Is nature and the natural world something that interests you and are you looking for the best nature museums to visit in Washington state? These are the ones:
1Woodland Park Zoo
Seattle, WAThe Woodland Park Zoo is a wildlife conservation organization and a zoo situated in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, USA. It is a recipient of numerous awards across multiple categories. The zoo is a part of the western half of Woodland Park and has a rich history dating back to its establishment on the estate of Guy C. Phinney, a Canadian-born sawmill owner and real estate developer.- Online discount!
2Seattle Aquarium
Seattle, WAThe Seattle Aquarium is a public aquarium that has been serving the community since 1977. It is conveniently located on Pier 59 on the Elliott Bay waterfront, making it easily accessible for tourists and locals alike. The aquarium offers a variety of exhibits and educational programs, making it a great destination for families and individuals interested in marine life. 3Volunteer Park Conservatory
Seattle, WA 4Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Tacoma, WAThe Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (PDZA) is a combined zoo and aquarium located in Tacoma, Washington, USA. It is owned and managed by Metro Parks Tacoma, a government agency dedicated to providing quality park services and facilities. The zoo and aquarium offer a unique experience for visitors, with a wide variety of animal species and aquatic life. 5Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture
Seattle, WAThe Burke Museum boasts a collection of over 12 million artifacts and specimens. These include totem poles and dinosaur fossils, with the majority of the collection originating from the state of Washington. This extensive collection provides a comprehensive insight into the natural history and culture of the region. 6Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
Eatonville, WAThe Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, located in Eatonville, Washington, is a unique animal reserve that resembles a zoo. It is recognized and accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a reputable organization in the field. The park specializes in the care and exhibition of native animals, providing visitors with an authentic and educational experience of the local fauna. 7Washington Park Arboretum
Seattle, WAThe 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. 8Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden
Federal Way, WAThe Rhododendron Species Foundation and Botanical Garden (RSBG) is a unique botanical garden located in Federal Way, Washington. This nonprofit organization specializes in the conservation, research, acquisition, evaluation, cultivation, public display, and distribution of rhododendron species. The garden is home to over 10,000 rhododendrons, making it a significant destination for plant enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. 9Manito Park
Spokane, WAManito 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. 10Bellevue Botanical Garden
Bellevue, WABellevue 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. 11Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden
SeaTac, WAThe 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. 12Cougar Mountain Zoo
Issaquah, WALocated in Issaquah, Washington, Cougar Mountain Zoo is an 11-acre non-profit zoological park. It is situated on the north slope of Cougar Mountain, approximately 15 miles east of Seattle. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the Seattle area. 13Yakima Area Arboretum
Yakima, WAThe 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. 14John A. Finch Arboretum
Spokane, WAThe 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. 15Sequim Museum & Arts
Sequim, WAThe 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. 16Wright Park (Tacoma, Washington)
Tacoma, WAWright 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. 17South Seattle College Arboretum
Seattle, WAThe South Seattle College Arboretum is a sizable 6-acre arboretum and botanical garden. It is conveniently located at the north end of the South Seattle College campus in Seattle, Washington. This location makes it easily accessible for visitors who are already on campus or in the vicinity. 18Verlot Public Service Center
Granite Falls, WAThe Verlot Public Service Center, located on the Mountain Loop Highway eleven miles east of Granite Falls, is a part of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. It was formerly a ranger station but has since been transformed into a visitor center after its merger with the Darrington Ranger District. This change has allowed the center to expand its services and become a hub for visitors to the national forest. 19Monarch Sculpture Park
