07-31-26 Commissioners Issue Proclamations For National Coast Guard Day And National Lighthouse Day (Photo) - 07/31/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 31, 2026

Commissioners Issue Proclamations for National Coast Guard Day and National Lighthouse Day

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County Commissioners Tom Kress and Tim Freeman were on location in Winchester Bay, Oregon on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, for a special presentation for National Coast Guard Day and National Lighthouse Day.  They issued proclamations and called upon all citizens of Douglas County to honor National Coast Guard Day and National Lighthouse Day in Douglas County.  A copy of the live video presentation can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page: //www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment.

“On behalf of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, I want to express our sincere gratitude to the dedicated men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard serving in North Bend, Coos Bay, and at Umpqua River. Your professionalism, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to protecting our waterways and coastal communities do not go unnoticed. We are honored to recognize your service and celebrate alongside you each year,” said Commissioner Kress. “I also want to thank our museum staff, and the many volunteers at the Umpqua River Lighthouse and Coastal History Museum for preserving and sharing the rich maritime history of our region. This incredible facility is a true gem for Douglas County, and it continues to grow as a destination that educates, inspires, and connects visitors to our coastal heritage. We appreciate everyone who helps make Winchester Bay such a special place and look forward to the continued success of this treasured landmark and the surrounding community.”

History celebrates August 4, 1790, as the official birthday of the United States Coast Guard (USCG). On that day President George Washington signed the ‘Tariff Act’, which authorized the Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton, to build the first ten cutter vessels to protect the new nation's revenue. Following the Act, the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service, U.S. Life Saving Service, U.S. Bureau of Lighthouses, and Bureau of Marine Inspection and Navigation were created and eventually came together to form the USCG. President Woodrow Wilson signed the “Coast Guard Act” into law on January 28, 1915.  Commissioners recognized the brave men and women of our USCG who protect the personal safety and security of our people; the marine transportation system and infrastructure; our natural and economic resources; the territorial integrity of our nation–from both internal and external threats, natural and man-made and the interests of our navigable waters including U.S. ports, inland waterways, coastlines and international waters.  Commissioner Freeman presented National Coast Guard Day proclamation certificates to USCG Station Umpqua River, USCG Aids to Navigation Team (ANT) in Coos Bay and retired USCG personnel.  Guests at the presentation were treated to a special ‘flyby’ from a MH-65 Short Range Coast Guard Recovery Helicopter that joined us as a part of a training mission from USCG Air Station North Bend.  Thank you, USCG North Bend!

In attendance representing the United States Coast Guard were USCG Station Umpqua River Boatswain's Mate Senior Chief Petty Officer Jared Merloro, Executive Petty Officer and Boatswain's Mate Chief Petty Officer Jonathan Corcoran and several crew members from USCG Station Umpqua River.  Additionally, we recognized USCG Aids to Navigation Team (ANT) Coos Bay Chief Boatswain's Mate Jeremy Bossinger, Officer in Charge and Machinery Technician First Class Donavan Carley.  USCG operates under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and locally they are part of the U.S. Coast Guard Northwest (formerly District 13).  The headquarters of USCG Air Station North Bend and USCG Base North Bend are in North Bend, Oregon and support 153 Active-Duty Personnel, 9 Reserve Personnel, and 5 Civilian Personnel.  USCG Station Umpqua River is located in the fishing community of Winchester Bay and boasts 43 Active-Duty Personnel & 5 Reserve Personnel.  USCG Aids to Navigation Team (ANT) in Coos Bay support 9 Active-Duty Personnel and 1 Reserve Personnel.  If you are interested in learning more about a career in the USCG and perhaps a tour of the facilities, contact Station Umpqua River at (541) 271-2138 or Base North Bend at (541) 756-9220. 

