Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals
Discover a world of dazzling gems, ancient petrified wood, and fascinating fossils in this surprisingly extensive local museum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Parking is usually available.
Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals
Best Time
Parking is usually available.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a world of dazzling gems, ancient petrified wood, and fascinating fossils in this surprisingly extensive local museum.
"Even for the people who don't collect rocks, they are amazed by the beautiful exhibitions."
📚 Use Your Library Pass!
Washington County residents: get free annual admission via the library's Adventure Pass. :ticket:
⏳ Allow 2 Hours for Exhibits
Don't rush! The extensive collections are best enjoyed with ample time. :stopwatch:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Petrified Wood Collection
Main Exhibit Hall
Marvel at diverse petrified wood, organized by tree type, showcasing ancient forests in stunning detail.
Gems and Minerals Galore
Main Exhibit Hall
Be amazed by the vibrant colors and intricate formations of countless gems and minerals from around the globe.
Fossil Discoveries
Main Exhibit Hall
Explore a fascinating array of fossils, offering a glimpse into prehistoric life and ancient ecosystems.
Interactive Dig Pits
Outdoor Play Area
Kids can delight in outdoor play areas with rock and fossil digs, offering hands-on discovery fun.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Unlock Free Visits with Library Passes
Plan for a 2-Hour Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals
📚 Use Your Library Pass!
Washington County residents: get free annual admission via the library's Adventure Pass. :ticket:
⏳ Allow 2 Hours for Exhibits
Don't rush! The extensive collections are best enjoyed with ample time. :stopwatch:
Wondering what these balls are inside this rock. They are not metal. Found in eastern Washington State
💎 Shop for Authentic Souvenirs
The gift shop offers genuine, well-priced rocks and gems. :gemini:
⛏️ Find a Free Rock Souvenir
Take home a unique souvenir from the self-pick rock pool. :rock:
Tips
from all over the internet
📚 Use Your Library Pass!
Washington County residents: get free annual admission via the library's Adventure Pass. :ticket:
⏳ Allow 2 Hours for Exhibits
Don't rush! The extensive collections are best enjoyed with ample time. :stopwatch:
💎 Shop for Authentic Souvenirs
The gift shop offers genuine, well-priced rocks and gems. :gemini:
⛏️ Find a Free Rock Souvenir
Take home a unique souvenir from the self-pick rock pool. :rock:
🧒 Kid-Friendly Fun
Interactive displays and outdoor dig pits make it great for children. :child:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals for its surprisingly extensive and beautiful collections of gems, minerals, and petrified wood, even for those not typically interested in geology. The interactive elements for children and the knowledgeable, friendly staff are also frequently highlighted as major positives, making it a highly recommended local gem.
"We visited Rice museum today with kids. We didn't have high expectations having known it's a small and local museum. The entrance fees was reasonable. Once we entered the museum and witnessed the extensive and exquisite collections of rocks, gems, fossils, and minerals, we were fully engaged and entertained. Very nicely organized exhibits with right amount of information. They had small activity rooms to engage little kids. Outside, they have play areas filled with rock and fossil digs that kids will definitely love. The gift shop is also filled with unique gifts for all price ranges. Recommended."
Ram J
"We had an interesting time viewing one of the best rock, mineral, and petrified wood museums. It took us about 2 hours to take in all the specimens. Interesting videos on how the rocks were found and removed from the ground. Plus we picked out a free sample from an large pile of unique rocks."
Lary Achenbach
"I had an extraordinary experience there. Even for the people who don't collect rocks, they are amazed by the beautiful exhibitions.
The local road to the museum is clearly marked. We arrived at a weekend and the parking lot was half full.
The collection was amazing, and more important to the regular audience, beautiful. Even if you are not a rock collector, you will be blown away by the details and color of all the fossil, petrified wood, agate and other minerals. I spent hours just admiring their beauty.
The staff at the gift shop is very knowledgeable. He has deep knowledge of all the rocks and very friendly. I had great conversations with him during my purchase. I also noticed he helps local rock hounder to identify their collections.
BTW, the gift shop worth your time. Not only the price is very good, but also the rocks are authentic. You know those rocks and gems in the gift shop is real, not lab made or fake plastic ones on eBay or Etsy.
Before you leave, make sure you drop by the self pick rock pool to find yourself a nice souvenir. I found myself a nice piece of petrified wood."
Stanley Yuan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is clearly marked along the local road. Parking is available and was about half full on a weekend visit.
Yes, there is a parking lot available for visitors.
Information on public transport accessibility is not widely available, but driving is straightforward with clear signage.
The local road leading to the museum is well-signposted, making it easy to find.
Absolutely! The museum is a fantastic addition to a day trip from Portland, offering a unique educational experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entrance fees are described as reasonable, offering good value for the extensive collections.
Yes! Washington County residents can use the library's Adventure Pass for free annual visits.
Advance booking is not typically mentioned as a requirement, but checking their official website for any special events or timed entry is always a good idea.
Operating hours can vary, so it's best to check the museum's official website or call ahead to confirm current opening and closing times.
Yes, the museum is highly recommended for all ages, with interactive displays and activities for children.
🎫 💎 Onsite Experience
You'll find extensive and exquisite collections of rocks, gems, fossils, and petrified wood, all very nicely organized with informative exhibits.
Visitors typically spend about two hours exploring all the specimens and exhibits.
Yes, there are small activity rooms and outdoor play areas with rock and fossil digs designed to engage children.
The museum features interactive displays with opportunities to touch and lift many rocks and minerals.
The gift shop is well-stocked with unique, authentic gifts at good prices, including rocks and gems.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always best to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or certain exhibits.
The vibrant petrified wood, colorful gem displays, and unique mineral formations offer excellent photo opportunities.
The house itself is an architectural gem, built in a Prairie style with hints of Frank Lloyd Wright and California ranch influences, offering unique shots.
Yes, the outdoor areas with dig pits are great for capturing candid shots of children enjoying the activities.
A smartphone camera is sufficient for most visitors, but a camera with good macro capabilities can capture the intricate details of the minerals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider utilizing the library's Adventure Pass if you're a Washington County resident for a budget-friendly outing.
💎 Rock and Mineral Enthusiasts
The knowledgeable staff are a great resource for identifying personal collections or discussing geological topics.
🏛️ Architecture and History Buffs
Exploring the house provides a glimpse into the lives of passionate collectors and the era in which they lived. The architecture is as much a part of the exhibit as the rocks and minerals themselves, offering a distinct historical and aesthetic dimension to your visit. It’s a perfect spot for those who appreciate unique historical homes and their stories.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Rice House: An Architectural Gem
Exploring the house provides insight into how the Rices lived and curated their passion. The design seamlessly integrates their hobby into their living space, offering a glimpse into a life dedicated to the study and appreciation of rocks and minerals. It's a fascinating blend of personal history and public display.
Interactive Learning for All Ages
Inside, visitors can expect interactive displays that allow them to touch and lift various rocks and minerals, fostering a deeper connection with the exhibits. The museum also provides informative videos detailing how specimens were found and extracted, adding an educational layer to the visual spectacle. This blend of passive observation and active participation ensures a memorable visit for families and curious minds alike.
The Knowledgeable Staff and Gift Shop
The gift shop is another highlight, offering a curated selection of authentic rocks, gems, and mineral-related items. Unlike mass-produced souvenirs, the items here are genuine and reasonably priced, making it a worthwhile stop for those looking for a unique memento. Visitors have even found the shop staff to be excellent resources for learning more about their finds.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit