For A Fun Blast From The Past, Visit The National Neon Sign Museum In Oregon
By Sarah McCosham|Published May 02, 2022
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Oregon has a soft spot for the nostalgic, and nowhere is this more evident — or flashy! — than the National Neon Sign Museum in the Dalles. This unique museum is a throwback to a bygone time when the only ‘influencers’ were the ones up on billboards and above storefronts. If you’re looking for a memorable Oregon day trip that’s also a fun blast from the past, visit the National Neon Sign Museum.
You wouldn't know it from the outside, but this stately building is hiding a big, neon secret.
Among the many noteworthy pieces in this "storefront" collection are signs from Big Bear Drive In, Dawn's Donuts, Dog n' Suds, Town Pride Frozen Custard, and the Greyhound Bus Depot.
The variety of signs here is remarkable; the museum is filled with an expansive range of signage and artifacts related to the sign industry, including many one-of-a-kind icons that cannot be seen on public display anywhere else in the world!
Flashy and fun, this is the type of place with broad appeal. Kids will delight in the colorful displays, while older folks will get a kick out of some places they likely remember!
We are such a visual culture; for proof of this, simply look at the popularity of Instagram. These signs are some of the earliest forms of digital advertising, a visual medium that balanced color and imagery in a dynamic new way.
Please note that museum hours vary by season, and you can learn more at the website.
Have you visited this only-in-Oregon museum before? What a snazzy little gem! For another nostalgic day trip in Oregon, this carousel museum is a whirlin’ good time!
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