Washington Attractions Guide

Coast

The Aberdeen Museum Of History - Aberdeen's Premier History Museum. The museum features exhibits of artifacts and slide shows of the early Grays Harbor logging industry and the founding of Aberdeen. 

The Polson Museum - Housed in the 26 room 1924 mansion of timber heir Arnold Polson, the Polson Museum collects, preserves and exhibits the written, photographic and artifactual history of Grays Harbor and its surrounding communities.

World Kite Museum And Hall Of Fame - During the the existence of the Kite Museum their collection of kites from around the world has increased to over 1300 kites. There are several activities for kids and lots of interesting information for all ages. The Hall of Fame pays special tribute to the people who participated in the history of the kite.

Pacific Coast Cranberry Research Foundation Museum - Visit the Museum and learn both the history of this garnet colored berry as well as key phases of the industry from bog preparation and planting to marketing cranberry products. Enjoy an aromatic gift shop and take home one of many unique cranberry products available.

Westport Maritime Museum - built in 1939 to serve as the Coast Guard's Lifeboat Station, Grays Harbor. The Colonial Revival structure served in that role until 1972 when a new station was built several blocks to the South. The Maritime Museum opened in the 1939 building in 1985. Exhibits include the Coast Guard on the South Beach, Cranberry Growing, Waterfowling, Whales and Whaling and more.

Marsh's Free Museum - If you want to see a shrunken head (one of three authentic specimens on the West Coast), or a complete human skeleton (found in a closet here on the Coast), Marsh's is the place to visit. From the bizarre; a two headed calf or an eight legged lamb...to the old and unusual if you haven't seen it at Marsh's, then, you haven't stayed long enough.

Whale Watching In Westport - Here is a great opportunity to see the California Gray Whale. The charter offices in Westport, Washington offer whale watching trips every spring. All the charter boats in Westport are Coast Guard certified, and have licensed crews. These trips are very economical and enjoyable for all ages.

Lady Washington - The Lady Washington is a replica of the ship sailed by Capt Gray in 1787 when many of the first discoveries of the Washington coast were made. Tour the ship or take a sail along the Pacific Coast.

Museum Of The North Beach - This museum features artifacts and displays on all of the North Beach area. Exhibits include photographs, newspapers, Northern Pacific Railroad memorabilia, Quinault Indian artifacts, and much more.

Northwest Carriage Museum - The only museum of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. The museum holds over 20 elegant horse drawn carriages, buggies and sleighs from the late 19th century. Experience first hand how our forefathers commuted across town or across the continent. These early means of transportation will take you back to those times as you stroll through the museum.

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Ritzville Railroad Depot History Museum - Located alongside the Burlington Northern tracks, the Depot is a clear reminder of the importance of the railroad in the economy and social life of old Ritzville. The museum features railroad memorabilia.

Islands

San Juan Historical Museum - The most northwestern museum in the continental U.S. The museum is located on the James King homestead, which is over 100 years old. The museum complex consists of the original farmhouse, the first county jail, a turn-of-the-century log cabin, barn, milk house, and carriage house.

Island Stage Left - Stage Left is a non-profit theatre company providing free professional quality theatre to the residents of the San Juan Islands and to its visitors. Each summer in July and August, Stage Left, in a stunning outdoor setting, presents another production in its continuing series "Shakespeare under the Stars".

Roche Harbor - Situated on the North end of one of the most beautiful islands in the State of Washington, San Juan Island. Roche Harbor has been a favorite "get away" destination for many visitors from all over the world who come back time and again for its country charm and ambiance.

Whidbey Island Center For The Arts - Whidbey Island Center for the Arts is a performing art center providing live theatre performances including plays, dance music, concerts, workshops and more.

The Fun House Discovery Center - The Funhouse is an amazing cornucopia of fun, featuring hands-on interactive exhibits about science, sports, geography, music, history and the human body. There's also a pitching cage with speed gun, an art studio, a recording studio with musical instruments, a video production room, a climbing wall and much more.

The Whale Museum - The Whale Museum promotes stewardship of whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem through education and research. The museum is located in a historic building in downtown Friday Harbor, only 3 blocks from the ferry landing. See fun and educational exhibits about whales, watch free videos, and more.

