Things to do in Knappa

Established during the Civil War, the stronghold in what is now Fort Stevens State Park was one of three that protected the harbors at the outlet of the Columbia River. The fortress operated until after World War II. Visit the remains of military sites and explore the pretty natural setting. Stop at the ranger station, visitor center and museum for additional information.

Visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum for a fascinating look at life, work and nature on and in this mighty river that runs west across Oregon ending just beyond Astoria. View the many photos, artifacts and even a floating ship that bring maritime history alive.

Built in 1926, the tall Astoria Column is a major landmark rising over the city of Astoria. Learn about this impressive structure’s history. Discussion of building something on top of Coxcomb Hill began in 1898. Members of the Astoria community were inspired by the construction of the Eiffel Tower in Paris a decade earlier. After the city’s centennial in 1911, specific plans began to take shape for the tower, including a histogram depicting area events.

Visit downtown Astoria’s Liberty Theatre to attend exciting performances and appreciate the beauty of a nearly 100-year-old structure. After a dreadful 1922 fire destroyed much of the growing town of Astoria, citizens regrouped and rebuilt. The theater opened in 1925, presenting silent films, vaudeville acts and big bands, such as Duke Ellington.

Visit Lewis and Clark National Historical Park to get a sense of the wilderness that Native Americans, traders, explorers, pioneers and military personnel experienced in the early days of exploration and settlement of the region along the mouth of the Columbia River.