: 10
Social Media: 10
Video: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

HALLIE FORD MUSEUM OF ART Total Inspection Points: 116/120
Acknowledgments: 9
Business Hours: 9
Emblem: 9
Legitimate Ratings: 9
Business Images: 10
Complete Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Experience: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Social Media: 10
Video: 10
Website Source: 10