Portland, Oregon has a reputation for having unconventional attractions and events. The city is even known for its popular car bumper sticker that urges, "Keep Portland Weird." Museums in particular contribute to the perceived oddness with a slew of unusual exhibits, while local tours and other attractions add to the fun.
The Shanghai Tunnels are a network of connecting basements under the city's streets. They are notorious as the haunt of gangs who forced men into labor aboard ships from 1850 to 1941. The tunnels were also used in "white slavery" operations. Today, guides lead tours through the tunnels, telling their history and pointing out holding cells and artifacts. There are three different tours: the Shanghai Tunnels Heritage Tour; the Shanghai Tunnels Ghost Tours, which focuses on reputed ghost sightings; and the Shanghai Tunnel Ethnic History Tour, which relates the story from the perspective of the Japanese, Chinese and Gypsy population.
Shanghai Tunnels
Cascade Geographic Society
Portland, OR 97209
503-622-4798
shanghaitunnels.info
The Hat Museum is the largest of its kind in the U.S. and has more than 800 hats in its collection. Exhibits include hats by famous designers, such as Christian Dior and Oscar de la Renta. Interpreters in costume are on hand to give information about the collection. The exhibits are divided into Antique and Vintage, Men's Hats, Novelty and Costume, Today's Fabulous Hats, and International Hats. The museum gift shop sells hats and other items, including hat pins, feathers, scarves, beaded dresses and books.
Hat Museum
1928 SE Ladd Ave.
Portland, OR 97214-4737
503-232-0433
thehatmuseum.com
The Ground Kontrol Arcade describes itself as an interactive museum for old arcade video games. Visitors can play more than 60 video games and 27 pinball machines. The games include Tetris, Pac-Man, Mario Bros, and Tron. Games date from the 1970s and the museum preserves them in their original state. Some games are put on sale; visitors can also buy new and pre-owned video game systems, including Nintendo, Super Nintendo and the Atari 2600.
Ground Kontrol Arcade
511 NW Couch St.
Portland, OR 97209
503-796-9364
groundkontrol.com
Oregon MUFON is the local chapter of the national Mutual UFO Network. The public can get involved by joining as a member or attending meetings, which are held in the Mt. Tabor Presbyterian Church. MUFON invites anyone who has spotted a UFO to report it to them; the organization scientifically investigates serious claims. MUFON is also committed to informing the public about the history of UFO sightings and their possible causes.
Oregon MUFON
Mt. Tabor Presbyterian Church
5441 S.E. Belmont St.
Portland, OR 97215