Commissioners also recognized National Lighthouse Day and Week.  National Lighthouse Week and National Lighthouse Day are celebrated in August each year during the week of August 3-7, and on August 7.  237 years ago on August 7, 1789, Congress approved an Act for the establishment and support of lighthouse, beacons, buoys and public piers in the United States.  We are honored to have the 130-year-old, 65-foot-tall Umpqua River Lighthouse, with its first-order, rare and iconic, red and white Fresnel lens, handcrafted in 1890 by Barbier & Cie of Paris, France with twenty-four bullseye panels, consisting of 616 glass prisms proudly shining as a beacon above the coastal shores of Douglas County in Winchester Bay.  The Umpqua River Lighthouse is one of 11 historical lighthouses that have guided ships to safe passage along the Oregon Coast for over 100 years.  The Umpqua River Lighthouse and corresponding lighthouse grounds stand as a testament to the commitment of our community members, County Commissioners, museum employees, foundation members and volunteers, who have all worked painstakingly and passionately over the years to preserve our lighthouse and coastal history.  Commissioner Freeman presented National Lighthouse Day and Week proclamation certificates to staff and volunteers that work to keep our Umpqua River Lighthouse, Coastal History Museum, Gift Shop & Café, Art Gallery and Whale Watching Station open, preserved, and beautiful. 

In attendance representing the Umpqua River Lighthouse were Douglas County Museum Director James Davis; Lighthouse Museum Gift Shop Lead, Ethan VanSyoc; Lighthouse Museum Kitchen Lead, Molly Hottel; Lighthouse Museum Gift Shop, Joshua Adkins; Lighthouse Museum Operations, Dave Carver; Lighthouse Museum Manager, Terry Carver; Gallery Lead, David Marshal; Volunteer Gaylyn Bradley, Volunteer Zena Rilzeff; and Lighthouse Tour Guides - Misty & Larry, Matt & Lori, Joe & Deb, Don & Annita, Cheryl & Ryan, and Dudley & Jenny.  Volunteers are the backbone of our museum operations, for more information about  how you can volunteer at our museums check out our website at https://umpquavalleymuseums.org/ or call the Douglas County Museum at (541) 957-7007.  Also in attendance at the event were City of Reedsport Mayor Linda McCollum, Reedsport City Counciler Cindy Wegner, Douglas County’s Salmon Harbor Marina, Jody Morrow, and Douglas County Facilities, Robert Diaz.  

We were honored to have Gaylin Bradley join us for this special presentation. A longtime volunteer at the Umpqua River Lighthouse, Coastal History Museum, and Douglas County Museum, and former Douglas County employee, Gaylin has played an instrumental role in shaping our museums into the treasured destinations they are today. Her many contributions include designing museum exhibits, researching and developing the lighthouse tours, enhancing the museum grounds through landscaping, leading restoration projects, and serving as a passionate ambassador for our  Coastal History Museum, Umpqua River Lighthouse and Douglas County Museum.  “I happened to be working for the Douglas County Parks Department when the last of the Coast Guard lighthouse keepers left.  I was recruited to help establish the Museum, programs, and grounds.  It was a wonderful time in my life and I thoroughly enjoyed it – and still do to this day,” stated Gaylyn.

Joining us again this year was the Fox Family.  They returned for a family reunion this year.  Last year Melanie Smiley-Ybarra stopped and donated a special quilt honoring her family’s long-standing connection with the U.S. Coast Guard. The quilt, lovingly crafted by her mother, Lira Fox Hibbon-Owen, with help from other Fox family members, has been passed down through generations. They felt the museum was a fitting final home for this heirloom. Melanie’s grandfather, Myron L. Fox, was stationed at USCG Umpqua River during the 1940s–50s. Her mother, Lira, grew up in the nearby Coast Guard barracks and recalled helping to clean the red and white glass prisms of the lighthouse. The family's service continued through Myron’s grandson, Petter Hibbon, and nephew, Norn Chapman, who also served in the USCG. The quilt displayed at the museum stands as a heartfelt tribute to their legacy.

The proclamations presented in Winchester Bay are a reminder to our residents to thank the brave men and women of our United States Coast Guard for their valued service to our country and our citizens, and to ask that you check out our “gem” on the coast, the Umpqua River Lighthouse, Coastal History Museum, Gift Shop & Café, Art Gallery and Whale Watching Station in beautiful Winchester Bay.

