Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site
About This Museum
Tucked away in the high desert of Eastern Oregon, the Kam Wah Chung building in John Day is a true time capsule. It's not a grand museum but a remarkably preserved general store and apothecary that served the Chinese community during the Gold Rush and beyond. Stepping inside feels like the proprietors, Ing 'Doc' Hay and Lung On, just stepped out for a moment, leaving behind their herbs, goods, and personal belongings exactly as they were. The air still carries the faint, earthy scent of traditional medicines, making the past feel incredibly immediate.
Collection Highlights
You can see Doc Hay's intricate herb cabinets and the thousands of medicinal ingredients he used for his healing practice. The site also showcases Lung On's general store with its original merchandise and his 1917 Oldsmobile parked out back.
Visitor Information
Because it's so well-preserved, access is by guided tour only to protect the delicate interior—definitely check the Oregon State Parks website for current tour times before you go.
Architecture & Building
It's a humble, rustic stone building that started as a trading post, its unassuming exterior belying the incredible history held within its walls.
Contact & Location
Address: John Day, Grant County, Oregon, 97845, United States
Phone: +1 541-575-2800
Website: Visit Website
