Alright, it’s time again for us to pack our bags, don our learning caps, and enjoy some travel schooling fun!
This time we will be heading northwest to “The Beaver State” for some donuts, cheese, and adventures in the woods. We are so excited to explore the unique Oregon culture. Influenced by Native Americans, Asian, and European settlers, alike, it is clear that we are in for a fantastic travel schooling.
Side Note: If you’re asking yourself, “When did we go from roadschooling to travel schooling?”, don’t worry, this is our first post using the new term. We believe it is a better way to encompass our travel and educational philosophy.
Our 5 family travel tips (do less, be flexible, communicate, enjoy the breaks, and know your limits) will largely shape the way we manage our 8 days in Oregon next month. Thus, I will focus this discussion to the Portland-area.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Oregon is the only state to have an official nut? Yes, you heard it. The hazelnut, also known as a filbert, is the big man around here and Oregon accounts for 99% of the U.S. commercial crop.
This trip will emphasize culture as we are on the cusp of opening registration for a brand-new tour option (led by yours truly) called Cultural Excursions. We are gathering interest for Cultural Excursion San Antonio which will occur in December 2021, and if all goes according to plan, one will be coming to a city near you very soon!
Read on for our 5 top travel schooling stops in the Portland-area!
Travel Schooling Adventures: Culture & The Arts
There are tons of fascinating learning options in the Portland-area. Frankly, it is quite overwhelming. Instead of prescribing lesson plans like before, I am going to touch on various places and only suggest educational possibilities. That way you will be able to make the most of the travel schooling options.
1) Cultural schooling at Japanese American Historical Plaza & Japanese American Museum of Oregon
The Japanese American Museum of Oregon is full of cultural significance. In the heart of Portland’s Old Town, where Japantown once thrived, explore the enriching exhibits that share and preserve Japanese American history and culture. Take an amazing virtual tour of the “Oregon Nikkei: Reflections of an American Community” exhibit to give you some pre-visit perspective of the first generation of Japanese Americans, known as Issei.
If you visit before the end of the year, take a look at the “Grace, Grit, and Gaman” exhibit which explores the experience of Japanese American women through generations. After your visit, take a 6-block stroll to the banks of the Willamette River to see the Japanese American Historical Plaza.
Pro Tip: On your way to the Plaza, follow NW 4th Avenue to W Burnside Street. After walking a block to your left, look right for a scrumptious treat! Grab yourself a donut from Voodoo Doughnut – Old Town. You won’t be sorry!
The Japanese American Historical Plaza is a place of reverence and celebration. The Plaza tells a story of early Japanese Americans from the early Issei immigrants to today’s generation. When you visit the picturesque plaza, you will see a story being told not only by bronze relief and engraved poetry, but by the landscape itself in keeping with the Japanese tradition.
This is a wonderful travel schooling stop where you can teach your little ones about this vivid culture, while applying historical lessons about immigration reforms, internments, and discrimination to teach the importance of inclusivity.
Japanese American Museum of Oregon
Museum hours:
Friday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
BY RESERVATION ONLY
Call 503-224-1458 for reservations
Adult $8, Senior $6, Student $5, Children 11 & under Free
MASKS REQUIRED
2) Harmony at Lan Su Chinese Garden & Portland Chinatown Museum
Moving one block southeast from the Japanese American Museum, the Lan Su Chinese Garden is a veritable oasis celebrating the richly authentic Chinese culture that is infused in greater Portland community. The tranquil beauty is a harmonious result of a collaboration between the cities of Portland and Suzhou, Portland’s sister city in China’s Jiangsu province.
Here you can take your pick of educational lessons. Lan Su is an immersive experience based on a 2,000-year-old Chinese tradition that integrates art, architecture, design, and nature in perfect harmony. It is truly a remarkable place and a perfect travel schooling stop for the mindful traveler.
One block south, drop by the Portland Chinatown Museum (PCM) for some great lessons on history, art, and culture. The PCM is Oregon’s first museum focused on Chinese Americans and was founded by a group of Chinese American elders with deep roots in Portland’s Chinatown.
The collection of stories, oral histories and artifacts offers a fabulous opportunity to interpret the past, present, and future of immigrant experiences. Enjoy the 2,400 square foot permanent exhibition, “Beyond the Gate: A Tale of Portland’s Historic Chinatowns” or the front two galleries which display contemporary Asian American artists in all media.
