OMSI frequently hosts touring exhibits of interest. Currently it’s a murder mystery -- T-Rex on Trial, a twist to the usual Dinosaur diorama show, exploring whether T-Rex was predator or scavenger. Previous highlights have been: skulls from Olduvai Gorge (early ancestors), giant dinosaur skeletons, and Star Trek: Federation Science, which began (was constructed -- Hi K!) and ended its travels here.

Added Attractions
--The Omni-Max Theater has one of only (about) 80 IMAX projection systems worldwide. Among the current features is Jane Goodall‘s Wild Chimpanzees.
--Dive into active volcanoes or speed round a Grand Prix raceway track in the high definition, surround-sound, Motion Simulator ride.
--Kendall Planetarium shows.
--Special musically themed laser light shows.
--A self-service café.
--A giftshop, with a wide variety of museum and science related items, including blueprints of the Blueback.

And for many the most memorable part of a visit to OMSI is a tour aboard the …
U.S.S. Blueback

While not filmed in Oregon the submarine appearing as the Dallas in The Hunt For Red October resides here, berthed next to OMSI in the Willamette River. This, the US Navy's last non-nuclear, fast attack submarine, launched 1959 and decommissioned 1990, was acquired by OMSI in 1994. [Blueback is the common name for Sockeye Salmon.]

As there’s much ducking and ladder climbing you must pass unassisted through a hatchway mock-up inside OMSI before being permitted aboard. And carrying children isn’t allowed. On the way to the pier you’ll pass the US Submarine Memorial; comprised of the Blueback’s propeller, a plaque and bricks listing names and dates for 67 lost US subs.

During the tour you’ll see all sections of the vessel and have the opportunity to peer through the periscope. Learn what it was like to serve aboard. Hearing a sailor bunked immediately adjacent to a torpedo I thought: talk about your cold comfort. He thought: privacy and space! Both at a premium here. A Q&A period concludes the tour. If you’ve been watching for signs reading "Think Nay" and "Everyday is a Nay day" now it’s time to ask their meaning. Your observational skills and curiosity will please the guide.

Periodically special events are held: sleepovers for kids and in October, in the spirit of things, it becomes a haunted sub.
[Tours: 10am-4.30pm. Tech tours (1st Sunday of each month, call for times): $15]

Hours & Location: See below for maps, directions, hours, and admissions not covered above. Closed Mondays.
Show Schedules: Omni-Max, and Planetarium.
Contacts: 503-797-OMSI (6674), 800-955-OMSI, (shop) 503-797-4626, Online form
Transport: Tri-Met 83-OMSI Shuttle Map/Schedule

My first stop in the museum was to see the planetarium show, "Pacific Nortwest Skies." I recommend sitting near the middle so you can easily see the entire ceiling. The show goes over all the major constellations and their visibilty throughout the year. The show is an additional $4.00 on top of the museum admission.

I was scheduled to see the next showing of "Coral Reef Adventure," but had some time to catch a bite to eat. The museum has a cafeteria-style eating area serviced by Aramark. They have pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs, etc. I ordered a cheeseburger, fries, and a soda, spending around $7.00. You have a choice of eating indoors or outdoors. Your admission is good all day with in and out privileges.

Now I am off to see the "Coral Reef Adventure" on the OmniMax IMAX screen. The museum is a bit confusing, but I managed to find the theater OK. The guide warned us ahead of time of the possibilty of nausea. He wasn't lying either. Some of the camera angles send your stomach for a whirl. They recommended closing your eyes and taking a deep breath to ease it. That worked for me and I was able to watch the entire movie. The movie is narrated by Liam Neeson and has discussions with marine scientists. It's about how coral reefs are dying and focuses on the reefs of Fiji. It's both educational and entertaining. It is another $8.00 on top of the museum admission, but well worth it!

I skipped the rest of the exhibits. It was time to go back to the hotel and relax (and run far away from the kids). Ha Ha!

Once you have explored the museum itself - there is enough that it takes hours to see, go relax in the Omnimax theater. It is an IMAX theater, which means that the screen actually curves around you, and you see the picture peripherally as well as right in front of you. Over the years I have taken flights through the Grand Canyon in IMAX, gone swimming with the whales, and been rocketed out into space. They always have one or two of these breath-taking, educational films showing, and no matter what topic, it is worth the experience. The cost to see as movie is the same as admission to the Museum, but sold separately. If you decide to visit, mark out an entire day for it - the kids won't want to leave, and most probably, you won't either.