All nature & natural history museums and attractions to visit in Washington state

Washington state (United States) has a lot to offer for people that like animals, plants and anything else related to nature and its history. Below we list all 48 nature and natural history museums that are located in Washington state.

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:

  1. Woodland Park Zoo1

    Woodland Park Zoo

     Seattle, WA
    The 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.
  2. Online discount!Seattle Aquarium2

    Seattle Aquarium

     Seattle, WA
    The 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.
  3. Volunteer Park Conservatory3

    Volunteer Park Conservatory

     Seattle, WA
  4. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium4

    Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

     Tacoma, WA
    The 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.
  5. Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture5

    Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture

     Seattle, WA
    The 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.
  6. Northwest Trek Wildlife Park6

    Northwest Trek Wildlife Park

     Eatonville, WA
    The 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.
  7. Washington Park Arboretum7

    Washington Park Arboretum

     Seattle, WA
    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.
  8. Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden8

    Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden

     Federal Way, WA
    The 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.
  9. Manito Park9

    Manito Park

     Spokane, WA
    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.
  10. Bellevue Botanical Garden10

    Bellevue Botanical Garden

     Bellevue, WA
    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.
  11. Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden11

    Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden

     SeaTac, WA
    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.
  12. Cougar Mountain Zoo12

    Cougar Mountain Zoo

     Issaquah, WA
    Located 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.
  13. Yakima Area Arboretum13

    Yakima Area Arboretum

     Yakima, WA
    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.
  14. John A. Finch Arboretum14

    John A. Finch Arboretum

     Spokane, WA
    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.
  15. Sequim Museum & Arts15

    Sequim Museum & Arts

     Sequim, WA
    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.
  16. Wright Park (Tacoma, Washington)16

    Wright Park (Tacoma, Washington)

     Tacoma, WA
    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.
  17. South Seattle College Arboretum17

    South Seattle College Arboretum

     Seattle, WA
    The 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.
  18. Verlot Public Service Center18

    Verlot Public Service Center

     Granite Falls, WA
    The 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.
  19. Monarch Sculpture Park19

    Monarch Sculpture Park

     Tenino, WA
    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.
  20. Lakewold Gardens20

    Lakewold Gardens

     Lakewood, WA
    Lakewold 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.
  21. Cat Tales Wildlife Center21

    Cat Tales Wildlife Center

     Mead, WA
    Cat 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.
  22. Spokane House Interpretive Center22

    Spokane House Interpretive Center

     Spokane, WA
    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.
  23. Finch Arboretum Visitors Center23

    Finch Arboretum Visitors Center

     Spokane, WA
  24. Orcas Island Historical Museum24

    Orcas Island Historical Museum

     Eastsound, WA
  25. Yakima Valley Museum25

    Yakima Valley Museum

     Yakima, WA
    The 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.
  26. Ginkgo Petrified Forest Interpretive Center26

    Ginkgo Petrified Forest Interpretive Center

     Vantage, WA
    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.
  27. Stonerose Fossils27

    Stonerose Fossils

     Republic, WA
    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.
  28. 28

    Sehome Hill Arboretum

     Bellingham, WA
    Sehome 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. 29

    Heronswood Garden

     Kingston, WA
    Heronswood 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. 30

    Wolf Haven International

     Tenino, WA
    Wolf 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. 31

    Karshner Museum

     Puyallup, WA
    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.
  32. 32

    Log House Museum

     Seattle, WA
    Carefully restored log cabin aptly houses museum illustrating the rich history of Seattle and Duwamish Peninsula.
  33. 33

    Kruckeberg Botanic Garden

     Shoreline, WA
    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.
  34. 34

    Lake Wilderness Arboretum

     Maple Valley, WA
    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.
  35. 35

    Puget Sound Museum of Natural History

     Tacoma, WA
    The 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. 36

    Bonhoeffer Botanical Gardens

     Stanwood, WA
    The 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. 37

    Sea Discovery Center

     Poulsbo, WA
  38. 38

    Olympic Game Farm

     Carlsborg, WA
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    Westport Aquarium

     Westport, WA
  40. 40

    The Reptile Zoo

     Monroe, WA
  41. 41

    Marine Life Center

     Bellingham, WA
  42. 42

    Whale Museum

     Friday Harbor, WA
    The 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. 43

    Nisqually Reach Nature Center

     Lacey, WA
  44. 44

    Longmire Museum

     Ashford, WA
  45. 45

    Langley Whale Center — Orca Network

     Langley, WA
  46. 46

    Methow Valley Interpretive Center

     Twisp, WA
  47. 47

    Mt. Rainier National Park

     Seattle, WA
  48. 48

    Orcas W.I.L.D.

     Eastsound, WA