All ethnology museums to visit in Washington state

Explore the cultural diversity and heritage at 21 ethnology museums in Washington state. These museums offer insights into the traditions, customs, and ways of life of various communities.

Are you interested in learning about different cultures and their histories? Here are the ethnology museums to visit in Washington state:

  1. Wing Luke Asian Museum1

    Wing Luke Asian Museum

     Seattle, WA
    The Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience, located in Seattle, Washington, is a history museum that emphasizes the culture, art, and history of Asian Pacific Americans. This unique institution provides a comprehensive look into the rich and diverse heritage of Asian Pacific Americans, making it a valuable destination for those interested in understanding and appreciating this significant aspect of American history and culture.
  2. Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture2

    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.
  3. Fort Simcoe Historical State Park3

    Fort Simcoe Historical State Park

     White Swan, WA
    Today, the site and its remaining buildings are preserved as the Fort Simcoe Historical State Park. The park is situated eight miles west of modern White Swan, Washington, nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains and near the base of the Simcoe Mountains. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the historical site while enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
  4. Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center4

    Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center

     Seattle, WA
    The Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center is a significant Native American cultural center situated in Seattle, Washington. It is nestled within the expansive 20 acres of Seattle's Discovery Park, in the Magnolia neighborhood. The center serves as an urban base for Native Americans in the Seattle area, providing a space for cultural activities, education, and art.
  5. Wing Luke Museum5

    Wing Luke Museum

     Seattle, WA
    The Wing Luke Museum, located in Seattle, Washington, is a unique institution that concentrates on the culture, art, and history of Asian Pacific Americans. As the only pan-Asian Pacific American community-based museum in the country, it offers a unique perspective on the diverse experiences and contributions of these communities in the United States.
  6. National Nordic Museum6

    National Nordic Museum

     Seattle, WA
    The National Nordic Museum, nestled in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, serves as a testament to Nordic history, art, culture, and the heritage of the area's Nordic immigrants. Founded in 1980, the museum has undergone several transformations, moving into a purpose-built facility in 2018 and gaining national designation in 2019. The museum's mission is to share Nordic culture with people of all ages and backgrounds, making it a fascinating destination for tourists interested in Nordic heritage.
  7. Makah Museum7

    Makah Museum

     Neah Bay, WA
    The Makah Museum, also known as the Makah Cultural and Research Center, is a significant archaeological and anthropological museum situated on the Makah Indian reservation in Neah Bay, Washington. This museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of the Makah people.
  8. Spokane House Interpretive Center8

    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.
  9. Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture9

    Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture

     Spokane, WA
    In addition to its main museum, the MAC also owns and provides tours of the nearby Campbell House. This house, designed by architect Kirtland Cutter in 1898, is included on the National Register of Historic Places listings in Spokane County, Washington. A visit to the Campbell House offers a glimpse into the past and complements the museum experience.
  10. Yakima Valley Museum10

    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.
  11. Lewis County Historical Museum11

    Lewis County Historical Museum

     Chehalis, WA
    Chehalis is a city located in the southwest of Washington state, United States. It serves as the county seat of Lewis County, making it a significant administrative center in the region. The city's name, Chehalis, is derived from a Native American word meaning 'moving, shimmering sand'.
  12. North Clark Historical Museum12

    North Clark Historical Museum

     Amboy, WA
    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.
  13. Clark County Historical Museum13

    Clark County Historical Museum

     Vancouver, WA
    The Clark County Historical Museum, situated in the historic 1909 Carnegie library, is managed by the Clark County Historical Society, which was founded in 1917. This museum is a testament to the rich history of the region and offers a unique insight into the past. The building itself is a piece of history, adding to the overall experience of the museum visit.
  14. Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center14

    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.
  15. White River Valley Museum15

    White River Valley Museum

     Auburn, WA
    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.
  16. Lelooska Museum16

    Lelooska Museum

     Amboy, WA
    The Lelooska Museum is a cultural institution located in Ariel, Washington, United States. It is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the Native American Kwakwaka'wakw (Kwakiutl) culture. The museum offers a unique opportunity to learn about and appreciate the rich history and traditions of the Kwakwaka'wakw people.
  17. Fort Okanogan Interpretive Center17

    Fort Okanogan Interpretive Center

     Brewster, WA
    Fort Okanogan, also known as Fort Okanagan, was a trading post located in Okanogan County in the present-day US state of Washington. The fort was named after the Okanogan Indian tribe, reflecting the rich cultural history of the area.
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    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.
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    Eastside Heritage Center

     Bellevue, WA
    The Eastside Heritage Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and educating about the history of the Eastside of King County in Washington state. It was established with the aim of conserving the historical heritage of the region and providing educational resources to the public. The center is based in Bellevue, Washington, and is recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization.
  20. 20

    Suquamish Museum

     Suquamish, WA
    The Suquamish Museum is a significant cultural institution that preserves and displays a wide range of relics and records related to the Suquamish Tribe. These include artifacts from the Old Man House and the Baba'kwob site, providing a rich insight into the tribe's history and culture. Visitors to the museum can expect to see a variety of exhibits showcasing these artifacts, offering a unique opportunity to learn about the Suquamish Tribe's past.
  21. 21

    Quilcene Historical Museum

     Quilcene, WA
    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.