All industrial & heritage museums to visit in Washington state

Explore the impact of industry on society at 26 industrial heritage museums in Washington state. These museums showcase the history of manufacturing, technology, and labor.

Are you curious about the history of industry and innovation? These are the top industrial heritage museums in Washington state:

  1. Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour1

    Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour

     Mukilteo, WA
    The Future of Flight Aviation Center, officially known as Boeing Future of Flight, is an aviation museum and education center located in Mukilteo, Washington. This facility is the starting point for the Boeing Tour, a guided tour of a portion of the nearby Boeing Everett Factory. The museum includes a gallery containing static and interactive exhibits and displays, a theater, café, and shops.
  2. Living Computers: Museum + Labs2

    Living Computers: Museum + Labs

     Seattle, WA
    Living Computers: Museum + Labs (LCM+L) is a computer and technology museum situated in the SoDo neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the evolution of computer technology, from vintage computers to contemporary technologies.
  3. Forks Timber Museum3

    Forks Timber Museum

     Forks, WA
    The Forks Timber Museum, built in 1990 by the Forks Carpentry School class, provides a unique insight into the local history of the timber industry. The museum showcases the tools used by past loggers, offering visitors a chance to understand the workings of the industry. The exhibits represent a history dating back to the 1870s, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in the history of the timber industry.
  4. Museum of History & Industry4

    Museum of History & Industry

     Seattle, WA
    The Museum of History Industry (MOHAI) is a history museum situated in the South Lake Union neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, United States. It is the largest private heritage organization in the state, boasting a collection of nearly four million artifacts, photographs, and archival materials. The museum primarily focuses on Seattle and the greater Puget Sound region, with a portion of its collection on display in the museum's galleries at the historic Naval Reserve Armory in Lake Union Park.
  5. Maritime Heritage Center & W.T. Preston5

    Maritime Heritage Center & W.T. Preston

     Anacortes, WA
    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.
  6. Northwest Seaport Maritime Heritage Center6

    Northwest Seaport Maritime Heritage Center

     Seattle, WA
    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.
  7. Concrete Heritage Museum7

    Concrete Heritage Museum

     Concrete, WA
    The Concrete Heritage Museum, located in Concrete, Washington, is a local heritage museum that provides a deep dive into the industrial history of the region. The museum's collections are dedicated to the Superior Portland Cement Company, the Lower Baker Dam, and the region's rich history of logging. This makes it an ideal destination for those interested in understanding the industrial roots of the area.
  8. Museum of History and Industry8

    Museum of History and Industry

     Seattle, WA
    The Museum of History Industry (MOHAI) is a significant historical institution located in the South Lake Union neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. As the largest private heritage organization in the state, it boasts a collection of nearly four million artifacts, photographs, and archival materials. The museum's focus is primarily on the history of Seattle and the greater Puget Sound region, offering visitors a comprehensive look into the area's past.
  9. Washington State History Museum9

    Washington State History Museum

     Tacoma, WA
    The Washington State History Museum is a significant historical institution located in the heart of downtown Tacoma, Washington. It is managed and operated by the Washington State Historical Society, an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history of the state. The museum is easily accessible and offers a wealth of information and exhibits for visitors interested in learning about the history of Washington State.
  10. Cedar Creek Grist Mill10

    Cedar Creek Grist Mill

     Woodland, WA
    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.
  11. Yakima Valley Trolleys Powerhouse Museum11

    Yakima Valley Trolleys Powerhouse Museum

     Yakima, WA
    The Yakima Electric Railway Museum is conveniently located at the intersection of South Third Avenue and Pine Street in Yakima, Washington. This location is easily accessible and provides a great starting point for exploring the rich history of electric railways in the region.
  12. Connections Museum12