Anacortes Community Theatre - Community theater offering season shows.

Northwest Ballet Theatre - The purpose of the Northwest Ballet Theatre is to

San Juan Community Theatre & Arts - The San Juan Community Theatre offers year-round performances of drama, comedies, musicals, dance and music of every kind, featuring island talents and world-class touring performers.

Westcott Bay Institute For Art & Nature - The Westcott Bay Institute offers educational experiences in art and nature studies in the San Juan Islands. Short weekend workshops, as well as four-day-long classes introduce students to the creative processes, broadening learning experiences, and enhancing enjoyment of the arts and the San Juan ecology. Classes range from sculpting to stonecarving, blacksmithing, printmaking, painting and more.

The Whidbey Playhouse - Year-round community theater.

Northcascades

Cascade Loop - This 400 mile self-guided driving tour circles through the heart of Washington from the waters of Puget Sound across the Cascade Mountains and into the high desert climate of the Columbia River Valley. You will see incredible scenery, National Parks, quaint towns and enjoy diverse activities.

Washington Apple Commission Visitor's Center - Learn everything you ever wanted about apples at the visitor's center in Wenatchee. With lots of activities for kids, a tour of the area, beautiful scenery and great samples of the fruits of the labor, you may want to spend all day here.

Leavenworth - Leavenworth is a Bavarian Alpine village featuring gingerbread chalets, wursthauses, music box and cuckoo clock shops, and much more. As you stroll through the town, more than 100 unique stores and services are available to satisfy the most challenging shopping list.

Mount Baker Theatre - The theatre provides arts, entertainment, and social interaction which through a wide variety of programs results in personal enrichment, enjoyment and a sense of community for diverse audiences in the region and to to preserve the restored historic Mount Baker Theatre as a home for local performing arts organizations, film, a venue for touring performers, and community events.

Ohme Gardens - Ohme Gardens, perched high on a rock bluff overlooking the Wenatchee Valley, is the achievement of sixty years of work by the Ohme family. Their efforts have gradually transformed the once barren hill into one of Americas leading gardens, visited by travelers from around the world.

The Wenatchee Valley Museum And Cultural Center - The Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center gathers and educates people to celebrate and preserve the history, arts, sciences, and rich diversity of this region and its people.

Imagine Children's Museum - The Mission of Imagine Children's Museum is to make children's lives better by creating a place where they can playfully learn. Kids of all ages can explore hands-on exhibits in the history, art, science, and culture fields while having the learning time of their lives.

The Museum Of Northwest Art - The Mission of the Museum of Northwest Art is to exhibit, interpret, collect and preserve visual art whose regional qualities find resonance within and beyond the Pacific Northwest.

Bellingham Antique Radio Museum - The Bellingham Antique Radio Museum is nationally recognized for its outstanding collection of vintage radios and other examples of broadcast and entertainment technology from the early 20th century. The Museum features more than 1,200 radios, televisions, recording devices, and players from the first half of this century.

Olympic

Bainbridge Island Historical Museum - Located within the restored, 1908 Island Center School in Strawberry Hill Park, Bainbridge Island Historical Museum features photos, artifacts, videos, and friendly docents interpreting Island history, folklore, archaeology, cultural diversity, architecture and natural wonder.

Aurora Valentinetti Puppet Museum - Aurora Valentinetti Puppet Museum is a museum of theatrical puppets dedicated to puppetry, fun and education. Representing many different puppet types and different cultures from around the world. The museum also features a hands-on children's activity area.

Bremerton Community Theatre - An all volunteer, non-profit community theatre producing 5 shows, including 1 musical each Sept - June season.

Port Angeles Fine Art Center - Located in the shadow of Olympia National Park, its superlative physical setting provides an inspiring frame for cultural offerings. The Port Angeles Fine Arts Center is open all year round and presents exhibits of visual art in all media.

Admiral Theatre - The Admiral Theatre is a 750-seat performing arts center presenting professional artists and hosting a variety of community events.

