Umpqua River Lighthouse to Celebrate 132nd Birthday with Open House on Jan. 17

The Umpqua River Lighthouse and Coastal History Museum is inviting the public to a Birthday Open House celebrating the lighthouse’s 132nd birthday on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Douglas County Commissioners Tom Kress, Chris Boice, and Tim Freeman, along with museum staff, are encouraging community members and visitors to stop by for refreshments and birthday cake during the event.

First lit in 1894, the Umpqua River Lighthouse stands 65 feet tall at Winchester Bay, overlooking the beach where the Umpqua River meets the Pacific Ocean. Lighthouse tours will be offered from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

What to Expect During the Open House

Lighthouse Tours
Tours are available year-round, and the open house will include tours throughout the day. The current lighthouse was built in 1894 after the first Umpqua River Lighthouse, constructed in 1857 near the river mouth, collapsed during a storm.

Douglas County Coastal History Museum
Visitors can explore exhibits highlighting the area’s history, including early Pacific Coast explorers and the nearby Coast Guard station.

Lighthouse Café and Gift Shop
The museum café and gift shop will be open, offering food and nautical-themed souvenirs, including items for children and adults.

Artisan Gallery
Guests can also visit the artisan gallery featuring work from local artists and makers, including painters, woodworkers, glassblowers, and ceramic artists.

Douglas County Museum System

Douglas County officials said the Douglas County Museum system has spent more than 50 years preserving and showcasing the region’s cultural and natural history through its museums, including the Douglas County Museum of History and Natural History and the Umpqua River Lighthouse and Coastal History Museum.

For more information, to plan a visit, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, visit umpquavalleymuseums.org.

Information provided by Douglas County Government Facebook Page