Free museums in Washington state

The Olympic Sculpture Park is a public park located in downtown Seattle, Washington, United States. It is created and operated by the Seattle Art Museum (SAM). The park features modern and contemporary sculptures, making it a unique attraction in the city.

The Center for Wooden Boats (CWB) is a unique museum located in Seattle, dedicated to preserving and documenting the maritime history of the Pacific Northwest area of the United States. It offers a deep dive into the rich maritime history of the region, making it an interesting destination for tourists interested in history and maritime culture.

The Frye Art Museum, situated in the First Hill neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, is a modern and contemporary art museum. It was established in 1952 to display the art collection of Charles and Emma Frye. The museum has since expanded to include rotating temporary exhibitions of emerging and contemporary artists, emphasizing painting and sculpture from the nineteenth century to the present.

The San Juan Island National Historical Park, alternatively known as American and English Camps, San Juan Island, is a National Historic Site. It is situated near Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, in the state of Washington, United States. This former military base is now a significant historical landmark that offers a glimpse into the past.

The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is a significant site that commemorates the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 1890s. This historical event was a major gold rush that took place in the Yukon territory in Canada. The park includes areas that served as stages for the path and roads leading in this direction, largely located in American territory.

The Henry Art Gallery, situated on the University of Washington campus in Seattle, Washington, is a contemporary art museum. It is conveniently located on the west edge of the university's campus along 15th Avenue N.E. in the University District, making it easily accessible for visitors. The museum offers a unique blend of contemporary art and history of photography, making it a fascinating destination for art enthusiasts.

The Admiralty Head Lighthouse is a significant landmark located on Whidbey Island. This island is situated to the east of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and to the north of Puget Sound. It is part of Island County in the state of Washington, USA. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest and learn about the region's maritime history.

The Washington Park Arboretum, spanning 0.8 square kilometers, is home to over 1,000 species of rare and native plants from the state of Washington. This vast collection of flora provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and learn about the diverse plant life native to the region.

The Mukilteo Lighthouse is a significant landmark located on the shore of Possession Sound in Mukilteo, Snohomish County, Washington, USA. Managed by the American Coast Guard, this lighthouse is part of the Mukilteo Lighthouse Park and is open to the public. It's a unique destination for those interested in maritime history and coastal architecture.

Wilcox Park is a 14-acre park and arboretum situated at 44 High Street, Westerly, Rhode Island. The park is open to the public from dawn until 9 pm and there is no entrance fee. This makes it a great place for tourists to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the area at their leisure.

Point No Point Light is an active navigational aid located on the northeastern tip of the Kitsap Peninsula, on the west side of Puget Sound. It is situated near the small community of Hansville, in Kitsap County, Washington. This lighthouse plays a crucial role in guiding vessels through the waters of Puget Sound.

Manito Park and Botanical Gardens is a large public park located in Spokane, United States. Spanning 90 acres, the park is home to an arboretum, a botanical garden, and a greenhouse. These features make it a diverse and interesting place for visitors to explore, offering a variety of plant life and natural beauty.

The New Dungeness Lighthouse is a functioning lighthouse located on the Dungeness Spit in the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge near Sequim, Clallam County, in Washington. It serves as an aid to navigation on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This historic lighthouse has been in continuous operation since 1857, making it a significant part of the region's maritime history.

Bellevue Botanical Garden, located east of downtown Bellevue, Washington on Main Street, is a beautiful botanical garden that was established in 1992. It is a serene place where visitors can enjoy the beauty of nature and learn about various plant species. The garden is well-maintained and offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Today, the W. T. Preston serves as the centerpiece of the Snagboat Heritage Center in Anacortes, Washington. Recognized for its historical significance, the vessel was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1989. Visitors to the center can learn about the important role snagboats played in maintaining the region's waterways and get a close-up look at this remarkable vessel.