Olympic Game Farm - Among many others, Olympic Game Farm offers buffalo, tigers, zebras, wolves, yaks and three varieties of bears for the public to enjoy. The farm also features an aquarium. The walking and driving tours leave visitors with vivid memories of these amazing creatures.

Bainbridge Performing Arts - The community based Bainbridge Performing Arts presents year round live entertainment at The Playhouse with theatre, comedy, music, and dance, plus auditions and Theatre School classes. The Playhouse Gallery features a rotating exhibit featuring local artists.

Port Gamble Historic Museum - Stroll through actual furnished settings and experience the dynamic story of Port Gamble. Learn about the founders of this National Historic Landmark and the lives of those who lived, worked and played here and helped write its story. There are many heirlooms, artifacts, and photographs from the early 1800's.

The Museum And Arts Center - Located in sunny Sequim, the musem exhibits include mammoth and mastodon specimens, artifacts, and a video on the Manis Mastodon excavation. Changing exhibits include local artists, military exhibits, S'Klallam tribal exhibit, and pioneer history displays.

The Mountaineers Forest Theater - The Forest Theatre, set in a natural amphitheater located near Bremerton Washington, is believed to be one of the oldest outdoor theaters in the United States.

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Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum - Located in the Washington State University. Many of the campus' cultural activities take place here; ballet performances, plays, operas, rock concerts, and guest lectures.

Museum Of Anthropology - Located in the campus of Washington State University, the Museum of Anthropology is one of the major repositories for archaeological collections in the northwest. Most of these collections are from federal and state lands in eastern Washington and the Cedar Mesa Region of Utah.

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Northwest Museum Of Arts & Culture - The Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture (MAC) was founded in 1918 as the Eastern Washington State Historical Society. The complex includes the historic Campbell House, Cheney Cowles Museum and the main exhibition building. The museum contains exhibits relating to the historical development of the Inland Empire, including displays on mining, timber and farming.

Keller Heritage Center Museum And Park - The museum contains over 5000 artifacts of historic interest, depicting the development through the years of Northeast Washington.

Spokane Valley Heritage Museum - The mission of the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum is to collect, preserve and exhibit the Spokane Valley history and culture for the benefit of the community.

Riverfront Park - Located in the heart of Downtown Spokane on the site of the Expo '74 World's Fair, this urban 100 acre park offers natural Beauty of lush green meadows & a cascading river, a scenic Gondola rides over the Spokane Falls, a giant screen IMAX Theatre, Mini-Golf, nostalgic rides on the 1909 historic Looff Carrousel and much more.

Rockin' B Ranch Cowboy Suppoer Show - Home of The best supper show in the west. A wholly unique experience: a belly-fillin', toe tappin', knee slappin' evening for the entire family. Chuckwagon, Western Showdown, and the Inland Northwest's best stage show.

Spokane Interplayers - Spokane Interplayers Ensemble is the Spokane area's only resident professional theatre. The theatre performs an annual season of plays chosen from contemporary, classic, and original works.

Spokane Center - The Spokane Center consists of four facilities: The Spokane Opera House, The Spokane Convention Center, The International Ag Trade Center and Joe Albi Stadium. These Entertainment facilities, owned and operated by the City of Spokane, are the focal point of entertainment, conventions and sports in the Spokane area.

Wonderland Family Fun Center - Indoor and outdoor mini golf, video games, laser tag, batting cages, go karts, tube crawl, childrens games, simulators, restaurant, animated show. Open year round, free admission. Over 5 acres.

Jundt Art Museum - The Jundt Art Museum includes the Jundt Galleries, a 2,800 square-foot gallery that can be divided into several exhibit areas; the Arcade Gallery, a 1,288 square-foot lobby for exhibit space, and the Chancellor's Room, a 1,450 square-foot exhibition lounge. The Museum also includes a print study room for Gonzaga's print collection.

Cat Tales Zoological Park - A non-profit Zoological Park that is home to dozens of big cats including Siberian Tigers and other endangered species. Visitors may tour the Zoo on their own and learn about the animals from informative signs located throughout the facility or you may take a guided tour given by zoo staff.

Spokane Civic Theatre - Spokane's only national award-winning producer of live theatre-musicals, comedy, drama, and world premieres-45 weeks per year.