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Media Contact: Tamara Howell, Chief Public Information Officer | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

Proclamations and Photo Collages Attached.  Photos ©K.Rodriguez/Douglas County. Individual photos available upon request

07-28-26 Fair, Fun & Freedom! 2026 Douglas County Fair Celebrates America's 250th Birthday (Photo) - 07/28/26

Fair, Fun & Freedom!

2026 Douglas County Fair Celebrates America's 250th Birthday

(Douglas County, Ore.) – As the long days of summer bring warm August nights, there's one tradition Douglas County families have looked forward to for generations—the annual Douglas County Fair. The familiar scents of fresh kettle corn, sizzling barbecue, honey butter on warm fried bread, hand-dipped corn dogs, and sweet cotton candy once again fill the air, while laughter echoes from the midway, and the lowing of cattle, bleating of sheep and goats, and chatter of barnyard animals create the unmistakable soundtrack of fair week. And, of course, no fair would be complete without the toe-tapping tunes, street performers, vendor booths, and live music performances that fill the air and bring the fairgrounds to life.

This year, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Fair Director Ciera Keith, and the Douglas County Fair Board invite everyone to celebrate an extra-special fair as we honor America's 250th Birthday with the theme "Fair, Fun & Freedom!"  Often called the "Best County Fair on Earth," the 2026 Douglas County Fair promises four unforgettable days filled with hometown traditions, patriotic pride, family fun, outstanding entertainment, and the agricultural heritage that has defined Douglas County for generations.  The 2026 Douglas County Fair takes place Wednesday, August 5 through Saturday, August 8, 2026, at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Roseburg.  The Douglas County Fair is open daily: Main Gate: 7:00 am – 11:00 pm; Carnival Gate: 10:00 am – 11:00 pm; and Exhibit Buildings:11:00 am – 10:00 pm.  Get the latest information about the 2026 Douglas County Fair here or download and print the 2026 Douglas County Fair Schedule here or make the most of your Fair experience by downloading the easy-to-use Douglas County Fair Apps on your smart phone or mobile device using Apple App Store or Google Play.

What’s Happening this Year! Whether this is your very first visit or you've attended the fair every summer for decades, you'll discover something new around every corner. Across the fairgrounds, the sounds and sights of animals, fiddles, bass guitars, fire, hoola hoops, carnival rides, and barking dogs can be heard with engaging attractions including Dock Dogs; Master Gardeners Exhibits and Demonstrations; Model Railroad Exhibit; BINGO; Garden Park Stage entertainment with fire dancer Jodie Smalley, comedy stuntman Matt Barker, local bands, senior talent show and diaper derby; and roaming artists Sterling the Bubblesmith, Arty the Circus Drummer, and Lessa the Hula Hooper – all FREE with your fair gate admission.  Then there is the fantastic midway with thrilling rides featuring a giant Ferris wheel, carnival games and kiddie cars, Rainer Amusement Carnival keeps the fun rocking down the midway for young and old alike.  Advance carnival ride bracelets are available until Tuesday, August 4.  Let’s not forget the delicious fair food! From classic hot dogs to fried bread, churros, jumbo curly fries, BBQ, deep-fried Twinkies, grilled cheese, ice cream, and caramel apples - you’ll find all your fair favorites (and a few surprises) waiting for you in the food court and all around the fair.  Don’t forget to check out the nightlife.  When the sun goes down behind the mountains you can experience a cool patchwork of glowing lights, music, and sounds.

As Always - FREE Entertainment Included with Fair Admission: One of the biggest traditions of the Douglas County Fair continues this year as all Headline Entertainment is FREE with gate admission.  Don’t forget that reserved concert seating and the all-new VIP Pit Area for the 2026 Douglas County Fair Headline Entertainment are still on sale. Don’t miss your chance to experience this year’s incredible entertainment lineup! Be sure to visit the website for all the details at www.douglasfairgrounds.com/p/fair.  This year’s action-packed fair will offer headline entertainment including Wednesday: Challenge of the Champions Bull Riding at 7:30 pm; Thursday: Country music fans will enjoy an unforgettable performance by Aaron Lewis at 7:30 pm; Friday: Turn up the energy with nostalgic rap icon Tone Loc at 8:00 pm, and Saturday: Closing out the fair is chart-topping country star Niko Moon at 8:00 pm.

Celebrating 250 Years of American Freedom: This year's patriotic theme recognizes the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and celebrates the values of freedom, perseverance, hard work, and community that continue to shape Douglas County.  Visitors will experience patriotic decorations, special displays, and opportunities throughout the fair to celebrate America's Semi quincentennial while honoring the agricultural traditions and rural heritage that have made the Douglas County Fair a community gathering place for more than a century.

The Heart of the Fair: Our Youth: While concerts, carnival rides, and fair food attract thousands of visitors each year, the true heart of the Douglas County Fair has always been its youth.  Douglas County is home to one of Oregon's strongest 4-H and FFA programs, with hundreds of young people dedicating months of hard work preparing livestock, exhibits, and projects that will be showcased throughout fair week.  These students learn responsibility, leadership, sportsmanship, public speaking, financial management, and countless life skills while caring for their animals and completing projects that represent the very best of our agricultural community.  One of the week's most anticipated events is the Junior Livestock Auction, held on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 4:00 pm in the Beef Ring.  Come be part of the excitement as businesses and community members from throughout Douglas County invest in the next generation by supporting the hard work and dedication of local youth.  Every purchase made at the auction helps young exhibitors continue their agricultural education while developing valuable life skills that will benefit them for years to come.

A Tradition More Than 160 Years in the Making: Douglas County's fair tradition dates back to 1860, when an agricultural fair was first held in Oakland.  Throughout the decades, county residents have gathered to celebrate farming, ranching, craftsmanship, education, and community. After the Douglas County Fairgrounds property was purchased in 1944, the first official Douglas County Fair was held in 1945.  Today, that same spirit continues as generations of families return each August to reconnect with friends, celebrate local agriculture, support youth, and create lasting memories.

Open Class Exhibits Showcase Local Talent: The Douglas County Fair is also home to one of Oregon's finest Open Class competitions.  Adult exhibitors from throughout the county showcase outstanding livestock, photography, fine arts, woodworking, crafts, quilts, gardening, baked goods, preserved foods, flowers, and countless other creative talents.  These exhibits celebrate the remarkable skills, creativity, and craftsmanship found throughout Douglas County and remain one of the fair's most popular attractions.  Open Class entries and judging starts Saturday, August 1, 2026.

Say Hello to Dougy:  No visit to the Douglas County Fair would be complete without waving hello to Dougy at the main entrance.  He has been the fairgrounds' beloved logger mascot since 1965.  For more than six decades, Dougy has welcomed generations of fairgoers and remains one of Douglas County's most recognizable and cherished traditions.

There's Truly Something for Everyone: Whether you're cheering on a favorite 4-H exhibitor, enjoying a headline concert, riding the Ferris wheel, watching livestock competitions, sampling your favorite fair foods, exploring exhibits, or simply making memories with family and friends, the Douglas County Fair offers something for every age.  As Douglas County celebrates America's 250th Birthday, there is no better place to experience the values that make our community special—hard work, agriculture, family, freedom, and hometown pride.  Join us August 5-8 as we celebrate "Fair, Fun & Freedom!"  Because at the Douglas County Fair, one thing has never changed...Fair time is family time. Fair time is fun time. We look forward to seeing you at the 2026 Douglas County Fair!

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Media Contact: Tamara Howell, Chief Public Information Officer | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

07-21-26 Meeting Notice - DC LPSCC - Behavioral Health And Housing Subcommittee Meeting (Photo) - 07/21/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 21, 2026

** Notice of Virtual Meeting **
Douglas County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC)
Behavioral Health and Housing Subcommittee
Tuesday, July 28, 2026

(Douglas County, OR) The next meeting for the Douglas County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council’s (LPSCC) – Behavioral Health and Housing Subcommittee will take place on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 11:30 am via a virtual conference format.
In compliance with ORS 192.610 to 192.690, we will accommodate any member of the public who wishes to watch or listen to the meeting via video or by phone. For information on how you can watch or listen to this meeting, please see the agenda, or contact Koree Tate at koree.tate@douglascountyor.gov or call (541) 957-7790.

The meeting agenda is attached and can also be found at www.douglascountyor.gov. To view the post meeting recording, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/@douglascountyoregongov.

