Washington’s Evergreen Coast is more than just breathtaking beaches and emerald-green forests. We are home to some of the quirkiest, most charming, and – dare we say – best museums in Washington. Our local galleries feature collections including shipwrecked antiques, World War II kites, Indigenous art, and an alligator boy named Jake. You’ll find intriguing exhibits that offer a peek into our past, a dive into our ocean, and treasures that will bewitch you. Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure seeker, or a family looking for engaging activities, bring your curiosity as we explore the magic of our museums.
Roll Into the Northwest Carriage Museum, Raymond, Washington
Roll into the coolest collection of carriages, sleighs, and buggies at the famous Northwest Carriage Museum. This local hometown favorite is known as one of America’s finest displays of horse-drawn vehicles. The unique collection highlights a chapter of transportation history rich with craftsmanship and lore. The surprising charm of the luxurious and rugged coaches will captivate your imagination. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a personal tour from the owners, Jerry and Laurie Bowman, whose enthusiasm and storytelling will leave you enthralled.
In addition to the vast collection of carriages, you’ll find stunning vintage dresses, jewelry, and interactive displays. But take your time when strolling through the buggies. The history attached to each one is fascinating. Be sure to peek in the back of the shadowy panel hearse from Errol Flynn’s movie “Gentleman Jim.” (Ask the team what the compartment below the caskets was used for.) And keep your eyes peeled for the original “Pickled Pioneer” grave marker.
Culture Caretaking at Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum, Ilwaco
Image Courtesy of: Corey Dembeck
In the heart of Ilwaco, there is a museum representing the heartbeat of our community’s history. We may be biased, but we think it is one of the best museums in Washington. Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum is a treasure trove of local history. Its colorful background began in the 1980s over a spirited breakfast between local history enthusiasts who wanted to preserve the area’s culture and heritage. With guidance from the Smithsonian and the local community, the museum now houses over 23,000 artifacts.
Experience what life was like in a coastal town from pre-settler to current-day life. Travel in the footsteps of the Chinook Nation through the journey of Lewis and Clark. Immerse yourself in the bustling days of the “Clamshell Railroad” with the museum’s largest artifact, the NAHCOTTTA passenger coach. Each lovingly curated item is a puzzle piece to the story of Washington’s Evergreen Coast.
Explore Indigenous Life at the Shoalwater Bay Heritage Museum, Tokeland
Immerse yourself in the rich culture of the northern Chehalis and Chinook tribes at the Shoalwater Bay Heritage Museum. The small but powerful location showcases indigenous artifacts and vibrant artwork, Pore over the stories of the tribe’s enduring connection to the land and sea. Study the fascinating tools that tribe members used to fish and hunt on the teeming terrain of the bay. Impactful displays of Eugene Landry’s art grace the walls. (Landry was a tribe member who became paralyzed as a teen. Many of the portraits he created were painstakingly painted by holding the paintbrush with his teeth.) The curated collection is worth a visit.
Dive Deep at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, Ilwaco
Perched 200 feet above the unrelenting sea, the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center is a testament to discovery. The building serves a sweeping 180-degree view of the Pacific Ocean and the treacherous waters that earned our shore the name “Graveyard of the Pacific.” The view only cements it as one of the best museums in Washington, but the artifacts drive the point home. Study water-logged items from shipwrecks along the coast. View tattered pieces of history from the Lewis and Clark expedition. Stand next to the reflective Fresnel lens of a former lighthouse that kept travelers safe from danger. Each item has unique, ocean-kissed links to the Evergreen Coast’s lineage of adventure.
Bite Into the Cranberry Museum and Gift Shop, Long Beach
Image Courtesy of: Corey Dembeck
You might be surprised to know that one of the best museums in Washington is devoted to cranberries. As one of the top cranberry producers in the nation, our love for the Washington cranberry is strong. The tart, beloved berry takes center stage at the Cranberry Museum and Gift Shop. Browse the history and cultivation of this zippy fruit. Walk through a working cranberry bog, then browse cranberry-inspired treats and gifts to take a piece of Long Beach home. In addition to delicious-smelling soaps and lotions, you’ll find the treasured cranberry ice cream. The icy treat is smooth, creamy, tart, sweet, and unlike anything you’ve ever tasted. No trip to our peninsula is complete until you’ve sampled it!
