Started in 1898 in an effort to preserve the "state's collective memory," the Oregon Historical Society has a well-curated collection of artifacts dating back to the Oregon Trail. This beloved museum has been sharing Oregon's history for more than 118 years. Local's Tip: There's a lot to explore at the museum but the biggest draw is the famous 1845 penny used to decide Portland’s name in a coin toss. You won't want to miss it.

Spanning an impressive 16,000 square feet and sitting pretty atop the West Hills, Pittock Mansion is a stunning French-Renaissance mansion that dates back to 1914. Spend a rainy day touring the mansion and admiring the original decor while learning more about the family that called Pittock Mansion home. Fun fact: The original elevator built in 1914 is operational to this day. Local's Tip: This is a great rainy day activity with kids, so bring them along.

The Oregon Museum of Science & Industry (OMSI) is a Portland rainy day staple. Most lifelong locals have memories of spending drizzly weekends at OMSI or visiting during school field trips. It's a great place to get your fill of fascinating science exhibits, especially on a rainy day. Local's Tip: OMSI After Dark is a 21+ event that takes place the last Wednesday of the month. Mingle with local vendors, scientists and artisans that host interesting workshops for adults.

Founded in 1892, few know that the Portland Art Museum is the oldest art museum on the west coast, reason alone to visit. Boasting more than 42,000 pieces, the permanent collection is breathtaking and will keep you occupied for several visits. However, should you find yourself wanting more, the rotating exhibits offer something new to see. Ensuring you never get bored while visiting this popular Portland museum.

The Oregon Maritime Museum is located inside of the last operating sternwheeler in the country, the Portland. Moored along the Willamette River, visitors can tour the engine room and pilot house to learn about the daily operations of running the vessel. Tours are led by impassioned volunteers, eager to share their knowledge of maritime artifacts and memorabilia. The museum's library contains a catalog of more than 2,500 volumes and 22,000 photographs related to maritime history.

Operating as a nonprofit education institution, the World Forestry Center was founded in 1964 with the goal of sharing knowledge about forests through interactive exhibits. Focusing on Northwest forests and those around the world, visitors will get a chance to learn about the ways forests impact our daily lives. The creative exhibits span the gamut. From re-evaluating our perspective on wild fires to addressing the detrimental affects of climate change, you're bound to learn something new.

The Oregon Rail and Heritage Center houses three steam locomotives owned by the City of Portland. Two of the locomotives are fully operable and one of them - Southern Pacific 4449 -- is considered one of the most beautiful locomotives in the world. You can see this gem for yourself at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center, one of the most popular museums in Portland for kids. Fun Fact: The 4449 Daylight is the second most photographed steam locomotive in the world. Second only to Thomas the Train.

Home to beautiful galleries and varied displays, the Northwest specific exhibits are breathtaking. In terms of the collection, the Rice Museum of Rocks and Minerals is recognized for having one of the finest collections of rocks in the Pacific Northwest and the country. From rare rocks and minerals to fascinating fossils, meteorites and gemstones, this is one of the best museums for those that want to spend an afternoon lingering and learning something new.

Featuring creepy and strange exhibits, gags, edible insects and strange books, there's no denying that the Freakbuttrue Pecularium is the weirdest museum in Portland. Started by famed Portland adventurer, Conrad Talmadge Elwood, he spent his life traveling the world in search of odd objects that he found inexplicable. He decided to share his treasures with the world by establishing this museum in 1967.

Founded by Captain Michael King Smith (former US Air Force pilot) and his father, Delford Smith (aviation executive), the pair opened the museum in 1991 with a small collection of vintage aircraft. Within one year of opening, the museum won a bid to acquire the coveted Hughes H-4 Hercules by offering to make the monolithic historic plane the museum's centerpiece. Today, the exhibit includes more than 50 military and civilian aircraft and spacecraft.