Skiresorts

Bluewood - Ideally situated in the Blue Mountains of southeastern Washington you'll find Bluewood, one of the state's best kept secrets. Bluewood has the second highest base elevation in Washington State and is renowned for its clear skies and dry powder, while receiving an average snowfall of more the 300 inches annually.

Crystal Mountain - Crystal Mountain is located 12 miles northeast of Mount Rainier.  The resort offers 1,300 acres of  lift serviced terrain and 1,000 acres of backcountry terrain.

Mission Ridge Ski Area - Located in Wenatchee, Mission Ridge offers 2,200 feet of vertical drop and over 2,000 skiable acres.

Mount Baker Ski Area - Located in the Cascade mountains, Mount Baker offers an annual average snowfall of 647 inches and 1,500 feet of vertical drop.

Mt. Spokane - Located near Spokane, Mt. Spokane offers 1,500 skiable acres and 27 major runs.

White Pass Ski Area - Located 12 miles SE of Mt. Rainier National Park, White Pass averages 350 Inches of annual snowfall and 1,500 feet of vertical drop.

Stevens Pass Ski Area - Located 78 miles east of Seattle on scenic U.S. Highway 2, Stevens Pass receives abundant and frequent snowfall.  Stevens is located on two national forests, the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie on the west side of the crest, and the Wenatchee National Forest on the east.  The resort averages 450" of snowfall each year, covering 1,125 acres of skiable terrain, including 37 major runs and numerous bowls, glades and faces.

The Summit At Snoqualmie - The Summit-at-Snoqualmie sits 45 minutes east of Seattle in the heart of the Mt. Baker/Snoqualmie National Forest. The Summit consists of six base areas and offers the most night skiing/riding acreage in the United States. Considered one of the best areas to learn how to ski or ride, the Summit has a vast variety of terrain that accommodates all abilities and disciplines.

49 Degrees North - Continually voted the region's best family resort, 49? North Mountain Resort truly offers adventures for everyone. This traditional Northwest resort is blessed with wide-open groomed runs, moguls, desert dried powder, and hundreds of acres of legendary tree skiing. Surrounding the 1,265 acres of skiable terrain is the incredible Colville National Forest.

Volcanocountry

The Broadway Center Of Tacoma - With three unique theaters and its own acclaimed performance series, Tte Broadway Center serves as a vital and valuable arts steward to the community. These theaters are home to the Tacoma Symphony, Opera, Philharmonic, City Ballet, Concert Band, Tacoma Youth Symphony and the Northwest Sinfonietta.

Hands On Children's Museum - One of the largest youth museums in the Northwest with over 10,000 square feet of exhibit space! Designed for children and parents to enjoy together, the Museum contains four exhibit galleries with over 50 interactive exhibits.

Washington State History Museum - A place where fascination and FUN come together! People of all ages can explore and be entertained in an environment where characters from Washington's past speak about their lives. Through interactive exhibits, theatrical storytelling, high-tech displays and dramatic artifacts, learn about our state's unique people and places, as well as their impact on the country and the world.

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park - Experience Northwest wildlife all around you!  Get close to over 40 different species of Northwest animals!  Climb aboard the tram to discover elk, bison, moose and more. Walk wooded pathways to venture near otter, wolverine, bears, cats and wolves. Touch animal artifacts and learn about birds and bees at Cheney Discovery Center.  Get ready for an adventure!

Fort Nisqually Living History Museum - Travel back in time and experience life in Washington Territory during the fur trade era. A Hudson's Bay Company outpost built in 1833; Fort Nisqually was the first European settlement on Puget Sound. Volunteers and staff, in period clothing, demonstrate the crafts of the 19th century and engage visitors in historic dialogue during the Living History Days and other events throughout the year.

The Lemay Museum America's Car Museum - The LeMay Museum is the largest privately-held collection of vehicles in the US. The LeMay Collection celebrates America's love affair with the car and spans every decade of the 20th century.