Take Flight at the World Kite Museum, Long Beach
Life is a breeze when you have one of the world’s longest beaches! Seeing our 28-mile shoreline sky fluttering with colorful kites and gliders is not unusual. It makes perfect sense that we’re home to the Washington State International Kite Festival and the World Kite Museum. We’re proud to boast the best – and only – museum in the country dedicated to the art, science, and history of kites. One stroll through the more than 1,500 colorful kites will sweep you away. View exhibits from more than 26 countries, including Japanese fighter kites and a three-headed dragon. The World War II military kites will astound you, while the stamp-sized fliers will make you smile. After wandering through the museum, grab your own magical kite from the gift shop. Head to the beach and try your hand at harnessing the wind!
Get Curious at Marsh’s Free Museum, Long Beach
While the iconic Marsh’s Free Museum isn’t technically a museum, we’d be remiss if we didn’t include them on our “Best Museums in Washington” list. This curiosity is brimming with vintage arcade games, maritime relics, and historic trinkets, which make it a wonder to wander through. Part gift shop, part stroll through history, Marsh’s will fascinate you. Its most famous exhibit is “Jake the Alligator Man.” The quirky half-man, half-alligator is a local celebrity. His lineage is as puzzling as his body, and the rumor is that he’s a former sideshow performer. But Jake isn’t the only weird and wonderful display. You’ll see a two-headed calf, shrunken heads, and an eight-legged calf. Whether you’re intrigued by the unusual or looking for a slice of nostalgia, this stop is a must-see.
Discover the Appelo Archives Center, Naselle
The Appelo Archives Center is a genealogist’s dream and a delight for history buffs. Discover the history of the Naselle-Grays River Valley and the region’s Scandinavian heritage. With more than 600 books and intricate displays, we consider it one of the best museums in Washington of Finnish-American heritage. Mull through records, photographs, and exhibits celebrating logging, fishing, and pioneer life. Enjoy seasonal activities like Midsummer teas and Harvest festivals. Its cozy atmosphere invites visitors to linger and explore.
Set Sail at the Willapa Seaport Museum, Raymond
Set sail on a journey through maritime history at the Willapa Seaport Museum. This hidden gem showcases nautical artifacts, intricate ship models, and fascinating stories from the sailors who braved the Pacific. Learn how to tie a Matthew Walker knot, peer at vintage spyglasses, and order a “Full Speed Ahead” telegraph. Visit the wheelhouse of the F/V VANSEE or gaze into the pirate loft. You have permission to come aboard no matter what part of the exhibit you spend time in.
Crack Open the Willapa Bay Interpretive Center, Ocean Park
Our world-famous oysters deserve the spotlight. Situated along the serene Willapa Bay, the Willapa Bay Interpretive Center celebrates the oyster industry. Learn what it feels like to live in a home built on pilings. Interactive displays and panoramic views make this a tranquil and engaging stop. While there, stroll past the mountains of empty oyster shells that pepper the neighborhood. Each towering hill of sun-bleached shells is waiting to become another future oyster home.
Uncover the Past at Pacific County Historical Society and Museum, South Bend
Uncover the layers of Pacific County’s past at the Pacific County Historical Society and Museum. Curators consider themselves the caretakers of Pacific County history, meaning each display bears our close-knit community’s fingerprints. The exhibits feature a delightful mix of vintage photographs, pioneer tools, and quirky artifacts that bring the region’s colorful past to life. The stop also includes hundreds of books about the area or from regional authors, so stock up on your local literature.
Visit Some of the Best Museums in Washington
We’re proud to boast some of the best museums in Washington. We love our adventurous heritage and quirky charm. Each museum provides a unique perspective on the region’s culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re tracing the steps of pioneers, exploring indigenous traditions, or gaping at a two-head cow, let Washington’s museums guide you to an unforgettable journey.
