Our 25-yr-old nephew was up here from California and he is a big rock lover. We brought him to the museum and he absolutely loved it. We (his aunts) had a great time, too. Such interesting specimens and the history and information was fascinating.
We stopped in at the faceting class area and those folks were really helpful and engaging. And Dylan, at the gift shop was especially fun for our nephew to talk to. Everyone was super friendly and interesting.
We even brought a picnic lunch and enjoyed the outdoor area, too. Loved getting to take a cool rock home. Thanks so much for the experience!
I'd heard about Rice NW from my brother for years before my first visit. When I finally got there I was utterly blown away. This place is amazing.
This is a world-class mineral museum, overflowing with of some of the most beautiful mineral specimens I've ever seen. A single visit isn't enough time to appreciate everything they have to offer. I will be back again and again, and I regret waiting so long to see it the first time!
(And the house is pretty cool, too!)
I visited as part Smithsonian Museum Day and it was an absolutely wonderful Gem of an experience. I highly recommend visiting. You come away thinking about our world a lot differently.
The astonishing beauty of the museum is a lovely match for the astonishing beauty and variety of rocks and minerals on display. I've been to tour the museum and to some of their annual events, and always my children come away having had an enjoyable time. They don't even realize that they are learning. Makes you appreciate what a wondrous world we live in.
The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, and will patiently answer many pestering questions from kids. I can't recommend this hidden "gem" enough.
I've been here with school groups and alone and it never fails to impress! The collection is stunning; mind-blowing, really! It is truly a not-to-miss place just minutes outside of Portland. Worth the trip. In addition to the exhibits and interesting film, they have picnic tables, so it's a great place to spend part of the day. The building is interesting, too, and if you admire collectors and collections of any type you will certainly love the RIce Museum!