Milwaukie Travel Guide

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There is a group of volunteers that has spent a great deal of time and energy to collect various photos, maps, and materials from the Milwaukie and Gladstone areas and put it on display. It is a very ecclectic collection, and while everything is labeled, there is quite a lot of it that seems quite out of context. For example, there is a painting from a location well outside Oregon, and has been put on display here just because it was once owned by a Milwaukie family. How does that relate to the history of the community? It's relevance isn't explained.

The crown jewel of the museum collection is the only surviving example of a horsecar used on the street railways of Portland. These were the type of streetcars used before electricity or cable cars arrived in Portland. Unfortunately, it is not possible to access the car, and it is kept outside under a display roof. The car was built in 1872.

The building itself is also a bit of a historical jewel. It was originally constructed in the 1850s, and there is some explanation of the square nails and other historical construction used. However, the house was also modified over the years, and even moved. Therefore, what is here is not entirely original.

The Bing cherry breed was developed in the Milwaukie area, and so there is some material relating to that.

I might consider this to be a "tourist trap" if it weren't for the fact that there are no admission charges (at least not right now), and it is strictly an all-volunteer organization.

The museum is only open on Saturdays and Sundays, 11 am to 3 pm.

Downtown Milwaukie has a large and simple transit center that allows the most uninitiated to successfully use the TriMet bus system (public transport).

It is also easily accessible by car from most major freeways, includig I5, I205, Hwy 224, and McLoughlin Blvd (99E).
car, bus or by foot.

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During the summer on Sundays, the Milwaukie Farmer's Market is a VERY popular place to obtain fresh fruits, various craft foods, and the works of a number of different local artists.

Originally the market just comprised a few booths in a small parking lot, but today it takes the entire city block, plus a few booths are across the street, plus some artwork is in the local Freemason's Lodge, which is located on the other side of both Harrison and Main from the main area of the market.

There is also usually some form of entertainment here. This may be some local band or musician, or some acrobat or juggler, or some mixture of some or all of those.

What to buy: Items vary by food season and by what the artists are doing. Be on the lookout for some unique locally made pottery, as well as garden art.

While located just outside of Portland, Oregon, Milwaukie has still managed to retain a small town atmosphere that becomes apparent once you leave the main highways.

People are friendly and outgoing, smiles and greetings are exchanged with friends and strangers alike.

Favorite thing: Attend the Milwaukie Daze celebration held in early June each year. All of the local schools are involved and there are many fun activities for children. A rare opportunity to enjoy a community and an old-fashioned downtown area with family and friends.

Fondest memory: The beautiful green of all the trees preserved throughout the city. Also, the Willamette River and numerous city parks.