This is the ultimate guide to the top 12 Long Beach Washington Peninsula historical exhibitions. From the Ilwaco, Washington Heritage Center with cultural, artistic, and historical artifacts and exhibits dating back centuries to the curiosity of Jake the Alligator Man at Marsh’s Free Museum, this is a comprehensive list of our favorite historical institutions. Be sure to visit the historical sites while in Long Beach, Wa. (Updated: 11/14/2022)
Best Museums Long Beach Washington
Visit the Top 12 Museums on the Long Beach Washington Coast
1. World Kite Museum and Hall of Fame
303 SW Sid Snyder Drive
Long Beach, WA
The World Kite Foundation in downtown Long Beach Washington is one of the best places to visit for the entire family. It has one of the complete collections of Japanese kites outside of Japan, amongst many other wonderful kites worldwide. From fighting kites to colorful choreography, the history of kites around the globe will delight everyone. See our photos of the kite festivals held the third week of August every year.
2. Cranberry Museum and Demonstration Farm
2907 Pioneer Road
Long Beach, WA
Cranberry harvesting is almost as old as the Long Beach Peninsula itself. Long before pilgrims arrived in 1620, the Native Americans used cranberries with dried deer meat or salmon and melted fat to make a convenience food that could hold for a long time. There is so much to learn about the local customs and history with so little time. For that perfect gift to take home, be sure to stop by the gift shop. This institution is just a short walk from Handy Hangout Vacation Rental, also located on Pioneer Road.
3. Marsh's Free Museum
409 Pacific Ave,
Long Beach, WA
Marsh's is more of a turn-of-the-century curiosity shop housing the world-famous Jake the half-man, half-alligator than a historical archive. Marsh's has delighted visitors for decades with its treasure trove of antiques, curios, vintage photographs, old rifles, swords, drums, and spears, plus much more. The gift shop is one of the best places to buy that one-of-a-kind souvenir. This is a must-see for travelers on a budget or families with children. Marsh's is steps from all of our downtown Long Beach WA homes.
4. Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
244 Robert Gray Drive
Ilwaco, WA
This is a fabulous center and a must-stop for family fun on the Long Beach Washington Peninsula. Located high above the ocean surf with breathtaking ocean and lighthouse views, there is likely no better view on all of the Washington Coast. If you only have time for one educational stop, this is it. There is a short 1/2 mile hike to the historic Cape Disappointment Lighthouse, past Dead Man's Hollow, and up a short steep hill to the lighthouse. The lighthouses are within two miles our Seaview Vacation Rentals.
5. COLUMBIA RIVER MARITIME MUSEUM
1792 Marine Drive
Astoria, Oregon
The family-fun and kid-friendly Columbia River Maritime Center is located in Astoria, Oregon, right across the Columbia River and about a 20-minute drive from Long Beach, Washington. This fabulous institution explores the Columbia River's history, from the days of dugout canoes to exemplary exhibits of coast guard rescue missions. The Mouth of the Columbia River is one of the most dangerous passages globally, and this renowned maritime gallery is not to be missed.
6. COLUMBIA PACIFIC HERITAGE MUSEUM
115 Lake St SE
Ilwaco, WA 98624
The Columbia Pacific Heritage Center highlights the Columbia Pacific region's history with a collection of over 23,000 artifacts, photos, and historical objects. It is open Tuesdays through Saturdays. There is no better place to visit if you are serious about learning more about the local history of the Long Beach Washington Peninsula. Also, see our Historical Sites and Attractions.
7. FORT COLUMBIA INTERPRETIVE CENTER
Fort Columbia
Chinook, Washington
The Fort Columbia Interpretive Center focuses on the fur trade, military community, and exploration of the Columbia. This interpretive center is only open in the summer, but you can visit Fort Columbia Historic State Park any time of the year. This is a family-fun place to visit, and children especially love exploring the old World War II bunkers.
8. APPELO ARCHIVES CENTER
1056 State Route 4
Naselle, WA 98638
The archive center is home to displays of the area’s history and heritage. Inside is a genealogy corner, a library, and an extensive collection of Finnish books. You can also cozy up in their cafe and bookstore with a hot coffee.
9. PACIFIC COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
1008 W Robert Bush Drive
South Bend WA, 98586
11:00 to 4:00 PM Daily
The historical society's collection and archives showcase Pacific County's history. In addition, this foundation has several exhibits and unique artifacts in South Bend (a great place to stop on your way to Long Beach, Washington, from Seattle). A bookstore also emphasizes Washington and local history and several local products.
10. NORTHWEST CARRIAGE MUSEUM
314 Alder Street
Raymond, WA 98577
Open 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
The Carriage wants you to get "carried away" with over 50 historic carriages, buggies, and wagons (and counting!) and interesting artifacts on display. They do group tours as well as educational tours. This museum makes a great stop from Seattle, WA, to the Long Beach Peninsula.
11. KNAPPTON COVE HERITAGE CENTER
521 WA State Rte 401
Naselle WA
Carefully preserved and full of fascinating artifacts from another era, Knappton Cove was once the US Columbia River Quarantine Station, the Columbia River’s “Ellis Island.” Check their season schedule or call to set an appointment.
12. WILLAPA BAY INTERPRETIVE CENTER
3311 275th St
Ocean Park, Washington
Once home to an oyster grower and his family, this interpretive center offers a glimpse into Willapa Bay's oyster industry's history, now almost 150 years old. Artist Nancy Lloyd of Oysterville created the display.