Tamastslikt Cultural Institute

We were very grateful for efficient air conditioning when we stopped here on a hot day. We were greeted immediately by a friendly staff member and directed to the museum. The exhibits are well-constructed, thoughtfully-presented, and organized to flow from one concept to the next. I felt like I got a good summary of the culture and history represented here, including the less pleasant details. My kids kind of rushed through it (they didn't pause to read much), but even they came away with new ideas to think about.

It was nice, the building is really big for what you can actually see, the actual museum is quite small so it feels like you’re paying a lot because the museum is small but it was informational and a nice stop.

An incredibly eye opening experience! We left with a completely different view of the history we've been taught compared to reality, so sad, and wished we could apologize to everyone on behalf of all the awful things we did to all the native tribes. Very informative along with stunning displays and pictures. Incredibly clean, well laid out, and the staff is very friendly. We believe everyone should experience this museum to understand the truth of our nation's history.

We really enjoyed the institute. The exhibit is organized so week and the story it tells is so moving. We highly recommend spending an hour or two here you wont be dissapointed. Great café and gift shop too.

It amazing of how much culture and history is presented here for people to see and hear. Great place to bring your family as you are able to see much of the past that many have forgotten about and you get to learn a lot of heritage in their words also.

We sought this venue out for a rest from Rodeo activities. A great presentation of Indian culture past and present. An important part of the history in Eastern Oregon, and the PNW. Don't miss this museum/ cultural center.

If you ever get the chance definitely go here.we really enjoyed this museum.the bead work alone was worth the visit.

The Native Americans have been in this area for more than 10,000 years. This is a beautiful facility and they do a terrific job of presenting the history and culture of the Umatilla and affiliated tribes from prehistoric to modern times. The information is presented clearly and factually. The gift shop is quite unique. Oh ,they have some typical stuff, but unlike the typical schwag slinging shops, this one also has custom clothing and jewelry from local artisans, clothing and other items from Pendleton Woolen Mills. There is some Beautiful Really Nice stuff!

great visit. lots of information about the local nations and their background, including tribal elders to talk to. they had just opened an exhibit on horses in bead art, and that was pretty cool. wonderful history and helps to break down the various local tribes and their heritage.

It's a museum, store, library, restaurant, and event center! Check it out for all your needs. The store has sales throughout the year where customers can purchase Pendleton Woolen Mills products for up to 30% off. The Kinship Cafe has Indian Tacos on the first Friday of the month. They always have delicious treats.

This is an excellent interpretive history of the Confederated Tribes. It's a great stop and if you have children, it's a required stop.

The Tamastslikt Cultural Institute depicts the past, present and future of the tribes along the Oregon Trail. The Cultural Institute shows the daily life, beliefs, and experiences of the Umatilla, Walla Walla, and Cayuse tribes who live in eastern Oregon. It's got a spectacular building on Oregon's High Desert, with amazing views of the Blue Mountains. The Cultural Institute has something for everyone- there are dioramas where you can experience daily life, one can see what it would be like in a boarding school, storytellers, beautiful views. There's Kinship Cafe serving up Indian tacos, salmon nachos, and huckleberry desserts (a fairly new addition) Tamastslikt Cultural Institute provides an indigenous voice and perspective along the Oregon Trail. Admission for adults is $10, youth are $7, kids 5 and under are free. Tickets are good for two days if one day is not enough. A spectacular, respectful, fascinating stop on the Oregon Trail.

We actually came today for The Cafe and the gift shop. Love everything about this place. Plan at least 1 1/2 hours for the museum.

A great museum for local families & visitors to learn the history of our area & the continued contribution of the CTUIR

This is a world class museum of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla [CTU] (which includes the Umatilla, Walla Walla, and Cayuse tribes). The museum includes a nice gift store, and a cafe restaurant (basic fare, but w/ some local stuff when available---they had lots of huckleberry items when I went there the other day). Everything is secondary to the museum though. The museum walks you through a history of the CTU people. There are many modern exhibits with lots of cool audio/visual displays. I've been to the museum about 4-5 times and I always find myself spending a few hours here. There are always new things you catch, and it just makes for a good visit. There is also an outdoor trail which walks you through examples of shelters used by the CTU people in their history. Another feature of note for this museum is its location. The museum is at the base of the Blue Mountains, and it is just a really beautiful location. Architecturally, the museum is also housed in a both modern and traditionally Native facility. This is a must-see facility for anyone in the eastern WA, eastern OR, or Idaho areas.

