Washington State History Museum
About This Museum
People come here to our museum for all sorts of reasons—maybe their great-grandparents homesteaded out near Walla Walla, or they just have a soft spot for the rumble of a steam locomotive. You can easily lose an hour just watching the magnificent model railroad, where tiny trains weave through a miniature landscape of our state's timber and towns. But it's the stories that really stick with you, from the coastal tribes who've called this place home since time immemorial to the boom-and-bust tales of our industries. By the time you leave, you get the sense that Washington's history isn't just in books; it's a living, breathing thing.
Collection Highlights
The massive, mesmerizing model railroad layout is a star attraction, but don't miss the powerful exhibits on Native American cultures and the personal stories from Washington's labor and industrial past.
Visitor Information
You'll find us right down on Pacific Avenue in Tacoma, tucked next to Union Station—it's hard to miss the grand architecture. Parking's not too bad, and it's a perfect rainy-day activity for the whole family.
Architecture & Building
A handsome, modern brick and stone building designed to complement the beautiful historic Union Station next door, with a grand arched entrance that welcomes you right in.
Contact & Location
Address: Washington State History Museum, 1911, Pacific Avenue, Downtown Tacoma, Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington, 98402, United States
Phone: +1 253-272-3500
Website: Visit Website
