A girl works on a tugboat during a museum day camp. LORI ASSA photo

The Columbia River Maritime Museum, 1792 Marine Drive in Astoria, was rededicated recently after an impressive expansion that includes amazing interactive exhibits for the entire family.

Plan at least two or three hours to explore the museum’s awesome collections.

Other displays include the conning tower from a U.S. Navy submarine – complete with operable periscopes through which you can watch river traffic – the wheelhouse and bridge of the destroyer USS Knapp, and a fleet of authentically restored fishing and U.S. Coast Guard boats.

The museum’s top-to-bottom redesign makes this an especially great year for a visit, even if you’ve been before. It is open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. year-round, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admission is charged.

Call (503) 325-2323, for information.