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Media Contact: Tamara Howell, Chief Public Information Officer | Douglas County Public Affairs Office |
Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

Program Contact: Koree Tate, Programs and Partnership Coordinator | Douglas County Juvenile Department | Phone: (541) 957-7790 | Email: koree.tate@douglascountyor.gov

07-21-26 Two Additional Bats Infected With Rabies Identified In Douglas County - 07/21/26

Joint Release: Douglas County Environmental Health Division, Douglas Public Health Network, and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 20, 2026

Two Additional Bats Infected with Rabies Identified in Douglas County

(Douglas County, Oregon) Douglas County Environmental Health Division, working in conjunction with Douglas Public Health Network and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division received a report from Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory confirming that two additional bats found in Douglas County, Oregon have tested positive for rabies. Nineteen bats have tested positive thus far in Oregon in 2026, three of which are from Douglas County, and the first positive bat we reported in May.

These two bats were sent for testing by Douglas County Environmental Health Division in accordance with Oregon Health Authority’s Investigative Guidelines for Animal Bites and Rabies. A Douglas County resident was bitten on the finger after picking up a sick bat during the day. They have been notified of the positive results and are receiving follow-up medical care. The second bat was found by a dog who was fortunately up to date on their rabies vaccinations. The owner has been notified, and the dog has received follow-up veterinary care.

In Oregon, bats are the only reservoir species that naturally carry and sustain the rabies virus in the wild. Other animals like foxes, skunks, or cats and dogs can become infected after contacting an infected bat. Phil Kailiuli, Douglas County Environmental Health Supervisor reminds us: “Please do not touch a bat or any other wild animal. To protect your pets, ensure your dogs, cats and ferrets are up to date on their vaccinations” For assistance and wildlife advice, please call our local Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Roseburg Field Office at (541) 440-3353 or Umpqua Wildlife Rescue at (541) 440-6895.

If you are accidentally bitten or scratched by a bat, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, Douglas County Public Health Officer offers this reminder: “It is important to not delay medical care after a bat encounter. To prevent rabies transmission, wash the wound with soap and running water and go to the closest emergency room to start post-exposure treatment.”

Other Helpful Tips:

• Never touch a bat with bare hands. If you see a bat during daylight hours, it is most likely unhealthy.
• If your child or pet picks up a dead bat and you need to collect it for testing: only pick it up with gloves or another item, seal it in a plastic bag and place it in the freezer.  This preserves the brain stem which is necessary for testing. Deceased bats that are kept at room temperature for more than a day might not be able to be tested properly.
• Do not approach or touch a wounded animal, leave that for the professionals. Do not feed, try to catch, or play with wild animals such as foxes, squirrels, birds, skunks, opossums, bats, beavers, rats, venomous snakes or raccoons.

For additional tips about animal bites and rabies prevention visit here.   To report an animal bite or if you have questions or concerns related to animal bites or rabies, please contact Douglas County Environmental Health Division at (541) 440-4559 or Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division at (541) 440-4328. To reach these professionals outside of business hours, please call Douglas County’s Non-Emergency Dispatch Line: 541-440-4471. For more resources you can visit DPHN's Animal Bites webpage or Oregon Health Authority or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 

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Media Contacts:

Vanessa Becker | Public Information Officer & Public Health Modernization | Douglas Public Health Network | Cell: (541) 817-6552 | Email: vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

Undersheriff Brad O’Dell | Douglas County Sheriff’s Office | Phone: (541) 440-4464 | Email: brad.odell@douglascountyor.gov

Jonathan Modie | Oregon Health Authority, Public Health Division | Phone: (971) 246-9139 | Email: PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Tamara Howell | Chief Public Information Officer | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Phone: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

07-08-26 Douglas County Museum Unveils "Timeless Treasures: Museum Bicycles & Toys" Exhibit (Photo) - 07/08/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 8, 2026

Douglas County Museum Unveils "Timeless Treasures: Museum Bicycles & Toys" Exhibit

(Douglas County, Ore.) – Douglas County Commissioners Tom Kress, Chris Boice, and Tim Freeman along with staff at the Douglas County Museum of History and Natural History are pleased to announce the opening of "Timeless Treasures: Museum Bicycles & Toys," a nostalgic new exhibit showcasing more than a century of childhood history through an extraordinary collection of vintage bicycles, toys and model trains. 