    Connections Museum

     Seattle, WA
    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.
  13. 13

    Fort Walla Walla Museum

     Walla Walla, WA
    Fort Walla Walla is a historic United States Army fort located in Walla Walla, Washington. The fort was first established in July 1856 by Lieutenant Colonel Edward Steptoe of the 9th Infantry Regiment. The fort has a rich history, having been occupied and rebuilt several times over the years. Today, it serves as a museum and a park, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.
  14. Working Waterfront Maritime Museum14

    Working Waterfront Maritime Museum

     Tacoma, WA
    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.
  15. United States Naval Undersea Museum15

    United States Naval Undersea Museum

     Keyport, WA
    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.
  16. Spark Museum of Electrical Invention16

    Spark Museum of Electrical Invention

     Bellingham, WA
    The SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention, which was formerly known as the American Museum of Radio and Electricity, is an interactive museum situated in Bellingham, Washington, United States. This museum offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the history and development of electricity and radio, and their impact on human history.
  17. Northern Pacific Railway Museum17

    Northern Pacific Railway Museum

     Toppenish, WA
    The Northern Pacific Railway Museum is a unique railroad museum situated in Toppenish, Washington. It is conveniently located on 10 Asotin Av, making it easily accessible for visitors. The museum offers a fascinating insight into the history and operations of the Northern Pacific Railway, providing an enriching experience for all ages.
  18. Northwest Railway Museum18

    Northwest Railway Museum

     Snoqualmie, WA
    The Northwest Railway Museum, located in Snoqualmie, King County, Washington, is a comprehensive railroad museum that attracts over 130,000 visitors annually. The museum features a heritage railway, a historic depot, an exhibit hall, a library, and a collection care center. These diverse offerings provide a rich and immersive experience for visitors, allowing them to delve into the history and workings of railroads.
  19. Tenino Depot Museum19

    Tenino Depot Museum

     Tenino, WA
    The Tenino Depot Museum is housed in a rectangular building made from local sandstone. The architecture of the depot is a modernized Richardsonian style, characterized by simplified stone coursework and arched windows. This unique architectural style and the use of local materials add to the charm and historical significance of the museum.
  20. Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center20

    Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center

     Wenatchee, WA
    The Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center (WVMCC) is a significant cultural institution located in Wenatchee, Washington. It is home to a diverse collection that includes local and regional history, Native American heritage, and the propeller used in the first trans-Pacific flight. This museum provides a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of the region.
  21. Dupont Historical Museum21

    Dupont Historical Museum

     Dupont, WA
    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.
  22. McChord Air Museum22

    McChord Air Museum

     Tacoma, WA
    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.
  23. Harbor History Museum23

    Harbor History Museum

     Gig Harbor, WA
    The Harbor History Museum, located in Gig Harbor, Washington, is a regional maritime and history museum. It offers a unique insight into the region's culture and history, making it an interesting destination for those who want to learn more about the area's past.
  24. Renton History Museum24

    Renton History Museum

     Renton, WA
    The Renton History Museum, located in the city of Renton in the state of Washington, United States, serves as a repository for objects and archives that are significant to the city. The museum houses a vast collection of items that reflect the history and heritage of Renton, making it a valuable resource for those interested in learning about the city's past.
  25. Lewis Army Museum - U.S. Army Center of Military History25

    Lewis Army Museum - U.S. Army Center of Military History

     North Fort Lewis, WA
    The Lewis Army Museum, located at Joint Base Lewis–McChord in Washington, is a significant military museum housed in the historic Red Shield Inn. This building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and is easily visible from Interstate 5. As a tourist, you can explore the rich military history of the U.S. Army on the West Coast in this unique setting.
  26. 26

    Bellingham Railway Museum

     Bellingham, WA
    The museum offered a comprehensive display of the history of railroad traffic in Bellingham and Whatcom / Skagit Counties, through pictorial and text exhibits. Additionally, it housed a large electric model railroad, an exhibit of railroad lanterns, and a train simulator based on Microsoft Train Simulator software. These interactive exhibits provided an engaging experience for visitors of all ages.