Summer Hours (May 1 to October 15): 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Closed on Wednesdays)
Last Entry for All Visitors & Members: 5:30 PM, Ticket Booth Closes: 5:30 PM
Adult $12.95, Senior $11.95, Student (6-18) $9.95, Children 5 & under Free
Friday – Sunday: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed on Monday – Thursday)
Adult $8, Senior $7, Student $5, Children 12 & under Free
3) Exploring the past at Oregon Historical Society
Keeping in line with the cultural excursion concept, the Oregon Historical Society (OHS) is the perfect travel schooling stop to experience the rich history of the state. The vast collection over cultural property and engaging digital platforms bridge generational gaps spanning time and perspective.
The exhibits give a voice to a community that has persisted through years of highs and lows. The historical past is brought to life with the use of modern technology. As a result, the stories are present in the here and now which makes for some truly dynamic lessons. With three floors of permanent and traveling exhibitions featuring rare documents and artifacts, the interactive nature of the museum is the perfect place to see how people, places, and events shaped the history of Oregon.
Pro Tip: Take a 1-mile stroll from the OHS to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry across the Hawthorne Bridge. The 3,552-foot bridge stands as the country’s oldest operating vertical lift bridge. Before crossing the river, take a quick detour up Pacific Highway West to Mill Ends Park, the world’s smallest park.
Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Adult $10, Senior (60+) $8, Students & Teachers (with ID) $8, Youth (6-18) $5, Children 5 and under Free
Travel Schooling adventures: STEM & Nature
4) Interactive travel schooling at Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
This travel schooling stop was highly recommended to me by a colleague I met in a community named Location Indie. Hailing from the Eugene-area, I was excited for Ramin’s, owner of Journey Reflections, local perspective.
As one of the nation’s leading science museums, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) inspires students of all ages and backgrounds to creatively engage in science disciplines. The options are endless for your intellectual edification. From the latest feature exhibition, “Dinosaurs Revealed,” and the Natural Science Hall to the USS Blueback Submarine and the Planetarium, you’ll find educational lessons abound.
The OMSI has a fascinating history, starting as an exhibit to showcase the natural resources of Oregon, that is well worth a Social Studies lesson for any grade level. Don’t forget to check out some of the riveting events and interactive camps for a truly enriching experience.
Pro Tip: Take a gander at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center before you depart. This gem is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the OMSI and boasts two operating steam locomotives.
Fun Fact: Portland is the only U.S. city to own two operating steam locomotives.
Summer Hours (Jun 12-Sept 6): 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Regular Hours (Sept 7-Jun 11): 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM (Tuesday-Sunday)
Adult (14+) $12, Senior (63+) $10, Children (3-13) $8, Children 2 and under Free
5) Birding & nature schooling at Portland Audubon
Our last travel schooling stop for today is at a 172-acre Wildlife Sanctuary nestled against Forest Park on Portland’s northwest side. The Portland Audubon consists of 4 miles of trails, a Nature Store, Interpretive Center, and a Wildlife Care Center. It is a great place to get outdoors and experience nature at work.
The Portland Audubon provides many unique learning opportunities, ranging from youth and adult programs to camps and various events. This free-for-all facility is set up well for self-guided visits. You can explore nature at your own pace, enjoying some amazing bird-watching opportunities and taking lessons from the Audubon’s Wildlife Ambassadors.
You can also get involved and give back through volunteer opportunities and signing up to become a Portland Audubon Activist.
Store Hours: Open daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
NExT Chapter
I hope you enjoyed our travel schooling adventure of the Portland-area. We cannot tell you how excited we are to visit, especially because Amanda and I are planning to one day retire in the area after we circumnavigate the world. As I researched this article, I realized just how many more places there are to see in Portland, not to mention the rest of the state!
I will revisit it in September after we return from our trip and let you know how the reality panned out. You can look forward to some more Oregon travel schooling posts soon.
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Lastly, check out our newly unveiled event, Cultural Excursion San Antonio. It is a 5-day immersive event where you will explore the city’s culture, learn from and serve the local community, and make new friends. You can sign up for interest here and be among the first to know when registration opens for this limited-capacity event.
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Until next time…
Happy (Mindful) Travels,
Michael
~ Change the world one nameless stranger at a time. ~
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