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Clackamas County
Lake Oswego
Things to Do in Lake Oswego
Lake Oswego Preservation Society
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Lake Oswego Preservation Society

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See all things to do
Lake Oswego Preservation Society
5
9 reviews
#8 of 11 things to do in Lake Oswego
History Museums
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Tuesday
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
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About
This ADA accessible, 700 square foot museum is housed in the last remaining 19th century iron worker's cottage. Rotating exhibits feature Lake Oswego's rich history. Regular open hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays plus the first Saturday of each month from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. The museum, which includes a gift shop, is also open by appointment.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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Full view
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
188 within 3 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
5.0
9 reviews
Excellent
8
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mary Jo W
Bradenton Beach, FL126 contributions
Great things found in tiny house musuem.
Apr 2017 • Family
Spend about 30 minutes exploring a Lake Oswego past you never heard about before! Tour guide Mary Lou was wonderful with so much information to share. She knows a lot about local history, the town's evolution from a company-owned iron mining town to a perfect like lakeside resort for Portland's privileged after the turn of century, to it's modern day retreat. (Who knew there were miners in Oregon, I thought it was all lumber jacks!) If you are not interested in history, the unique construction of this tiny home is worth a visit to anyone who is interested in highly recommend a stop at this free little museum.
Written April 25, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AudiA3girl
Portland, OR3 contributions
Outstanding inaugural exhibit is not to be missed!
Jul 2017 • Friends
1867–2017 Oregon’s Iron Jubilee: Celebrating the First Iron Furnace on the Pacific Coast is the title of this insightful and well researched exhibit in the new History Center and Museum in the historic Iron Workers Cottage in Lake Oswego. Thanks to the commitment of the Lake Oswego Preservation Society, you will find accurate information, artifacts, exhibition panels and models which depict local history in a creative and interesting manner. There is a fun selection of gifts in the museum shop, and you will learn how you can help support the Society's efforts and mission. Don't miss this wonderful little museum, which may be small in size but large in discovery!
Written August 13, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Erin O
Daly City, CA10 contributions
The Iron Workers Cottage
Apr 2017 • Couples
What a gem for both locals and visitors to Lake Oswego! A meticulously restored 1870's Iron Workers Cottage, from Oswego's early "company town" days. Their inaugural exhibit about Oregon's iron heritage is both comprehensive and impressive. There's a unique gift shop too. Simply loved it!
Written April 30, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mike H
Tualatin, OR18 contributions
Remarkable little museum
Mar 2018 • Solo
The house, or "worker's cottage" is a tiny one from another time when tiny wasn't cool...but out of absolute necessity and modesty. That the structure is still standing is remarkable Itself. Kudos to LOPS and the city for ensuring its survival when so many old structures are quickly razed. The modest display keeps alive some key elements of Lake Oswego's very hard-working pioneer past. Delightful volunteer host Rhonda was excited to share. A nice stop to catch a glimpse of the past.
Written March 2, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
GoodbyeHeart
Thank you so much for visiting the Society's History Center & Museum and for your kind words about the building and our exhibit. I'll pass on your praise to Rhonda as well. The Society strives for excellence in all that we do. Is there any improvement we could make which would have gained a five star rating? Thank you again! Marylou Colver, Founder & President Lake Oswego Preservation Society info@lakeoswegopreservationsociety.org
Written March 7, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
utaplants
Yamhill, OR1 contribution
Quaint Museum with Immense local history.
Jan 2018 • Solo
I really enjoyed my visit to the Iron Workers Cottage in Lake Oswego. The space, although small, is in a historical cottage and has offers very accurate, educational exhibits and panels explaining the history of the first Iron Furnace in our area. The museum is set up very tastefully with a wealth of information and artifacts displayed. There is also a sweet little gift shop that offers various items to support the Lake Oswego Historical Society. Sign the guestbook and receive a $1 off towards a gift shop purchase. If you are in the Lake Oswego area, this is a site not to be missed!
Written January 15, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Seriously007
Lake Oswego, OR4 contributions
Great things come in small packages
Sep 2017
Wonderful little museum housing history and artifacts from the early days of "Old Town" Lake Oswego. Before Lake Oswego became the "tony resort community" to Portland, it was a hardscrabble innovator in turn of the century industry. Sawmills then, the first iron furnace on the West Coast. Great research and wonderful exhibits plus a gift shop!
Written November 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
gblairm
San Francisco3 contributions
Great local history museum in an historical building
Jul 2017 • Solo
I encourage you to visit the Iron Workers Cottage in Lake Oswego--it's free and fun!

The cottage is an historical building that once was home to iron company workers. In fact, it's the last remaining iron company worker’s cottage in the city. The cottage contains a well-researched, interesting exhibit on Oswego’s 150 anniversary of the first iron manufactured on the West Coast. There is also a nice little gift shop stocked with Lake Oswego history related items.
Written August 9, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michelle S
90 contributions
Little Gem
Aug 2018 • Couples
While exploring this area we stumbled across this little museum, we are very glad we did, it may be small but it is jammed packed full of history information about Lake Oswego. The staff here are friendly and full of knowledge. We like to thank you for your time and interesting information. Thank you. WORTH A VISIT.
Written August 31, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LyonsPDX
Lake Oswego, OR84 contributions
Charming Lake Oswego History
Jun 2018 • Couples
This intimate cottage has been rebuilt and walls decorated with local history of Lake Oswego. Lots to see and helpful staff if you have questions. I am an active member of this place.
Written June 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
GoodbyeHeart
Thank you so much for your visit and your kind review of our museum. Thanks also for being a member. We're a small organization tackling big projects and every member's support counts! Marylou Colver, Founder & President
Written June 25, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Lake Oswego Preservation Society - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Oswego Preservation Society
Lake Oswego Preservation Society is open:
  • Tue - Tue 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Thu - Thu 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM