East of the highway in the heart of downtown Tillamook [1], Tillamook County Pioneer Museum (2106 2nd St., 503/842-4553, www.tcpm.org [2], 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Tues.–Sat., $3, $2.50 seniors) is famous for its taxidermy exhibits as well as memorabilia from pioneer households. Particularly intriguing are hunks of ancient beeswax with odd inscriptions recovered from near Neahkahnie Mountain, which are thought to be remnants from 18th-century shipwrecks.
The old courtroom on the second floor has one of the best displays of natural history in the state. There are many beautiful dioramas, plus shells, insects, and nests. The Beals Memorial Room houses a famous rock and mineral collection along with fossils.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/oregon/north-coast/tillamook-bay/tillamook
[2] http://www.tcpm.org