All war museums to visit in Washington state

Explore the history and impact of conflicts at 22 war museums in Washington state. These museums offer insights into military history, strategies, and the human experiences of war.

Are you interested in military history? These are the must-visit war museums in Washington state:

  1. USS Turner Joy1

    USS Turner Joy

     Bremerton, WA
    The USS Turner Joy (DD-951) is a significant part of the United States Navy's history. Commissioned in 1959, this Forrest Sherman-class destroyer served its entire career in the Pacific. It played a crucial role in the Vietnam War and was one of the main ships involved in the Gulf of Tonkin incident. Today, it stands as a museum ship in Bremerton, Washington, offering visitors a glimpse into its storied past.
  2. Uss Turner Joy2

    Uss Turner Joy

     Bremerton, WA
    One of the most notable events in the USS Turner Joy's history is its involvement in the Gulf of Tonkin incident in 1964. This event marked a significant turning point in the Vietnam War, leading to the United States' official entry into the conflict. Visitors to the museum ship can learn more about this pivotal event and the role the USS Turner Joy played in it.
  3. San Juan Island National Historical Park3

    San Juan Island National Historical Park

     Friday Harbor, WA
    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.
  4. Fort Worden Historical State Park4

    Fort Worden Historical State Park

     Port Townsend, WA
    Fort Worden, located in Washington State, was a significant coastal fortification of the US Army. Its primary purpose was to safeguard the Admiralty Inlet, which is the main access point to Puget Sound and the naval port in Bremerton, established in 1891. This historical site offers a glimpse into the military history of the region and the strategic importance of the location.
  5. Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum5

    Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum

     Everett, WA
    The Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum (FHCAM) is a unique destination for tourists interested in military aviation and World War II history. Located at Paine Field Airport in Everett, Washington, USA, this private museum offers a comprehensive collection of military aircraft and war artifacts. It provides an immersive experience into the world of aviation and the significant events of the Second World War.
  6. Fort Steilacoom6

    Fort Steilacoom

     Lakewood, WA
    Fort Steilacoom, founded by the U.S. Army in 1849 near Lake Steilacoom, holds historical significance as one of the first military fortifications built by the U.S. north of the Columbia River in what was to become the State of Washington. This historical context provides a glimpse into the early military history of the region.
  7. Fort Columbia State Park7

    Fort Columbia State Park

     Chinook, WA
    Battery Ord Fort Columbia Historical State Park is a significant location in Chinook, Washington. Covering an area of 240 acres, the state park includes the grounds of the historic coastal fortification known as Fort Columbia. This fort was a crucial part of the coastal defense system at the mouth of the Columbia River, alongside Fort Stevens and Fort Canby.
  8. Fort Simcoe Historical State Park8

    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.
  9. Washington National Guard Museum9

    Washington National Guard Museum

     Tacoma, WA
    The Washington National Guard Museum, also referred to as The Arsenal Museum, is a military museum dedicated to the Washington National Guard. It provides a comprehensive overview of the history and contributions of the Washington National Guard, making it a significant destination for those interested in military history.
  10. Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden10

    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.
  11. Pearson Air Museum11

    Pearson Air Museum

     Vancouver, WA
    The Pearson Air Museum is an aviation museum located at Pearson Field in Vancouver, Washington, USA. It offers a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the rich history of aviation tied to Pearson Field and Vancouver Barracks. Managed by the National Park Service, the museum is part of the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.
  12. Reach Museum12

    Reach Museum

     Richland, WA
    The Reach Museum, also known as the Hanford Reach Interpretive Center, is a museum and visitor center for Hanford Reach National Monument located in Richland, Washington. It serves as a hub for visitors to learn about the cultural, natural, and scientific history of the Hanford Reach and Columbia Basin area. The museum also promotes tourism in the region.
  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. United States Naval Undersea Museum14

    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.
  15. Spokane House Interpretive Center15

    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.
  16. Coast Guard Museum Northwest16

    Coast Guard Museum Northwest

     Seattle, WA
    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.
  17. Puget Sound Navy Museum17

    Puget Sound Navy Museum

     Bremerton, WA
    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.
  18. Fort Flagler Historical State Park18

    Fort Flagler Historical State Park

     Marrowstone, WA
    Fort Flagler Historical State Park is a significant historical site located in Washington. It is situated 13 kilometers northeast of Port Hadlock in Jefferson County. The park is on the grounds of the former US coastal fort, Fort Flagler, which adds to its historical significance. The park's location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the history of the area while enjoying the natural beauty of the surroundings.
  19. Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center19

    Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center

     Ilwaco, WA
    Cape Disappointment State Park, previously known as Fort Canby State Park, is a public recreational area situated to the southwest of Ilwaco, Washington. This park is located at the northern headlands where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. It offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it a fascinating destination for visitors.
  20. Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum20

    Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum

     Mukilteo, WA
    The Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum (FHCAM) is a unique destination for tourists interested in military aviation and World War II history. Located at Paine Field Airport in Everett, Washington, this private museum offers a comprehensive collection of military aircraft and war artifacts.
  21. Lewis Army Museum - U.S. Army Center of Military History21

    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.
  22. 22

    Spokane Valley Heritage Museum

     Spokane Valley, WA
    The Spokane Valley Heritage Museum is situated in Spokane Valley, Washington. It is housed within the historic Opportunity Township Hall, a building that holds significant historical value and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This location adds an extra layer of historical depth to the museum, making it a unique destination for those interested in the region's past.