The exhibit features 29 vintage bicycles and 104 toys, many of which were generously donated by the family of the late Joe Burris, a passionate collector and restorer who spent years preserving historic bicycles. Thanks to the Burris family's generosity, visitors now have the opportunity to experience one of the Museum's most unique and engaging collections.  Among the oldest artifacts on display is a small metal-and-wood child's sled dating to the late 1800s, offering a glimpse into childhood recreation more than a century ago.

"One of the greatest joys of our museum is its ability to preserve the stories of everyday life," said Board Chair and Museum Liaison Commissioner Tom Kress. "This exhibit celebrates the craftsmanship, innovation and memories associated with bicycles and toys that generations of families grew up enjoying. We are grateful to the Burris family and our Museum staff for making this remarkable exhibit possible."

The exhibit was conceived by Museum Director James Davis, whose lifelong appreciation for vintage toys inspired the Museum to pursue the acquisition of such a significant collection when the opportunity arose.  "These bicycles and toys represent much more than playthings—they tell the story of American childhood, ingenuity, and recreation over more than 100 years," Davis said. "We are excited to share these timeless treasures with visitors of all ages."

The exhibit was curated by Karen Bratton, Museum Research Librarian and Collection Manager, and expertly fabricated by Jim Aune, Museum Operations Technician, whose craftsmanship transformed the collection into an engaging and visually striking display.  Visitors will discover bicycles spanning from the late 1800s through the mid-1960s, including early "boneshaker" bicycles, classic men's and women's models, tandem bicycles built for two, as well as children's bicycles and tricycles.  Among the exhibit's featured pieces are two exceptional Schwinn bicycles dating from the 1950s and 1960s:

• A Schwinn Police Special, complete with helmet, originally used by the Eugene Police Department.
• A beautifully preserved Schwinn Deluxe 7 in near-mint condition.

The companion toy exhibit showcases a remarkable assortment of artifacts dating from the mid-to-late 1800s through the twentieth century, including:

• Metal pedal toys
• Rocking horses
• Wooden and metal sleds
• Scooters
• Dolls and doll buggies
• Vintage games
• Numerous children's toys from generations past

The exhibit also includes an impressive collection of model trains drawn from both the Museum's collections and the personal collection of Jim Aune. The train display features multiple scales, from Z scale to O scale, with trains dating from approximately 1960 through 2000.

"Timeless Treasures: Museum Bicycles & Toys" will remain on display at the Douglas County Museum of Natural & Cultural History for at least one year, giving residents and visitors ample opportunity to experience this one-of-a-kind collection.  Whether guests remember riding a bicycle like the one they had as a child, recognize a favorite toy from their grandparents' home, or simply appreciate the craftsmanship of a bygone era, the exhibit offers something for every generation.

For more than 50 years, the Douglas County Museum has been dedicated to preserving and showcasing the region’s rich cultural and natural history. Through engaging exhibits, the museum connects visitors with the industries and communities that helped shape Douglas County, from timber harvesting and farming to transportation and mining.  Located at 123 Museum Drive, Roseburg, Oregon (conveniently off I-5 Exit 123, adjacent to the Douglas County Fairgrounds), the museum is open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Lavola Bakken Research Library is open Tuesday through Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Admission Prices: Free for members and children ages 0-4, $2.00 for students (ages 5-17), $8.00 for adults, $5.00 for seniors and veterans. Visitors can also explore the Museum Mercantile, the museum’s gift shop, offering a fantastic selection of books on Douglas County’s history, Oregon-themed gifts, educational toys, and unique souvenirs.  For more information, to plan your visit, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, click here or please call the Douglas County Museum of History & Natural History at (541) 957-7007.  The Douglas County Museum system is a division of Douglas County Government.

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners invites the public to visit the exhibit and rediscover the timeless treasures that have inspired imagination, adventure and cherished memories for generations.

Douglas County Museum - Discover the stories - Explore the legacy - Experience history!