Things to do in Washington, United States: The Best Specialty Museums

January 24, 2022 Toi Mattera

Discover the best top things to do in Washington, United States including Historic Flight Foundation, Schack Art Center, Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum, The Museum of Flight, The Whale Museum, Washington State History Museum, Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center, Westport Maritime Museum, Northern Pacific Railway Museum, SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention.
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1. Historic Flight Foundation

10719 Bernie Webber Dr, Mukilteo, WA 98275-5011 +1 425-348-3200 [email protected] http://www.historicflight.org
Excellent
78%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 127 reviews

Historic Flight Foundation

Historic Flight Foundation offers a collection of the most important aircraft produced between 1927 and 1957 - all restored and airborne again.Our mission goes beyond serving as trustees of an era. We want you to experience the roar of our F8F “Wampus Cat” taking off. Watch engineers at work restoring the aircraft to flying condition. Share the rush of viewing international treasures from all angles. Experience history in motion.

Reviewed By simivalley1699

A panel of three WW II pilots shared their experiences at Saturday's event. So many stories there and so much experience was shared; then we shifted outdoors to see two WWII planes fly over the field in formation. Several other planes were featured with docents who could answer your questions. All the planes are maintained to be flight worthy at any time.

2. Schack Art Center

2921 Hoyt Ave, Everett, WA 98201-4086 +1 425-259-5050 [email protected] http://schack.org
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 88 reviews

Schack Art Center

Reviewed By jennettea1andonly - Olympia, United States

Wonderful art gallery and studio! They have a couple of featured artists and then a large section dedicated to young artists (grades 8-12) that was so amazing! Nice gift shop too.

3. Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum

5917 S 196th St, Kent, WA 98032-2132 +1 206-764-9453 [email protected] http://www.thunderboats.org/
Excellent
71%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 45 reviews

Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum

A museum chronicling the history of racing in the Pacific Northwest.

4. The Museum of Flight

9404 East Marginal Way South, Seattle, WA 98108-4046 +1 206-764-5700 [email protected] http://www.museumofflight.org
Excellent
78%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6,675 reviews

The Museum of Flight

Walk the aisle of JFK's Air Force One and climb aboard the West Coast's only Concorde. Revel in the history and heroics of WWI and WWII. Barrel-roll a Mustang, land on the moon, and soar over Puget Sound in a simulator. Experience the excitement of the space race and sit at the controls of the world's fastest jet. From the Wright brothers to the exploration of Mars, you'll find it at The Museum of Flight!

Reviewed By Jaretr1 - Miami, United States

Being an airplane geek, I had to check this out, and it was worth it! Its a fantastic museum that goes into the history of Boeing, as well as how aircraft contributed to both world wars, and then a display of aircraft in two locations, including my favorite, the prior Air Force one! Several of the planes can be walked through, like the Concord and the first 747 test plane.

5. The Whale Museum

62 1st St N, Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, WA 98250-8337 +1 360-378-4710 ext. 30 [email protected] http://www.whalemuseum.org
Excellent
54%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 750 reviews

The Whale Museum

Thank you for your interest in learning about The Whale Museum. The Whale Museum is completely reopened! We are open 10:00 am - 4:00 pm every day. Thank you for your support. https://whalemuseum.org/

Reviewed By V9009DDrichardd - Friday Harbor, United States

This place has a beautiful display of all things whales. Full skeleton and amazing photos plus some retail.

6. Washington State History Museum

1911 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402-3109 +1 888-238-4373 http://www.washingtonhistory.org/wshm/
Excellent
59%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 236 reviews

Washington State History Museum

History museum full of informative displays and artifacts on the history of Washington state.

Reviewed By GC404 - Anchorage, United States

This nice facility is located in downtown Tacoma and can also be easily reached via the tram/public transportation... the main floor has exhibits covering Washington’s history from ancient past through present, and includes important topics such as Native grave repatriations, internment of Japanese Americans during WW2, etc. Everything is well curated and targeted towards audiences of all ages... there’s an excellent section featuring activities for kids too. Definitely worth checking out when you’re in Tacoma... enjoy!

7. Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center

990 SW Rock Creek Dr, Stevenson, WA 98648-4404 +1 800-991-2338 http://www.columbiagorge.org
Excellent
63%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 198 reviews

Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center

Museum dedicated to the preservation, conservation, and interpretation of the cultural and natural history of Skamania County and the Columbia River Gorge.

Reviewed By joesphb398 - Phoenix, United States

I took a antique car club touring group to the Interpretive center. We had to pry people away after about 2 hours. I love the logging equipment inside and outside, and the Columbia River Indian displays and early settler replica were great. The tree trunk outside 20 feet in diameter.

8. Westport Maritime Museum

2201 Westhaven Drive, Westport, WA 98595 +1 360-268-0078 http://www.westportmaritimemuseum.com
Excellent
50%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 113 reviews

Westport Maritime Museum

Reviewed By kapt - Palouse, United States

It's always interesting to me to go to local area history museums, this one was worth the time. Great depiction of time and experiences from the past. Fresnel lens, coast guard rescue boat, crew quarters and whale skeleton exhibits were highlights.

9. Northern Pacific Railway Museum

10 Asotin Ave, Toppenish, WA 98948-1300 +1 509-865-1911 [email protected] http://nprymuseum.org/
Excellent
52%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 25 reviews

Northern Pacific Railway Museum

The museum depicts the era of the Northern Pacific Railway in its earlier years. We have early steam locomotives, freight cars used at the turn of the century, and passenger cars of the North Coast Limited on display. Docent tours are recommended and require a reservation so a representative can be available.

Reviewed By CATXWASteveG - Yakima, United States

This is a surprise - we went during Christmas and they had model trains running of all sizes AND we rode on a real train in a caboose AND they had hands-on wooden play sets for young folks AND they had food AND they had Santa. The model trains that were on display and running are overwhelmingly entertaining. I have no idea how 2 hours elapsed. I wish I had thought to take more photos, I was too busy having fun. This is a worthwhile destination and it stands on it own, it is worth going to specifically, travel to this town just to see this? Yes! This review will fade into oblivion as other, newer, reviews take it's place, but since you're here why don't you add a nice rating if you have some nice words to say (and remember what your Mom always said, "If you have nothing nice to say don't say anything"). Great to see businesses thrive in the Yakima area. Let's support Things To Do here just by being Yakima-friendly.

10. SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention

1312 Bay St, Bellingham, WA 98225-4322 +1 360-738-3886 [email protected] http://www.sparkmuseum.org/
Excellent
62%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 194 reviews

SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention

SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention offers an exciting and educational experience for audiences of all ages. Compelling, interactive exhibits spanning four centuries of scientific achievement and cultural heritage are featured in a world-class collection of unique objects including the giant "MegaZapper" Tesla Coil which produces massive lightning bolts! SPARK Museum displays the inventions and innovations that changed the course of human history. Come check it out!

Reviewed By CrossCountryJennifer - Bellingham, United States

This was a truly interesting and engaging museum for all ages. So much that you didn't know. Take the whole family.

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