Oregon’s Southern Coastal territory attracts visitors from all over with beautiful scenery and exciting entertainment. Choices for visitors to the region include the Umpqua Discovery Center and the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.

The Umpqua Discovery Center, a museum located along the Umpqua River in Reedsport, features a new exhibit, “Pathways to Discovery.” Described as an “adventure for the young and the young at heart,” the exhibit is presented as a landscaped trail that takes visitors from small estuaries to coastal mountain range peaks and to serene ocean sunsets. As hikers wind through the trail, they will learn about the natural history of the tidewater region.

The Center also features the award winning “Tidewaters and Time” exhibit which examines the history of a town impacted by constantly changing tide levels. Visitors will enjoy the interactive nature of the display; they will hear ocean sounds and touch objects on display. Other exhibits of interest include “Paradise of the Past” and “Early Explorers.”

In addition to the Discovery Center, visitors to the region will also enjoy the Oregon Sand Dunes, part of which is easily accessible in nearby Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park. These dune formations, created through millions of years of erosion, are some of the largest coastal dunes anywhere in the United States. The dunes offer much in terms of natural beauty and recreation. Visitors can enjoy the lakes and forests surrounding the dunes or go to the beach nearby.

The Umpqua Discovery Center is open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily and is wheelchair accessible. Admission is charged: $8 for adults, $7 for seniors 65 and over, $4 for children 6-15, and $20 for a family (parents and three children). Group rates are available for 10 or more people. Questions about the Center can be directed to Portia Harris at (541) 271-4816.

Up to date information about camping or visiting the Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park can be found at http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PARKS/.