The Coast Region

The Polson Museum - Housed in the 26 room 1924 mansion of timber heir Arnold Polson, the Polson Museum collects, preserves and exhibits the written, photographic and artifactual history of Grays Harbor and its surrounding communities.

Ilwaco Heritage Museum - The museum facility encompasses four thematic galleries, the former depot of the Ilwaco Railroad and Navigation Company Ilwaco, several courtyard displays (including a IR&N narrow gauge Pullman Palace car dating back to 1890), a spacious art gallery, a research library, and meeting room.

World Kite Museum and Hall of Fame - During the the existence of the Kite Museum their collection of kites from around the world has increased to over 1300 kites. There are several activities for kids and lots of interesting information for all ages. The Hall of Fame pays special tribute to the people who participated in the history of the kite.

Pacific Coast Cranberry Research Foundation Museum - Visit the Museum and learn both the history of this garnet colored berry as well as key phases of the industry from bog preparation and planting to marketing cranberry products. Enjoy an aromatic gift shop and take home one of many unique cranberry products available.

Westport Maritime Museum - built in 1939 to serve as the Coast Guard's Lifeboat Station, Grays Harbor. The Colonial Revival structure served in that role until 1972 when a new station was built several blocks to the South. The Maritime Museum opened in the 1939 building in 1985. Exhibits include the Coast Guard on the South Beach, Cranberry Growing, Waterfowling, Whales and Whaling and more.

Marsh's Free Museum - If you want to see a shrunken head (one of three authentic specimens on the West Coast), or a complete human skeleton (found in a closet here on the Coast), Marsh's is the place to visit. From the bizarre; a two headed calf or an eight legged lamb...to the old and unusual if you haven't seen it at Marsh's, then, you haven't stayed long enough.

Whale Watching in Westport - Here is a great opportunity to see the California Gray Whale. The charter offices in Westport, Washington offer whale watching trips every spring. All the charter boats in Westport are Coast Guard certified, and have licensed crews. These trips are very economical and enjoyable for all ages.

Lady Washington - The Lady Washington is a replica of the ship sailed by Capt Gray in 1787 when many of the first discoveries of the Washington coast were made. Tour the ship or take a sail along the Pacific Coast.

Museum of the North Beach - This museum features artifacts and displays on all of the North Beach area. Exhibits include photographs, newspapers, Northern Pacific Railroad memorabilia, Quinault Indian artifacts, and much more.

Northwest Carriage Museum - The only museum of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. The museum holds over 20 elegant horse drawn carriages, buggies and sleighs from the late 19th century. Experience first hand how our forefathers commuted across town or across the continent. These early means of transportation will take you back to those times as you stroll through the museum.

Furford Cranberry Museum - Explore the history of the Cranberry Coast at the Furford Cranberry Museum. Introduced to settlers by local Native Americans, the tasty cranberry is grown and harvested in the colorful bogs of the Southwest Washington coast. The museum is open on request. Please call (360) 267-3303 or (360) 267-5403.