Hands-on science museum and submarine

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

About 0.2 miles straight-line from the Oregon Rail Heritage Center

Add a substantial hands-on science museum to a Portland train day without leaving the Water Avenue corridor, while separating general admission from timed exhibitions, shows and the steep-access submarine.

The place

About Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is a large hands-on museum on the east bank of the Willamette River, about 0.2 straight-line miles from the Oregon Rail Heritage Center. General admission includes core halls and labs such as Turbine Hall, the Natural Sciences Hall, Science Playground and several working science labs; planetarium, theater, featured-exhibition and submarine products follow their own schedules and ticket rules.

At this review, summer museum hours are Monday-Friday 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Saturday 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. General admission is $22.50 for adults 14+, $20.50 for seniors 63+, $15.50 for youth 3-13 and free under three, with a ticket required for every age. The featured Titanic product is separately priced and runs through October 18, 2026, so a general ticket should not be described as all-inclusive.

The USS Blueback is a roughly 45-minute, twelve-person guided tour of a 219-foot diesel-electric submarine. Participants must be at least three years old and 36 inches tall, pass through a practice watertight door, climb steep stairs and self-navigate narrow passages. Wheelchairs, walkers and strollers cannot enter, children cannot be carried, and closed-toe shoes are recommended.

The main museum offers eight accessible parking spaces, a barrier-free push-button entrance, and complimentary wheelchairs and motorized scooters on a first-come basis with identification. OMSI also publishes sensory and visual-access resources. These services do not override the submarine's physical access limits or prove every interactive is appropriate for every visitor, so contact Guest Services for a specific route or accommodation.

What stands out

Experiment in working labs

Chemistry, physics, paleontology, life and discovery labs turn the visit into active science rather than a passive display circuit.

Choose age-fit halls

Science Playground, Turbine Hall, natural-sciences spaces and teen areas serve different ages; live listings control exact availability.

Tour a real submarine carefully

USS Blueback adds maritime technology and crew-life interpretation when every participant can meet its age, height and mobility requirements.

Keep the train day compact

The museum and rail center share the Water Avenue corridor, avoiding a cross-city detour while still supporting a substantial half-day pairing.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in an Oregon Rail Heritage Center trip

OMSI is close enough to walk from the rail center, making it the strongest substantial independent companion. Visit it after the train for the least schedule risk; if visiting first, protect the rail ticket's departure and boarding margin and remember that Water Avenue rail crossings can delay surface travel.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • Summer hoursMonday-Friday 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Saturday 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at review
  • General admission$22.50 adult 14+; $20.50 senior 63+; $15.50 youth 3-13; free under three, with tickets required for all ages
  • IncludedCore halls, Science Playground and listed labs; exact lab hours can differ from museum hours
  • Add-onsFeatured exhibitions, planetarium, theater and USS Blueback may require separate timed tickets and fees
  • Parking$5 plus fees for two hours or $8 plus fees all day; evening rate begins after 5 p.m. at review
  • TransitOMSI/SE Water Avenue station connects with MAX, buses and Portland Streetcar
  • Main-museum accessEight accessible parking spaces, accessible drop-off and entrance, and complimentary wheelchairs or scooters first-come with ID
  • Submarine boundaryAge 3+, height 36 inches+, steep stairs and practice hatch; no wheelchairs, walkers or strollers and no carrying children
  • Time budgetAllow at least two to four hours for the museum, more with a featured exhibit, show or submarine tour

Return to the train-first anchor

Add Oregon Rail Heritage Center

Use the operator hub for exact 2026 weekend dates, the diesel-versus-steam boundary, boarding limits, parking and museum planning.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

What are OMSI's current summer hours?

At review: Monday-Friday 9:30-5:30, Saturday 9:30-7 and Sunday 9:30-5:30. Check the live visitor page because seasonal hours change.

What does general admission include?

Core exhibit halls, Science Playground and listed labs. Featured exhibitions, planetarium, theater and submarine experiences can require separate tickets.

How much is general admission?

At review: $22.50 adults 14+, $20.50 seniors 63+, $15.50 youth 3-13 and free under three, with a ticket required for every age.

Is the main museum wheelchair accessible?

OMSI lists accessible parking, a barrier-free push-button entrance and complimentary wheelchairs and scooters first-come with ID. Contact Guest Services for a particular route or program.

Is USS Blueback wheelchair accessible?

No. The tour requires a practice hatch, steep stairs and narrow passages; wheelchairs, walkers and strollers cannot enter, and visitors must self-navigate.

How much is parking?

At review, $5 plus fees for two hours or $8 plus fees all day, with a lower evening rate after 5 p.m. Transit also stops at OMSI/SE Water Avenue.

How should I pair OMSI with the train ride?

The easiest plan is the timed train first and OMSI afterward. If OMSI comes first, leave a generous buffer for walking, check-in and active rail crossings near the Center.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-15. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.