The Northwest Seaport Maritime Heritage Center is a nonprofit organization located in Seattle, Washington. The center is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the maritime heritage of Puget Sound and the Northwest Coast. It offers educational programs and experiences to the public, helping to foster an understanding and appreciation of the region's rich maritime history.

The Highline Botanical Garden, located at 13735 24th Avenue South, SeaTac, Washington, is a 10.5-acre community botanical garden that is open to the public daily without any charge. This makes it an accessible and affordable destination for tourists and locals alike.

The Issaquah Depot, also known as the Seattle, Lake Shore and Eastern Railway Depot, is a former railway station located in Issaquah, Washington. This historic site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, marking its significance in the region's history. The depot was a crucial part of the railway system, serving as a passenger station and freight warehouse.

The Yakima Area Arboretum is a large, 46-acre arboretum situated in Yakima, Washington. It is located near the riparian habitat of the Yakima River, providing a unique and diverse environment for a variety of plant species. This location offers visitors the opportunity to explore a wide range of natural beauty within a single area.

The John A. Finch Arboretum is a public arboretum situated in the West Hills neighborhood of Spokane, Washington. It is located at West 3404 Woodland Boulevard. This location is easily accessible and offers a serene environment for visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature.

The Seattle Chinese Garden is a significant cultural landmark located on a 4.6-acre site at the northern end of the South Seattle College campus. Situated at 6000 16th Avenue SW, in West Seattle, the garden offers a panoramic view of downtown Seattle, Washington, Elliott Bay, and the Cascade Mountains, including Mt. Baker and Mt. Rainier.

The Sequim Museum & Arts is a local history museum situated in downtown Sequim, Washington. The museum offers free admission to all visitors, making it an accessible destination for tourists of all budgets. It provides a deep dive into the local history and culture of the region, making it an ideal stop for those interested in learning more about Sequim and its surroundings.

The Cedar Creek Grist Mill is a historical site located in Woodland, Washington. It is recognized for its historical significance and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This mill offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the traditional methods of milling and the historical context of the area.

Wright Park, located in Tacoma, Washington, is a 27-acre arboretum and public park. It is managed by Metro Parks Tacoma, ensuring its upkeep and preservation. The park offers a vast space for visitors to explore and enjoy the outdoors.

The Alki Point Lighthouse is a significant landmark situated in Elliott Bay, marking the southern entrance to the port of Seattle on Puget Sound. This location in the state of Washington, USA, offers visitors a unique perspective of the region's maritime history and the important role lighthouses played in navigation and safety at sea.

The Monarch Contemporary Art Center and Sculpture Park is an outdoor art gallery situated along the Chehalis Western Trail near Tenino, in southern Thurston County, Washington. This unique location offers visitors the opportunity to experience art in a natural setting, surrounded by the beauty of the Pacific Northwest landscape.

The Connections Museum, previously known as the Herbert H. Warrick Jr. Museum of Communications, is situated in the Georgetown neighborhood of Seattle. The museum is a part of the Telecommunications History Group and was originally sponsored by the Washington Telephone Pioneers. It was founded by Don Ostrand and Herb Warrick, both employees of Pacific Northwest Bell.

The Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) is situated in the Central District neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, an area with a rich African-American history. The museum is housed in the former Colman School, a building that holds the status of a City of Seattle landmark. This location not only provides a unique setting for the museum but also adds to the historical significance of the exhibits and programs it offers.

The Working Waterfront Maritime Museum is a maritime museum situated in Tacoma, Washington, USA. It is located on the Thea Foss Waterway, providing a unique waterfront experience for visitors. The museum is part of the Foss Waterway Seaport, a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating Tacoma's rich maritime heritage.

The Pomeroy Living History Farm is a unique destination that offers a glimpse into the past. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit farm museum, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This recognition underscores the farm's historical significance and its commitment to preserving and sharing this piece of American history.

