Tired of the same old museum routine? Prepare to be amazed just a short trip from Portland at the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals in Hillsboro, Oregon. Don’t let the unassuming exterior fool you; this museum, originating from the Rice family’s private collection, is a treasure trove of geological wonders that will captivate visitors of all ages. My family, including my kids aged 4 to 8, were absolutely enthralled and are already planning our next visit – it’s that compelling!
Stepping onto the museum grounds is a bit like stepping back in time, with its charmingly retro ranch-style building. This unique setting, once the Rice family home, adds to the museum’s quirky appeal. Inside, however, awaits a world of dazzling rocks, minerals, and fossils that will leave you in awe.
One of the first highlights for any visitor, especially children, is the impressive fossil collection. Imagine coming face-to-face with actual dinosaur fossils, remnants of prehistoric marine creatures, and yes, even fossilized dinosaur poop! For us, the absolute showstopper was the perfectly preserved nest of fossilized dinosaur eggs. Though, let’s be honest, the dinosaur poop sparked the most giggles.
Moving on from ancient creatures, prepare to be dazzled in the Rainbow Gallery, the museum’s mesmerizing glow-in-the-dark room. Here, rocks and minerals with phosphorescent and fluorescent properties come alive under black lights, creating a vibrant, otherworldly spectacle. Think electric greens, vibrant pinks, and glowing oranges – a truly immersive experience that rivals any bioluminescent deep-sea display. This section brilliantly showcases the fascinating science behind mineral fluorescence and phosphorescence, making learning an exciting adventure.
For a more grounded, yet equally stunning experience, descend to the lower level and enter the realm of petrified wood. Prepare to be greeted by magnificent slabs of petrified tree trunks, polished to a jewel-like sheen. If you’ve never encountered petrified wood before, it’s an almost magical transformation where ancient trees turn to solid rock over millions of years. The intricate details of the wood grain and tree rings are remarkably preserved, offering a tangible connection to forests of the distant past. Some of these specimens date back an astounding 250 million years, putting our own existence into fascinating perspective. The accompanying exhibits thoughtfully explain the fascinating process of petrification, often linked to volcanic activity, adding another layer of appreciation to these natural works of art.
Beyond these main attractions, the Rice Museum offers a variety of other engaging exhibits. Test your knowledge with the interactive “Is it a meteorite?” quiz, explore a diverse collection of opals and intricately carved stones, and don’t miss the quirky detail of the aforementioned vintage pink bathtub, a reminder of the building’s past life.
However, for kids, and perhaps even the young at heart, the undisputed highlight is the outdoor rock pit. This dedicated area allows children under 12 to dig and discover their own geological treasures. While many rocks are common, keen eyes (and a bit of luck) might uncover geodes, thunder eggs, colorful crystals, and even pieces of petrified wood. And if choosing just one rock proves too difficult, you can purchase a pound of rocks for a small fee – a perfect souvenir and a hands-on connection to the earth’s geological wonders.
If you need a moment to unwind or have younger children needing to burn off some energy, the museum also features a spacious grassy area. Here, a unique low-hanging tree invites climbing and exploration, providing ample space for running around and, naturally, more rock hunting.
The Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals is more than just a museum; it’s an engaging and educational experience for the whole family. From dazzling minerals to ancient fossils and hands-on discovery, it’s a destination that sparks curiosity and wonder about the natural world right in Hillsboro, Oregon. Make time for a visit – you won’t be disappointed!
