Entry No. 18 — the Portland file — filed under: oddities

Portland Insectarium

Billed as "Portland's first zoo and museum dedicated entirely to insects and arachnids," it's a deliberately small, walk-through space of live jumping spiders, ghost mantises, and isopods alongside pinned specimen cases and a hands-on touch table — bug obsession as the entire premise, not a side wing of a nature center.

The move: Book the discounted $4 online Thursday slot, handle whatever they're letting people touch that day, and read the posted care sheets for jumping spiders and ghost mantises together before you decide who has to hold the isopods.

• 📍 North Portland (Overlook/Kenton)
• 💸 $
• ⚡ Up for anything
• 🌗 Indoors

Where: 5429 N Moore Ave, Portland, OR 97217

Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current hours before you go.

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: Official site · traveloregon.com

last checked: 2026-07-20