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Washington State History Museum

1911 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402
888-238-4373; 253-272-9747
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Ranked #7 of 30 attractions in Tacoma
Type: History Museums, Museums, Parks
Description: History museum full of informative displays and artifacts on the history of Washington state.
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53 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    31
    14
    6
    2
    0
Date Rating
Olympia, Washington
Top Contributor
121 reviews 121 reviews
24 attraction reviews
Reviews in 44 cities Reviews in 44 cities
371 helpful votes 371 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2013

Well organized exhibits with interesting facts to help one understand how Washington was put together - a challenging effort for sure. Good site for history buffs, lots of walking, wear comfortable shoes - there's more to see, too, adjacent to the Museum

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
CA
Senior Contributor
38 reviews 38 reviews
12 attraction reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 April 2013

This gave Californians a great overview of Washington History. The talking exhibits all seemed to work and had short speeches that were worth listening to (usually I walk away after a sentence or two, but these were good). The interactive activities and the model train are great for kids. It isn't a big museum, but we enjoyed our visit. It... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 2 more reviews by Knansea for Tacoma
Federal Way, Washington
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 April 2013

It's a lovely, tranquil place to spend a couple hours for history buffs and for kids ages four to 14. Its Washington Hall of History has many elaborate, realistic walk-through dioramas with life-size figures that talk about their time and place in history. The 1,800-square-foot model railroad diorama on the top floor shouldn't be missed. Built and maintained by the... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Lexington, Virginia
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 April 2013

Educational and fun. Sorry magda nieves isn't still running ed. department, but she's left her mark.

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See 2 more reviews by DeborahM711 for Tacoma
Spokane Valley, Washington
Top Contributor
55 reviews 55 reviews
23 attraction reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 March 2013

What was there was well presented but we found that much of the state was not represented. This is a great place to take school children and should be a required field trip for every student in the state.

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See 3 more reviews by Marcia S for Tacoma
Silver Spring, Maryland
Top Contributor
412 reviews 412 reviews
133 attraction reviews
Reviews in 162 cities Reviews in 162 cities
143 helpful votes 143 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 March 2013

The Washington State History Museum has a nice collection of exhibits about the forces that created Washington State, its industries, and its people. It's pretty much what I expect of a state history museum. Lots of stuff on mining and logging. It does have a spectacular model train exhibit recreating a slice of the state. There was a temporary exhibit... More

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See 7 more reviews by areview28 for Tacoma
Franklin, Tennessee
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 February 2013

This museum is well stocked with artifacts, interactive exhibits and informative displays. While kids will like the multiple hands-on areas, especially on the 5th floor, there is plenty for adults. I admit to sitting on the seat of the covered wagon after some kids in front of me got off. Having watched westerns on TV growing up, my curiosity insisted.... More

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See 4 more reviews by Beej1207 for Tacoma
Seattle, Washington
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 February 2013 via mobile

Went with my daughters classroom as a field trip, the kids loved it. They set up lots of interactive games that allowed them to search for parts of history while learning and having fun. They have a dress up area and a wagon that is pretty true to life. My daughter already wants to go back!

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Portland, Oregon
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 February 2013

Hands-on, creative and interactive exhibits rival those in any Smithsonian Museum. Fun way to learn about Washington State history, culture and people. I especially liked the tree whose branches were wagons, chairs, toys, door, and other items that are crafted from wood. Combine this museum with a visit to the old Union Station next door to see the spectacular Chilhuly... More

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Olympia, Washington
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 February 2013

My boys love the train exhibit. This museum could be spectacular if they had more money for exhibits, marketing, etc. Be sure to pay for parking if you are in the lot, you will get ticketed.

Was this review helpful? Yes 2

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