If you have a love for geology, history, or simply discovering unique treasures, the Crater Rock Museum in Central Point, Oregon, is a must-visit destination! This museum may appear unassuming from the outside, but step through the doors, and you’ll find yourself immersed in a surprisingly expansive collection of stunning minerals, ancient fossils, intricate Native American artifacts, dazzling glass art, and fascinating pieces of petrified wood.
One of the highlights is the incredible mineral collection, featuring vibrant crystals and rare geological specimens from around the world. The fossil displays transport you through time, showcasing prehistoric life in breathtaking detail. If you appreciate craftsmanship, the glass art exhibits will captivate you with their beauty and artistry. The museum also houses an impressive array of Native American artifacts, providing insight into the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Beyond its exhibits, the Crater Rock Museum is a place of discovery for visitors of all ages. Whether you're a rockhounding enthusiast, a history buff, or just someone looking for a unique experience, this hidden gem offers a well-curated and educational experience that is definitely worth checking out. Don’t underestimate its size—this museum is far more extensive than it appears, making it easy to lose track of time as you explore its many wonders.
If you're in the Rogue Valley area, be sure to stop by—you won’t be...
Read moreThey got rocks, lots of rocks. Even rocks you shouldn't touch -- radioactive rocks, poisonous rocks, sharp rocks, a whole book that explains the ways these rocks can kill you and ways you shouldn't consume them (Who is eating and drinking these things?? Why??)
They even got rocks that glow in the dark or with special light, a whole wall of them!
Don't let the gift shop-esq outer room fool you. Around that corner in the back is a legit museum with like 5+ rooms of rocks. I was not expecting this from a stop off as a break from driving I-5.
Every rock has a story. That is probably a quote in a geology textbook somewhere. But I mean here, you aren't just looking at rocks, many have a plaque with a story about the rocks, and sections and walls have themes and educational material.
The people here do, indeed, love rocks. As we were leaving, a man excitedly came in with a bag of rocks he found. Soon the whole staff had been called over and was excitedly discussing his bag of rocks. Where did he find them? How? How many were there? What was near them? I'll never know. We left before I could hear...
Read moreI like rock shops. But I went in with my service dog. she stayed by my side as I chose rocks to buy. My caregiver took some things to the register while I looked more. A man came over to me and said is this a service dog? I said yes. He asked more. I said, do you work here? (he looked like he was homeless, unkept, dirty, unshaven, belly showing under shirt, hair unkept). He was apparently the owner. I asked if he wanted us to leave. He said no. I got a couple more items then left. My dog was with me for a reason. She didn't disturb anything, leave a footprint, make a noise or anything disruptive. Not all disabilities are visible, and not all dogs wearing a jacket are real. But, when you question a person over and over without knowing the disability, you cause more harm than you know. AND to wait until my caregiver was out of hearing range and me alone was cowardly. What you did sir, was WRONG! It was HARMFUL! It was HARRASSMENT! It was damaging. It...
Read more