Tenino, WAThe 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. 20Lakewold Gardens
Lakewood, WALakewold Gardens is a non-profit estate garden that spans across 10 acres. It is situated at 12317 Gravelly Lake Drive SW, Lakewood, Washington, in a region popularly known as the Lakes District. This location is easily accessible and offers a serene environment for visitors to explore and enjoy the beauty of nature. 21Cat Tales Wildlife Center
Mead, WACat Tales Wildlife Center, located in Mead, Washington, is a USDA Licensed - Class C - Exhibitor. This classification is the same for all zoos, indicating that Cat Tales meets the necessary standards for animal care and safety. The center is dedicated to the rescue and protection of big cats and Northwest wildlife, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about and interact with these magnificent creatures. 22Spokane House Interpretive Center
Spokane, WARiverside 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. 23Finch Arboretum Visitors Center
Spokane, WA 24Orcas Island Historical Museum
Eastsound, WA 25Yakima Valley Museum
Yakima, WAThe Yakima Valley Museum spans a vast 65,000-square-foot area and provides a comprehensive look into the rich history of the Yakima Valley. The exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including the natural history of the region, the culture of the American Indians who lived there, the life of the pioneers, the early city life, and the development of the fruit industry. These exhibits offer a deep dive into the past, providing visitors with a better understanding of the region's history and culture. 26Ginkgo Petrified Forest Interpretive Center
Vantage, WAThe 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. 27Stonerose Fossils
Republic, WAThe 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.- 28
Sehome Hill Arboretum
Bellingham, WASehome Hill Arboretum, located on Sehome Hill, is a 175.5-acre park of second growth forest. It is situated adjacent to the campus of Western Washington University. The arboretum is not consciously planted as an exhibit of tree species, but is naturally wooded and rich in the plant species typical of the region, both native and nonnative. - 29
Heronswood Garden
Kingston, WAHeronswood is a botanical garden situated in Kingston, Washington, in the Northwestern United States. It is a place where visitors can explore a wide variety of plant species from around the world. The garden is known for its creative, environmentally sensitive, and botanically impressive plantsmanship and garden design. - 30
Wolf Haven International
Tenino, WAWolf Haven International, formerly known as Wolf Country and Wolf Haven America, is a sanctuary for wolves and a non-profit organization based in Tenino, Washington. The organization was founded in 1982 and is dedicated to providing educational programs about wolves, engaging in wolf-related activism, and operating as a sanctuary for displaced, captive-born wolves. - 31
Karshner Museum
Puyallup, WAThe 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. - 32
Log House Museum
Seattle, WACarefully restored log cabin aptly houses museum illustrating the rich history of Seattle and Duwamish Peninsula. - 33
Kruckeberg Botanic Garden
Shoreline, WAThe 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. - 34
Lake Wilderness Arboretum
Maple Valley, WALake 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. - 35
Puget Sound Museum of Natural History
Tacoma, WAThe Puget Sound Museum of Natural History is situated in Tacoma, Washington. It is conveniently located on the campus of the University of Puget Sound at 1500 N. Warner St. Tacoma, WA 98416. This location makes it easily accessible for visitors who are interested in exploring the rich natural history of the region. - 36
Bonhoeffer Botanical Gardens
Stanwood, WAThe Bonhoeffer Botanical Gardens are situated to the north of Seattle. This location makes it a convenient destination for those visiting the city or residing in the nearby areas. The gardens offer a serene environment for relaxation and exploration of the diverse plant life. - 37
Sea Discovery Center
Poulsbo, WA - 38
Olympic Game Farm
Carlsborg, WA - 39
Westport Aquarium
Westport, WA - 40
The Reptile Zoo
Monroe, WA - 41
Marine Life Center
Bellingham, WA - 42
Whale Museum
Friday Harbor, WAThe Whale Museum, located in Friday Harbor, Washington, is a natural history museum that was established in 1979. It is a place where visitors can learn about the fascinating world of whales and their environment. - 43
Nisqually Reach Nature Center
Lacey, WA - 44
Longmire Museum
Ashford, WA - 45
Langley Whale Center — Orca Network
Langley, WA - 46
Methow Valley Interpretive Center
Twisp, WA - 47
Mt. Rainier National Park
Seattle, WA - 48
Orcas W.I.L.D.
Eastsound, WA