World Forestry Center: A Family Adventure in Portland
For over half a century, World Forestry Center has been on a mission to reconnect people with forests. Right across the street from the Oregon Zoo, you can find innovative programs, monthly events, and engaging exhibits–fun for the whole family. This iconic destination nestled within Washington Park is the perfect place to foster a new perspective with our forests and explore thoughtful forest-related art exhibits!
Historic Highlights
The World Forestry Center has deep roots in Portland, Oregon, dating back to the 1905 Lewis and Clark Exposition. That’s when a massive log building was built to celebrate the timber industry. Made from full-size logs and inspired by the scale of the Parthenon, it stood as a symbol of forestry pride until it was lost to a fire in 1964.
Shortly after the fire, in an initiative to find World Forestry Center a new home, the city decided that a new location near the flourishing Oregon Zoo in Washington Park would be the perfect place to rebuild. In 1971, World Forestry Center was constructed and named Wester Forestry Center. To acknowledge the global importance of the forestry industry, the organization changed its name to World Forestry Center. It continues to bring people and forests together to this day.
Discovery Museum: Learning Made Fun
Step inside the World Forestry Center’s Discovery Museum and take your kids on a self-guided tour and learn all about tree planting, wildlife, the benefits of wood, outdoor recreation, and careers in forestry. While most Washington Park activities are outdoors, the Discovery Museum provides a homey, engaging escape when Portland weather gets rainy. This interactive space transforms learning about forests into an exciting adventure. Climb aboard a Timberjack Harvester, embark on a virtual tour of the world, and find fun forest animals. With hands-on exhibits and playful educational displays, children can explore forest ecosystems and wildlife in a fun, captivating environment. It’s a wonderful opportunity for the whole family to learn together, regardless of the weather—and it’s easy on the wallet, too.
Branching Out
World Forestry Center is constantly coordinating engaging events throughout the year–with their Free Day Series, Forest Pub Forest Talks, Forest Crafts, Forest Storytime, Pop-Up Exhibits, and more!
Included with cost of admission, World Forestry Center hosts a rotating art exhibit on the second floor of the Discovery Museum, encouraging visitors to dive into poignant forest-inspired displays. With exhibits evolving throughout the year, every visit presents a fresh opportunity to explore artistic interpretations of nature and sustainability. These exhibits are an amazing opportunity to creatively connect with forests.
Visit World Forestry Center on select Free Days and explore the wonders of our forests with no cost of admission. Check the World Forestry Center website for upcoming events.
Marvel in the magic of our forests with World Forestry Center’s Forest Pub—a monthly TED Talk-style program brought to you in partnership with McMenamins at the Mission Theater in NW Portland. Guest speakers explore the endless ways forests touch our lives. Get out of the house, grab a brew, and enjoy a relaxing and educational evening!
Created for children and families, these events let little ones build forests-in-bottles, fairy houses, seed shares, paper snails, and more. Craft supplies and guidance are provided, pre-registration is not required, and you can access the events with the low cost of Discovery Museum admission.
There’s even more to explore! Check out other upcoming events and plan some fun for the whole family. Embrace a day of art, exploration, and inspiration at World Forestry Center, and create lasting memories with your family.
Transit to Trees
Busy days in Washington Park can mean full parking lots. Forget the stress of parking and take TriMet to World Forestry Center. The Red and Blue MAX Light Rail lines will drop you off right at the Washington Park Station. You can also take advantage of the ADA-accessible Washington Park Free Shuttle Loop, which runs daily throughout the Park, making it a snap to explore all the Park’s attractions without needing to drive. Taking transit is the perfect solution for planning a relaxing day of adventure in Portland, Oregon.
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