Hanthorn Cannery Museum Pier 39
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Hanthorn Cannery Museum Pier 39

4.4
·47 reviews·Astoria, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more personal attention

CrowdLow
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Hanthorn Cannery Museum Pier 39

Hanthorn Cannery Museum Pier 39

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more personal attention

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.4
(47 reviews)

"A free gem on Pier 39, offering a unique drive and a deep dive into Astoria's cannery heritage."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 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!

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bumble Bee Cannery History

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

Pier 39 Drive

Approach to the Museum

Experience a unique drive over a wooden-decked pier, offering scenic Columbia River views.

Worker Stories

Worker Stories

Museum Interior

Gain insight into the lives of cannery workers through videos like 'Work is Our Joy' and personal accounts.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Pier 39

Accessing the Hanthorn Cannery Museum involves a drive on a wooden-decked pier road. Parking can be limited, with indoor spots reserved for restaurant patrons. Adhere to the 5 mph speed limit for safety and to enjoy the unique approach.

Supporting Local History

This free museum relies on donations to preserve the history of Astoria's canneries, particularly Bumble Bee tuna. Your contribution helps maintain the exhibits and share the stories of the workers.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more personal attention
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Restaurant patrons may fill parking
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Today we took a look at the Hawthorne mall. Kinda creepy, but interesting 🤔 Have you ever been here? #hawthorne #southbay #southerncalifornia #losangeles #tourguide
@imtimdoes
15.5K likes • 233.1K views

🚗 Drive Slowly on Pier

The pier road has a 5 mph speed limit. Enjoy the unique approach and be mindful of others! Reddit

💰 Donate to Support

This is a free museum, but donations are crucial for its upkeep. Give what you can! Reddit

🗣️ Chat with Peter J. Marsh

If you see him, ask Peter for a tour! He's incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. Reddit

📚 Research 'Deep River'

For deeper insight, look up Karl Malantis' book 'Deep River' about fishing history. Reddit

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! Reddit

💰 Donate to Support

This is a free museum, but donations are crucial for its upkeep. Give what you can! Reddit

🗣️ Chat with Peter J. Marsh

If you see him, ask Peter for a tour! He's incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. Reddit

📚 Research 'Deep River'

For deeper insight, look up Karl Malantis' book 'Deep River' about fishing history. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(47 reviews)

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

Free admission
Unique pier drive
Historical insights

What People Dislike

Limited parking
Display organization

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. Reddit

Parking is available on Pier 39, but spaces can be limited. Indoor parking is reserved for restaurant clients. Reddit

You must adhere to a strict 5 mph speed limit when driving on Pier 39 to ensure safety and preserve the pier's integrity. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Hanthorn Cannery Museum is free! However, donations are highly encouraged and appreciated to support the museum's operations. Reddit

No advance booking is required for the Hanthorn Cannery Museum as it is a free-entry public museum. Reddit

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. Reddit

While generally open, it's wise to confirm seasonal hours or any unexpected closures, particularly outside of peak tourist seasons. Reddit

While not always advertised, you might be able to arrange a tour with knowledgeable staff like Peter J. Marsh if you inquire. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. Reddit

Reviews suggest that while the history is rich, some displays may appear unorganized or rusted, indicating a need for ongoing preservation efforts. Reddit

The museum features continuously running videos, including one titled 'Work is Our Joy,' offering insights into the fishing industry. Reddit

Engage with the exhibits, watch the videos, and if possible, speak with staff like Peter J. Marsh for a more in-depth understanding. Reddit

Restroom availability is not explicitly mentioned in reviews, but it's common for such public facilities to have them. Inquire upon arrival. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The museum itself does not appear to have dining facilities. However, there is a restaurant on Pier 39 that patrons can use. Reddit

The type of cuisine offered by the restaurant on Pier 39 is not specified in the provided information. Reddit

Outside food policies are not detailed. It's generally best to consume food before or after your visit to maintain the museum's environment. Reddit

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. Reddit

Reviews for the museum do not specifically recommend the restaurant, but its presence offers a convenient dining option for visitors. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies are not explicitly stated. It's generally advisable to ask permission before taking extensive photos, especially of artifacts. Reddit

The drive onto Pier 39 itself offers unique perspectives. The views of the Columbia River and the historic cannery structures are also photogenic. Reddit

While the machinery is a key exhibit, it's best to confirm photography rules with staff to ensure you're respecting any restrictions. Reddit

The pier offers scenic views of the Columbia River. The historic nature of the cannery buildings also provides interesting photographic subjects. Reddit

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Hanthorn Cannery Museum offers a unique educational opportunity for families interested in maritime and industrial history. While the exhibits might be more static, the visuals of old machinery and boats can capture children's imaginations. The drive onto Pier 39 itself is an adventure, with the slow speed limit adding a sense of novelty. Reddit

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. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

The Hanthorn Cannery Museum is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers as admission is free. This allows visitors to immerse themselves in local history without any cost. The primary expense would be transportation to Pier 39 and any optional donations. Reddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Astoria's Canneries

Astoria, Oregon, was once a bustling hub for the fishing and canning industry, particularly along the Columbia River. The Hanthorn Cannery Museum preserves the legacy of these vital operations, with a significant focus on the Bumble Bee tuna cannery. This industry provided livelihoods for countless families, shaping the economic and social fabric of the region for decades. The museum's exhibits aim to educate visitors about the hard work, the machinery involved, and the daily lives of the people who powered this industry. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Experiencing Pier 39

The approach to the Hanthorn Cannery Museum is an experience in itself. Pier 39 is a wooden-decked pier extending over the Columbia River, and driving onto it requires careful attention. Visitors are reminded to maintain a strict 5 mph speed limit, ensuring safety for everyone and preserving the integrity of the pier structure. This slow pace allows for appreciation of the unique environment and the surrounding river views. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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