The United States Naval Undersea Museum, situated in Keyport, Washington, is one of the ten Navy museums under the administration of the Naval History & Heritage Command. This museum offers a unique insight into naval history, undersea technology, and marine science, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in these fields.

Riverside State Park is a significant natural area located just 9 miles northwest of Spokane, in the community of Nine Mile Falls. This Washington state park is a popular recreation area for locals and tourists alike, offering a variety of outdoor activities and attractions.

The Coast Guard Museum Northwest is situated on the property of Coast Guard Station Seattle. This location is on the Elliott Bay waterfront, south of Downtown, Seattle, Washington. The museum's location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of the United States Coast Guard in the Pacific Northwest while enjoying the beautiful waterfront views.

The Puget Sound Navy Museum is an official naval museum situated in Bremerton, Washington, USA. It is one of the ten museums managed by the US Navy's Naval History & Heritage Command. The museum's location is convenient for visitors as it is near the Washington State Ferries terminal, the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, and the annex of the Kitsap Naval Base.

The North Clark Historical Museum is housed in a historical church, known by several names including the Amboy United Brethren Church, the Evangelical United Brethren Church, and the Dora Young Chapel. This church, located at 21416 NE 399th Street in Amboy, Washington, is a significant part of the local history.

The DuPont Museum, situated in the DuPont Village Historic District in DuPont, Washington, is a historical museum that offers a glimpse into the city's past. It is an ideal destination for those interested in learning about the history of the area.

The Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park/Wanapum Recreational Area is a significant geologic preserve and public recreation area. It spans over 7,124 acres along the western shoreline of the Columbia River's Wanapum Reservoir in Vantage, Washington. This vast area offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and appreciate the natural beauty and geological significance of the region.

The Stonerose Interpretive Center & Eocene Fossil Site is a non-profit public museum and fossil dig located in Republic, Washington. Established in 1989, the center houses a vast collection of fossils that have been featured in various publications and scientific works. The center was the result of a collaborative effort between artist Wesley 'Wes' Wehr and then Republic City council member Bert Chadick, who envisioned a public interpretive center and fossil dig that would allow people to explore a world-class fossil site and interact with researchers studying the finds.

The White River Valley Museum, located in Auburn, Washington, is a historical museum that was established through the joint efforts of the City of Auburn and the White River Valley Historical Society. This collaboration has resulted in a museum that not only preserves the history of the region but also serves as a cultural hub for the community.

The Browns Point Lighthouse is a significant landmark situated in Tacoma, at the eastern entrance of Commencement Bay of Puget Sound, in Pierce County, Washington, USA. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a historic lighthouse while enjoying the scenic beauty of the Puget Sound.

The McChord Air Museum is an aviation museum situated at McChord AFB, close to Lakewood, Washington. This location is ideal for tourists who are interested in aviation history and would like to explore a variety of exhibits and aircrafts.

The Karshner Museum, also known as the Paul H. Karshner Memorial Museum, is a natural history museum situated at 309 4th Street NE, Puyallup, Washington. This museum is a unique destination for those interested in natural history and cultural artifacts.

Carefully restored log cabin aptly houses museum illustrating the rich history of Seattle and Duwamish Peninsula.

The Kruckeberg Botanic Garden is a botanical garden that spans across 4 acres. It is situated at 20312 Fifteenth Avenue NW, Shoreline, Washington. This location is easily accessible and offers a vast space for visitors to explore and enjoy the diverse plant life.

Lake Wilderness Arboretum, which was once known as the South King County Arboretum, is situated in the scenic town of Maple Valley, Washington. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the region.

The Museum of Northwest Art, often abbreviated as MoNa, is an art museum situated in the charming town of La Conner, in the state of Washington, USA. This museum is a significant cultural institution in the region, offering visitors a unique insight into the art of the Northwest.

The Quilcene Historical Museum, located in Quilcene, Washington, was established in 1991. It operates under a non-profit status, which means it relies on donations, grants, and other forms of funding to maintain its operations and preserve the history of the area.