This is a beautiful and well-curated museum. The building itself is lovely to be in. I understand the grounds are also lovely to walk around in, though we did not do so because of weather. I highly recommend visiting this museum. And, if you can, try visiting the Whitman Mission and this museum on the same day. This way, the different presentations of the same historical contact really sink in. A few displays are super-corny, but for the most part, very informative.

I loved learning more about this area and the culture tied to it. I will be bringing my family back with me next time.

This museum is well done! We had a great time visiting and learning about the local Native American tribes. I was surprised at how big the museum ended up being and at the quality of the exhibits. There are a few videos that can be watched and several life sized examples of buildings and scenes that represent different parts of these tribe's history. The staff was very friendly and warned me that the visiting exhibit might not be appropriate for children. Definitely recommended!

Great displays. Really well produced and well maintained. This place does not provide a typical perspective -- rather, it emphasizes the native experience. Worth a stop.

The main lady is kind of aggressive but the rest of the staff is amazing! There could be at least 1 or 2 hands on exhibits. Kids like yo touch things, if they had 1 or 2 things kids could touch, they wouldn't have drill it in as hard in the beginning. The coffee is terrible.

We are fortunate to have a nice cultural attraction in Pendleton that is not oriented around the round up. Don't get me wrong the Round up is wonder full... The Cafe is a nice place to watch the weather in through the abundance of windows. The food is cosey next to the beautiful wide open stone of the lobby. The staff is looking to please and willing to talk with guests.

This museum is a great introduction and overview of the local native tribe's history and culture. I was enthralled by the stories in the long house filled with speakers and found myself crying when walking through the re-creation of the attempted total decimation of their culture and forced assimilation of their children. The building does not look to hold much, but the space is used well. I knew much of what is presented here on a shallow level, but this brings faces, names, and places to the history. I even learned that there was a proud and robust breed of horse created by them within a few short years of acquiring their first mating pair and they gathered for annual horse races with them. There was a wealth of history detailing the depth of the connection these people had with all existence; rather than being confined to the consciousness of themselves as many modern day Americans are. As the previous reviewer mentioned, there are a few historical representations of shelter outside along a gravel and dirt path. I found it interesting to see the progression of the original huts, dug partially into the earth to the teepees most Americans think of when they think of native culture. Personally, I favor the long houses. As also mentioned, there is an area right when you pass the entry desk that houses a rotation of current scientific themes. When we attended the theme was the science of ageing. If you have ever had the chance to see OMSI, they were the same interactive stations that come through there. I did not get the chance to try their deli. It appeared to be closed. However, I was able to peruse the gift shop. There was the usual huckleberry plethora of sugary abundance and china made stuffies. However there were also handmade and painted leather drums, unique and handmade turquoise jewelry, CD's of cultural music and stories I couldn't find elsewhere, hand sewn blankets, many trinkets made by hand with beads, etc. I spent over two hours here and I still didn't read everything. Granted, I spent a good twenty minutes just sitting in the long house and listening to their fascinating stories of the ancestors. I hope to make it here again when there are special events. However, any day they are open there is plenty to keep your attention.

I have lived 45 miles away and have always wanted to go. Finally was able to visit one day without my children and am so happy I did. I would not recommend this museum if you are visiting with children as there is a lot of reading. I was able to take my time and walk through the museum and an exhibit on the Pendleton Round Up which I have never been to, but now would love to attend the Happy Canyon night. My mother and I came home raving about our time there, I will be back later in the fall when the exhibit changes! Worth the $10 a person!

This is the most wonderful cultural center we have ever gone to, and we have gone to many! I would give it 10 stars if I could!! There is an entire section geared towards children, but I enjoyed it as well...the museum quality was superb..do not miss this when in Pendelton!