July 29, 2025 3:20 a.m. 

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Tim Freeman, Tom Kress and Chris Boice, along with Museum Director James Davis, have announced that the Umpqua River Lighthouse, Museum and Gift Shop has been recognized with a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for 2025, achieving distinction in the top 10 percent of all listings on Tripadvisor in the world.

Commissioner Tom Kress said, “The breathtaking overlook above Winchester Bay is home to our Umpqua River Lighthouse, Museum, Gift Shop, Art Gallery and whale watching area. It is truly for Douglas County and our citizens”. Kress said, “Beyond the fact that I think it is one of the best properties in Oregon, this gem represents a collective of individuals who have fought hard to keep it alive and prospering for over 128 years”.

County Museum Director James Davis said, “We are incredibly honored to receive the Travelers’ Choice Award – one of the most respected and sought-after recognitions in the travel industry”. Davis said, “Being named among travelers’ favorites this year is both humbling and deeply meaningful to us”.

The Umpqua River Lighthouse was constructed in 1894, and its light was lit for the first time on December 31st of that year. The lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

More information about the Umpqua River Lighthouse is available at: https://umpquavalleymuseums.org/