My dear people, we have posted this before about the Oregon Vortex but are trying to keep everyone updated. We understand that this is a business and not a person or family member who is facing devastating circumstances. However, we have to keep pushing forward!

For those who aren’t familiar, The House of Mystery at the Oregon Vortex needs your help—urgently. Last year, a hazardous flood caused significant damage, and we underestimated how serious it would be. What followed has been heartbreaking, overwhelming, and far more expensive than we could have prepared for.

Our Gift Shop and Ticket Office across the creek are the only access point to and from the area. To keep visitors safe and restore reliable entry and exit, the area must be rebuilt—and we’re fighting to get to the point where we can reopen safely.

Why we’re asking for help:

Our insurance does not cover these emergency repairs, and our funds are exhausted. The owner has been using all her Social Security payments toward the bills, cashing out her IRA, and liquidating assets to stay afloat. We also still carry COVID-era SBA debt, making flood recovery even harder.

The costs:

Repair costs have been estimated at more than $150,000—but it’s probably closer to $200,000–$300,000 once fully accounted for. Before construction can even begin, we’ve also faced major engineering and permitting expenses. It takes so long for the permits to be finalized and approved as well which have to be paid for almost immediately.

Where we are now:

We’ve reached a turning point: we have an engineering team, a contracting team and the county on board to take the first steps forward. But we still desperately need help covering the construction and upfront costs to move the project towards the major renovation to protect the ability to welcome visitors safely.

How your donations help save the Oregon Vortex:

Your donations go toward repairs, permitting/engineering costs, and rebuilding safe access for visitors.

We’ve had so many requests in emails and social media to try and buy merchandise as a way to help us which is such a good idea! So we’re working on getting everything organized and an online site set up for extra fundraising.

No donation is too small, $1, $5, $10. Please believe me, every bit helps.

If you’ve already donated, thank you. If you haven’t, please—please consider helping. We’re out of options, and we’re determined to preserve this extraordinary destination for visitors now and for the world to come. Also, thank you again for your well wishes and support. And please remember, no donation is too small.

-Gratefully,

The Oregon Vortex Management