Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals

This place rocks...truly a gem. There is plenty of parking including room for RVs or buses. You check in at the gift shop counter. You can come back to the shop after the tour if you wish to purchase a gift or keepsake . The entire staff is knowledgeable and available to answer any questions you may have. The home itself is stunningly built and holds history that is shared in a display. The grounds and gardens are beautiful and well cared for. Due to the historical factor, accessibility may be an issue. They do provide information on their website for those with mobility aides, sensory variations, or other challenges. There is a variety of rocks, minerals, and fossils on display. They have "Museum Minutes" scheduled throughout the day that offer fun facts and history. The rainbow room features an incredible glow-in-the-dark exhibit. There is an education area for those that are studying or interested in geology or Earth Science. There is a cool fossil digging area for children and a rock pit for each vistor to select one free rock. The museum is perfect for all ages and makes a fantastic field trip, solo visit, or quiet day date.

If you have any interest in rocks or minerals, you really need to try and stop here. The venue is a little funky (a converted ranch-style home straight out of the 60s-70s), but their collection is extensive! Especially the petrified wood! Our 9-year-old son is a bit of a rock hound and he loved it, as did we. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable should you have any questions.

I’ve driven past the Rice Museum, just off Hwy 26, time after time on my west and told myself, “one of these days I’m going to stop in.” Well I finally made my wish come true.

My only regret was not arriving to the museum a little earlier in the day. I got there about 3pm and they close at 4pm, and I felt rushed. After paying admission, $12.00 and getting a quick rundown of how to navigate the grounds I was off. In addition to the inside attractions there is also a rock garden with picnic tables and play area for kids and a walking path.

The inside was spectacular. Filled will simple and detailed information about the offerings as well as the families that helped collect polish and display the rare collection of crystals, rocks, minerals, fossils, meteorites, petrified wood and more. Igniting my senses, fostering learning, and sparking my curiosity. I left looking at the world in a new way.

The museum seemed to attract all ages and seemed to really excite the kids that were dashing from on exhibit to the next trying to check off their Eye Spy checklist. The adults were oohing and awing as they made their way. The main museum was basically a two story home filled with hundreds of exhibits along with a small description explaining what it was, where it was from. I think there was an elevator. There is also a small library upstairs and a second separate mineral museum that’s one level.

I’m happy I finally stopped.

I ABSOLUTELY Loved it!!! If you enjoy rocks and crystals and petrified wood, you must go. I am little obsessed with my crystals and wish I had made time to go sooner... All of the specimens here were amazing. The info that goes along with them..fascinating. At first I felt a little guilty about going alone, but nobody I know has my deep fascination and I know it would have been frustrating had I needed to rush because of bored friends/family.
If you have youngsters that enjoy rocks, take them. It is very family friendly with special things to do to keep them interested and learning. The grounds are beautiful. Take a picnic on a lovely spring day!!!
I left knowing so much more than I did before and I got to see the biggest thunder egg ever!!!
The gift shop was stocked with specimens, games, jewelry and other cool things that you may be able to order online, but why when you can get them right there!

Beautiful mid century house with all the charm turned into a museum with Rocks, Minerals, Fossils, gem stones and Petrified Wood. Super kid friendly and even encouraged to touch and climb on things unless there is a sign saying not to. Admission included a rock from the rock pile. There are walking paths on the grounds and we saw 3 elk, it is next to a natural area. Regular admission is $12 and worth it. There is a discount for people who have SNAP, only $3. Online reservation was suggested, we made one, it was not crowded and covid safety was on point