Veterans Memorial Museum - A museum established to maintain the inspiration, remembrance and preservation of the memories of all America's Veterans and their sacrifices for America's freedom. The museum features a wonderful display of Civil War items from medical kits to saddles and weapons. We also have extensive WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam and Persian Gulf displays.

Pioneer Farm Museum And Ohop Indian Village - Escape to another century...Journey back to the 1880's with tour guides to experience homesteading in Washington state. Then step back further, to before the first local contact with Europeans and experience the seasonal Ohop Indian Village. Hands on tours are provided to educate while being a really fun time for children of all ages.

African American Museum - The Museum was organized in 1993 as a venue to educate the general public about the contributions made by African Americans toward the development of this nation. Through exhibits, programs and workshops of the highest academic, scholarly, and aesthetic merit, the Museum offers: oral histories, innovative methods of display and interpretation of African art and African American history.

Mt Rainier Scenic Railroad - All Aboard the Ultimate Time Machine! Experience the Golden Age of Steam as you chug across spectacular bridges, clickety-clack through lush tall forests. Whistle at majestic Mt. Rainier and let off steam by Mineral Lake. All trains are pulled by vintage steam locomotives.

Paul H. Karshner Memorial Museum - The Paul H. Karshner Memorial Museum is a fun place for children and their families to learn about history, cultures and habitats from across the globe. It's a hands-on adventure through time, full of everything from dinosaur fossils and bird feathers, to a mid-1800s general store and a life-size Indian tipi.

Washington Center For The Performing Arts - The Washington Center for the Performing Arts hosts the Olympia Symphony Orchestra and dozens of other community theater, music, and dance groups.

The Vintage Motorcycle Museum - A two story unique collection of original and fully restored pre-1916 Indians, Harley-Davidsons, Excelsior, Pierces, Emblem, Thor, Henderson, Sears, Yale, Reading Standard,plus a Neracar, Imp Car, and an assortment of bicyles, including an example of the first American made bicycle from the 1800's.

The Lelooska Museum - The Lelooska Museum holds an immense collection of artifacts from many regions: the Northwest, Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, Southwest and the Arctic. These items are many and varied including baskets, parfleches, corn husk bags, dolls, spoons, cradles, moccasins, tomahawks, pipes, pipe bags, dresses, a 15 foot birch bark canoe and an entire replica fur trade store fully furnished to the period.

Tacoma Art Museum - Connecting people through art. Tacoma Art Museum serves the diverse communities of the Northwest through its collection, exhibitions and learning programs, emphasizing art and artists from the Northwest.

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium - Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is not only one of the top zoos in the country, it is amongst the most beautiful. Nestled on 29 acres inside the 700-acre Tacoma, Wash. park, this zoo & aquarium brings you eye to eye with icy white beluga whales, playful pachyderms, intriguing sharks and brilliant reptiles.

Lewis County Historical Museum - The Museum depicts the early settlements and pioneer life in Lewis County, one of the first areas settled in the region and the oldest county in Washington State. Permanent exhibits include a Native American display of Cowlitz and Chehalis tribal material, a blacksmith shop, a second-hand store dating from the early 1900s and a children's hands-on exhibit.

Maryhill Museum Of Art - A castle-like chateau overlooking the Columbia River, the Maryhill Museum of Art serves the Northwest as the major cultural resource in the Columbia River Gorge region. More than 10,000 visitors per month from all over the world come to enjoy the collections, the setting and the variety of special exhibits and programs.

The Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum - When you visit the Columbia River Gorge Interpretive Center Museum, you are able to visualize and participate in the bountiful life of the Columbia River Gorge. The museum features several Lewis & Clark exhibits and a history of the Gorge and its people.

Children's Museum Of Tacoma - From the backyard to the moon, the Children's Museum of Tacoma celebrates the power of play in the life-long journey of learning. Our imaginative environment reaches beyond home and school experiences, nurturing growth and development as young children and their adults explore the world together.

Pearson Air Museum - The mission of the Pearson Air Museum is to preserve the rich aviation history of the Northwest, the pioneering spirit and the freedom of flight for people of all ages. The museum offers many antique planes on permanent display, a children's hands-on center, theater, gift shop and more.

