PNWonderland: Visit these 10 uniquely Pacific Northwest Museums

There’s a lot to be discovered about the PNW’s rich history. With quality exhibits hidden away in cities throughout Washington and Oregon, you can explore artifacts, objects, history, art and all of the other treasures that encapsulate what makes this region so special. Here’s a list of ten unique museums to visit that will captivate residents and visitors alike.

Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture (Seattle, WA)

Located on the University of Washington campus, this active research museum houses one-of-a-kind objects and artifacts with a focus on dinosaurs, fossils, Northwest Native art, plant and animal collections and cultural pieces from around the world. burkemuseum.org

Columbia River Maritime Museum (Astoria, OR)

Experience an extensive collection of seafaring vessels, maritime artifacts and fine art come to life through exciting exhibits, demonstrations and hands-on activities. Current exhibits explore the impacts of shipwrecks, the science of storms and the opportunity to tour the floating lighthouse, the Lightship Columbia. crmm.org

Forks Timber Museum (Forks, WA)

This little museum in the self-proclaimed “logging capital of the world” offers a look into the rich history of homesteading, farming and logging in the Pacific Northwest. It’s even situated inside an authentic log cabin for a little extra ambiance. forkstimbermuseum.org

NW African American Museum (Seattle, WA)

Focusing on the experiences of African Americans whose route to the new world was through slavery as well as exploring the lives of recent immigrants, the museum seeks to celebrate the culture and contributions of African Americans. Be inspired through visual arts, music, crafts and literature or participate in community events for Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth. Not in the Seattle area? Explore the museum’s online educational programs such as the monthly interactive story time for children and the Descendents lecture series. naamnw.org

Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum (Tacoma, WA)

The Karpeles collection consists of more than a million historical documents in the categories of literature, science, religion, political history, exploration, music and art that rotate between all Karpeles Museums across the country. Plus, admission to this Tacoma museum, overlooking the Wright Park Arboretum and Victorian-styled Seymour Botanical Conservatory, is free. karpeles.com

Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum (McMinnville, OR)

This museum, a favorite for all ages of aviation fans, fosters learning and preservation of aerospace history. Popular exhibits include the Spruce Goose, the largest wooden airplane ever built, and a life-size replica of the Apollo Lunar Lander and Rover. The museum hosts regular events and guest speakers in the onsite theater. evergreenmuseum.org

Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) (Seattle, WA)

MoPOP illustrates pop culture as a catalyst for learning, connecting and creating. Housed in an incredible building designed by internationally acclaimed architect Frank Gehry, the collections feature local musical legends and iconic pop culture movements that have impacted history. Sensoryfriendly events, featuring low lighting and volume, and a variety of educational and virtual programs are available. mopop.org

High Desert Museum (Bend, OR)

Worth the trip off the I-5 corridor, the High Desert Museum celebrates the natural world and cultural history of the High Desert. Get up close to native animals including turtles, lizards, birds of prey, a variety of amphibians and the museum’s resident porcupine siblings. Explore native American art and Oregon Trail artifacts or participate in a workshop or educational event. highdesertmuseum.org

Spark Museum of Electrical Invention (Bellingham, WA)

Spark embraces the wonder and mystery of electricity through exciting and educational experiences for audiences of all ages. The collection of unique and rare artifacts fill six galleries and interactive exhibits include the static electricity lab, the Theremin, the world’s first electronic instrument, and the Mega-Zapper, a nine-foot Tesla Coil that creates bursts of lightning on command. sparkmuseum.org

Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education (Portland, OR)

Telling the story of the Jewish experience in Oregon through photographs, art and artifacts, the museum’s core exhibits also address the history and tools of discrimination as well as explore the tools of resistance. Visit the museum’s website for a calendar of educational events or to take a self-paced virtual tour of the Oregon Holocaust Memorial. ojmche.org