The Historic Alsea Bay Bridge Visitor Center is a must-visit. Depicting all the bridges along the Oregon Coast, from Astoria to Brookings, The Center opened in 1991 in conjunction with the opening of the new Alsea Bay Bridge. The original bridge, built in 1936, carried travelers over the Alsea Bay for more than 50 years. Photos, archives and even parts of the original bridge are inside The Center. A full-scale model of the new bridge is featured. The Center also features a gift shop and a collection of maps, brochures and resources spanning the Oregon coast.
The Center is now also the home of THE WALDPORT HERITAGE MUSEUM. Celebrating Waldport’s rich history, The Museum showcases artifacts, stories, photos and many of the tools used to create and sustain life along the bay, the Pacific Ocean and throughout the Siulsaw National Forest.
The Center is also the home of the Louis Southworth bronze sculpture created by Pete Helzer. The sculpture was created to celebrate Oregon Black Pioneer Louis Southworth who settle in Waldport and donated land for Waldport’s first school. Louis Southworth Park is open and features the largest playground on the Oregon coast, a dog park, ball fields and walking paths. Future amenities include picnic shelters, tennis and pickle ball courts, and an entry pavilion depicting the native Alsi Indians and displays recognizing the many cultures that helped shaped today’s community.
For more information about Southworth and the Park, please visit these links:
Admission is free with volunteers providing tours, visitor information and lots of information about where to shop, eat, stay and play in Waldport. Chamber members offer information for a variety of services, too. Need a place to host a small meeting our event? We can help! ADA accessible.
Exclusive Waldport-branded items are also for sale, from sweatshirts tees & hoodies to coffee mugs, coasters, magnets and postcards.
The Center is now featured in the State of Oregon Public Art Archive recognizing 50 statewide public art displays throughout Oregon. The multi-paneled mural on the west-facing wall of the Center depicts the Alsea Bay Bridge, composed from the placement of ceramic tiles in colors of yellow, brown and light brown. It was created by artist Susan E. Werschkul Springer. The City of Waldport now owns and manages the Center.
FALL/WINTER HOURS: Thursday through Monday, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 541.563.3500. SPRING/SUMMER HOURS are 11:00 to 4:00 p.m. Located at the south end of The Alsea Bay Bridge. 320 Highway 101, Waldport, Oregon 97394
