Fodor's Expert Review Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals

Richard and Helen Rice began collecting beach agates in 1938, and over the years they developed one of the largest private mineral collections in the United States. The most popular item here is the Alma Rose rhodochrosite, a 4-inch red crystal, though the Rainbow Gallery, which showcases rocks that emit brilliant multicolor when displayed under backlights, is a close contender. The museum (in a ranch-style home) also displays petrified wood from all over the world and a gallery of Northwest minerals—including specimens of Oregon's state gem, the sunstone.