Capital Playhouse - Capital Playhouse presents a unique opportunity to young people in the community, ages 5 - 18, to develop acting, vocal, music and dance skills to achieve theatrical excellence. Capital Playhouse offers a broad spectrum of performances, classes and workshops throughout the year.

Olympic Flight Museum - The museum feature showcases of artifacts and memorabilia from World War II, and other periods in aviation history. The hangar features a display of lithographs and painting depicting various combat scenes from WWII in both the European and Pacific theaters of operation. Various displays of inert weapon systems, a large collection of aircraft models and more.

Mcchord Air Museum - The museum features aircraft and scaled model exhibits, unit exhibits, collection of weapons, instruments, paintings and art from the USAF art collection, photographs, vintage uniforms and other memorabilia.

Squaxin Island Tribe Museum - The museum tells the story of the People of the Water through a series of exhibits and displays depicting the relationship between Squaxin Island Tribal members and the seven inlets of Southern Puget Sound.

Museum Of Glass : International Center For Contemporary Art - The Museum of Glass: International Center for Contemporary Art is dedicated to the presentation and interpretation of contemporary art with a sustained concentration on the medium of glass.

Working Waterfront Museum - The Working Waterfront Maritime Museum is building a permanent venue to tell the dramatic story of the people, workers, and risk-taking business adventurers who built, and today sustain, the region's working waterfront life and commerce.

Winecountry

American Hop Museum - The American Hop Museum, located in the heart of the nation's largest hop producing area, features striking exhibitions and intriguing displays, and a unique gift shop highlighting an array of items devoted to the history and future of hop cultivation. Since most of the hops grown in the U.S. are in the Yakima Valley, few people outside the area have ever seen them.

Fort Walla Walla Museum - Fort Walla Walla Museum offers a pioneer settlement composed of 17 original buildings including cabins, schools, rail road depot, jail, children's play houses, livery stable, etc.; five large exhibit halls displaying artifacts from horse-era agriculture, the early days of Walla Walla, and military exhibits from Fort Walla Walla.

Yakama Nation Cultural Center - The Cultural Heritage Center is a unique facility offering a museum that exhibits the history and art of the Plateau People - the Yakamas. The Center features the Heritage Inn Restaurant for fine dining, Winter Lodge Banquet and convention facility, Heritage Movie Theater, a public library, and a specialty gift shop.

Franklin County Historical Museum - The Franklin County Historical Museum captures the history of Franklin County. Originally constructed in 1910 as part of Andrew Carnegie's worldwide library construction program, the high ceilings and dark wood moldings create a period atmosphere for this collection of historic artifacts and information.

Harper Joy Theatre - Located in the Whitman College campus, the theatre featues about nine productions every year.

Northern Pacific Railway Museum - - The museum gives an opportunity for the visitor to view many aspects of early railroad transportation. Its many artifacts help to demonstrate the importance of railroad transportation to the development of our community and the entire Western United States.

Columbia River Exhibition Of History Science And Technology - A museum and science center created to tell the dynamic story of the Columbia Basin and surrounding region.  Visitors will be entertained with interactive, hands-on displays and activities.  From primitive irrigation systems to the development and use of robotics, you will enjoy a fascinating journey through the unique Columbia Basin region.

Yakima Valley Museum - This 65,000 ft2 facility offers historical exhibits on the Yakima Valley?its natural history, American Indian culture, pioneer life, early city life, and the roots and development of the Valley?s fruit industry. The museum has a superb collection of horse-drawn vehicles, from stagecoach to hearse.

Little Theatre Of Walla Walla - The Little Theatre of Walla Walla, has been producing 'good plays, done well... since 1944.' Considered to be one of the best live art venues in the area.

The Kirkman House Museum - The mission of the Kirkman House Museum is to enrich the cultural heritage of Walla Walla by preserving the Kirkman Family home, sharing its history, and educating our community and visitors about domestic life in Victorian-era Walla Walla.

Washington State Railroads Historical Society Museum - The WSRHS is dedicated to preserving the history of "All" the railroads that helped build the State of Washington -- From the Northern Pacific, Great Northern, Milwaukee Road, to the Union Pacific, SP&S Railway and all the railroads in between.