Linn County Historical Museum — Attraction in Brownsville

This museum packs a huge punch into a relatively small space. Located in the railroad depot building dating back to the late 19th century, a large portion of the museum is in train cars - including the theater.

Dress up in authentic pioneer clothing and take a picture with the actual covered wagon the Drinkard family used to cross the frontier in 1865 - one of only 3 known actual Oregon Trail wagons still in existence.

They also have extensive artifacts from the pioneer days - blacksmithing equipment, and replica General store, doctors office, bank, and more. You'll even see hair art! 🫨 You have to see it to believe it!

The volunteers are very kind and knowledgeable. Admission is free - they accept donations (and I highly suggest supporting them!) but they will not ask...

This is an unusually well endowed museum for a very small town. Its main focus is the early settlers to the area, most of whom arrived via the Oregon Trail. In fact its Oregon Trail wagon is the most original in existence. Only the cloth cover has been replaced. It's a small wagon, the most common kind on the trail because it could be pulled by two mules or two oxen. Journeyers walked beside this type wagon because there wasn't room to ride. That was fine because the ride would have been very uncomfortable over the rough trail. The museum also has displays of the early bank, dentist, doctor, and store to name a few. It's also unusual because it's open 7 days a week. Even the building is an antique, it's the old Brownsville...

Cassi was extremely nice, welcoming, and helpful. My family and I enjoyed our visit massively. Lots of exhibits, of which went into great detail, and yet none of them boring. The museum also had some hands-on experiences, making it fun for the entire family. The shop also had some awesome products, ranging from sewing patterns to doll clothes to books, all following the pioneer theme. Not to mention on top of all this, it is completely...