
Hanthorn Cannery Museum Pier 39
Explore Astoria's cannery past at the free Hanthorn Cannery Museum on Pier 39, featuring Bumble Bee tuna history and unique river views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal attention

Hanthorn Cannery Museum Pier 39
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal attention

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Astoria's cannery past at the free Hanthorn Cannery Museum on Pier 39, featuring Bumble Bee tuna history and unique river views.
"A free gem on Pier 39, offering a unique drive and a deep dive into Astoria's cannery heritage."

🚗 Drive Slowly on Pier
The pier road has a 5 mph speed limit. Enjoy the unique approach and be mindful of others!
💰 Donate to Support
This is a free museum, but donations are crucial for its upkeep. Give what you can!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bumble Bee Cannery History
Museum Interior
Explore artifacts, photos, and machinery detailing the life and work at the historic Bumble Bee cannery.

Pier 39 Drive
Approach to the Museum
Experience a unique drive over a wooden-decked pier, offering scenic Columbia River views.

Worker Stories
Museum Interior
Gain insight into the lives of cannery workers through videos like 'Work is Our Joy' and personal accounts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Pier 39
Supporting Local History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Slowly on Pier
The pier road has a 5 mph speed limit. Enjoy the unique approach and be mindful of others!
💰 Donate to Support
This is a free museum, but donations are crucial for its upkeep. Give what you can!
🗣️ Chat with Peter J. Marsh
If you see him, ask Peter for a tour! He's incredibly knowledgeable and passionate.
📚 Research 'Deep River'
For deeper insight, look up Karl Malantis' book 'Deep River' about fishing history.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Slowly on Pier
The pier road has a 5 mph speed limit. Enjoy the unique approach and be mindful of others!
💰 Donate to Support
This is a free museum, but donations are crucial for its upkeep. Give what you can!
🗣️ Chat with Peter J. Marsh
If you see him, ask Peter for a tour! He's incredibly knowledgeable and passionate.
📚 Research 'Deep River'
For deeper insight, look up Karl Malantis' book 'Deep River' about fishing history.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the Hanthorn Cannery Museum for its free entry and the unique experience of driving onto Pier 39. It offers a valuable glimpse into Astoria's rich cannery history, with knowledgeable staff like Peter J. Marsh enhancing the visit. However, some find the displays could be better organized and maintained, with limited parking being a recurring concern.
"September 2025 - Bumble Bee Museum or also known as the Hanthorn Cannery Museum. This is on a small island in the Columbia River and requires driving on a wooden decked pier road to the parking lot (Not enough spaces, and there is an indoor lot, but it is reserved for the restaurant clients).
There is no charge to enter, and there is a 'canvas' shop where the owner makes canvas bags and more. The primary museum area is the history of the Bumble Bee Cannery and its workers. We were very disappointed in the displays as the current owners of the Bumble Bee Cannery corporation apparently do NOT give a hoot about the museum and its looks of displays. Nothing was organized, equipment scattered throughout the building, and most of it rusted and not really worth viewing."
Bill McElroy
"Very cool museum dedicated to the old canneries in Astoria, and worth stopping in if you're in town. Half the fun is the drive out on Pier 39, which you'll want to keep to the 5mph speed limit!"
John Deodato
"Absolutely loved my time at this public museum! If you have time, get talking with Peter J. Marsh, incredibly knowledgeable man who has great character and was happy to show give us a tour! Remember to donate as this museum runs on donations. Would totally recommend to visit, if anytime the views are great from the pier too!"
Mayra Saavedra
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located on Pier 39, accessible via a unique wooden-decked pier road. Be prepared for limited parking, especially if the adjacent restaurant is busy.
Parking is available on Pier 39, but spaces can be limited. Indoor parking is reserved for restaurant clients.
You must adhere to a strict 5 mph speed limit when driving on Pier 39 to ensure safety and preserve the pier's integrity.
While the drive on the pier is part of the experience, walking might be an option depending on accessibility and preference, but the drive is recommended.
Information on specific accessibility features is not widely detailed, but the pier road and museum layout should be considered. It's advisable to contact the museum directly for detailed accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Hanthorn Cannery Museum is free! However, donations are highly encouraged and appreciated to support the museum's operations.
No advance booking is required for the Hanthorn Cannery Museum as it is a free-entry public museum.
Specific operating hours are not consistently listed online. It's best to check local listings or call ahead, especially considering it's a smaller, donation-based museum.
While generally open, it's wise to confirm seasonal hours or any unexpected closures, particularly outside of peak tourist seasons.
While not always advertised, you might be able to arrange a tour with knowledgeable staff like Peter J. Marsh if you inquire.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum showcases the history of Astoria's canneries, focusing on Bumble Bee tuna. You'll find canning machinery, boats, nets, artifacts, photos, and videos.
Reviews suggest that while the history is rich, some displays may appear unorganized or rusted, indicating a need for ongoing preservation efforts.
The museum features continuously running videos, including one titled 'Work is Our Joy,' offering insights into the fishing industry.
Engage with the exhibits, watch the videos, and if possible, speak with staff like Peter J. Marsh for a more in-depth understanding.
Restroom availability is not explicitly mentioned in reviews, but it's common for such public facilities to have them. Inquire upon arrival.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself does not appear to have dining facilities. However, there is a restaurant on Pier 39 that patrons can use.
The type of cuisine offered by the restaurant on Pier 39 is not specified in the provided information.
Outside food policies are not detailed. It's generally best to consume food before or after your visit to maintain the museum's environment.
Yes, there is a restaurant directly on Pier 39. For other dining options, you would likely need to travel back to the mainland of Astoria.
Reviews for the museum do not specifically recommend the restaurant, but its presence offers a convenient dining option for visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies are not explicitly stated. It's generally advisable to ask permission before taking extensive photos, especially of artifacts.
The drive onto Pier 39 itself offers unique perspectives. The views of the Columbia River and the historic cannery structures are also photogenic.
While the machinery is a key exhibit, it's best to confirm photography rules with staff to ensure you're respecting any restrictions.
The pier offers scenic views of the Columbia River. The historic nature of the cannery buildings also provides interesting photographic subjects.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Given the potentially dim lighting inside and the focus on historical artifacts, a camera with good low-light performance is beneficial.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage kids to watch the historical videos, especially 'Work is Our Joy,' to understand the lives of workers. Discussing the importance of donations can also be a valuable lesson in supporting community heritage. Consider packing snacks, as dining options are limited to the adjacent restaurant.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize value, take your time exploring the exhibits and watching the provided videos. Engaging with knowledgeable staff, like Peter J. Marsh, can offer a personalized and enriching experience without additional fees.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Astoria's Canneries
Visitors can expect to see a range of historical artifacts, including canning machinery, fishing nets, boats, and personal items belonging to cannery workers. The museum also features informative videos, such as 'Work is Our Joy,' which offer a poignant glimpse into the dedication and challenges faced by the workforce. Learning about this history provides a deeper appreciation for the region's past and the evolution of its industries.
While the museum is free, it relies heavily on donations to maintain its collection and exhibits. Some visitors have noted that displays could be better organized or preserved, highlighting the ongoing need for support to fully realize the museum's potential in telling Astoria's rich industrial story.
Experiencing Pier 39
Parking on Pier 39 can be a challenge, with limited spaces available. It's important to note that the indoor parking lot is reserved for patrons of the adjacent restaurant. This means visitors to the museum might need to find parking on the pier itself or be prepared for potential limitations, especially during busy times.
Beyond the museum, Pier 39 offers scenic views of the Columbia River and the surrounding Astoria landscape. The pier's unique construction and its role as a gateway to the cannery museum make it a memorable part of the visit, offering a distinct sense of place and history.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit