Explore Family-Friendly Historical Sites and Museums

Olympia, the capital city of Washington State, offers a range of historical sites and museums that provide insight into the region's history, culture, and heritage. It almost goes without saying, but the Washington State Capitol Campus and it's various attractions is a must on our list. Start at the Legislative Building and make your way over to the Governor's Mansion and the Temple of Justice, enjoying the various memorials and botanical gardens along the way.

Head north off the bluff and you'll find the Bigelow House, one of the oldest residences in Olympia, Washington and home to pioneer lawyer and Territorial Legislator Daniel R. Bigelow and his schoolteacher wife, Ann Elizabeth White. Wander through downtown Olympia to discover historic buildings, public art installations, and murals that depict the city's history and culture. The area has a vibrant arts scene and is home to local galleries and shops.

Stroll along Percival Landing Park, which is located on the shores of Budd Inlet and hop aboard the historic Sandman Tugboat (open most weekends). The park features walking trails, public art, and interpretive signs that provide information about Olympia's maritime history. If you've got young ones in tow, you'll want to be sure to visit the Hand's On Children's Museum - its eight themed galleries create a sense of wonder and delight children who learn about science, technology, engineering, art and math through 150+ hands-on exhibits.

Tumwater, just south of Olympia, is rich in history and offers several historical sites and museums for visitors to explore. Bring the family to share in the nostalgic splendor of aviation heritage at the Olympic Flight Museum. From WWII trainers to jet interceptors, the museum's collection is meticulously maintained and flown on a seasonal basis. They also host an annual air show every year in June.

Stop by the Union Pioneer Calvary Cemetery, associated with the earliest period of Tumwater history. Some of the first permanent American settlers on Puget Sound at Tumwater, such as George and Isabella Bush, and Jesse Ferguson, members of the 1845 settlement party, are interred here. The cemetery is located on Littlerock Road.

Head south to Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls, a natural gem that offers scenic views of the Deschutes River and Tumwater Falls. While it's a beautiful place for outdoor activities like hiking and picnicking, it also provides an opportunity to learn about the history of Tumwater. Interpretive signs and displays throughout the park share information about the early industrial history of the area and the role the falls played in powering early mills.

Continue your exploration of Tumwater's great brewing history with a tour of the historic Schmidt House. Built in 1904 it is a well-preserved example of Colonial Revival architecture. The house offers guided tours that provide insights into the life of Leopold F. Schmidt, founder of the Olympia Brewing Company, his wife, and their six children. The historic Crosby House dates from ca. 1860 and was built by Nathaniel Crosby III. It overlooks the Tumwater Historical Park which displays a rich collection of riverine plants and natural habitat along the Deschutes River.

Lacey offers several historical sites and museums that provide insights into the region's past and heritage.

The Lacey Museum tells vibrant stories of Lacey and the South Sound’s past through exhibits, guided tours and walks, history talks, programs and more. Discover a wealth of information and thousands of historic photographs to help you in your own interest and research. Located in the heart of Lacey’s historic neighborhood, discover Lacey’s surprising and fascinating past in the charming 1928 Russell House, once a residence, fire station, and Lacey’s first City Hall.

Constructed prior to the Civil War in 1859, the Jacob Smith House is the oldest home in Lacey and one of the oldest residences in Thurston County. The Greek Revival-style structure, with its signature square water tower, is located in Lacey Corporate Center at 4500 Intelco Loop, SE. The house, situated on the crest of a small hill with a commanding view of Mt. Rainier, was the centerpiece of a prosperous 440-acre spread where Jacob Smith and his wife Priscilla raised seven children, wheat, and a large number of sheep.

While not a museum in the traditional sense, Saint Martin's University has a rich history and beautiful campus that's worth exploring. The university, founded in 1895, has several historic buildings, including Old Main, which dates back to the early 20th century.

Just outside the hustle and bustle of our larger communities lies the Thurston Bountiful Byway and loads of historical spots to visit. To get started, head south from Lacey to Yelm where you'll discover the historic Yelm Water Tower. Built in 1946 by the iconic Chicago Bridge and Iron (they also built the iconic Warner Brothers water tower in CA), the 125 foot tower is sometimes referred to as the "tin man" because of its shape and conical roof. Recently restored and the only such water tower on Washington's Historic Register, the tower is lit every Christmas and becomes a vibrant beacon for everyone in the community to enjoy. Set out on the Yelm-Rainier-Tenino Trail, a former rail line, which offers a scenic route for walking and biking. Along the trail you may come across interpretive signs or markers that share information about the region's history and its role in the railroad era.

Continue along the Byway to the tiny town of Rainier and visit the Rainier Veteran's Memorial Park, dedicated to the service of all veterans. The Rainier Historical Church was built in 1896 by brothers Albert, Theodore, and Paul Gehrke and was originally used as a second school as well as a church. In 2007, it became the first of Rainier's historic structures listed on the Washington State Heritage Register.

Tenino got its start when an entrepreneurial pioneer traveled across the country in search of open space and opportunity. It quickly grew into a boomtown in the late 19th century thanks to its supply of sandstone, a resource that was exported to Seattle and San Francisco following those cities’ devastating fires. The Tenino Quarry Pool was originally a working sandstone quarry in the late 1800's and is now a low-cost, family-friendly recreation spot for all to enjoy (currently under construction in the summer of 2023, please check the link for current hours). Connect with the past by taking a self guided tour of Tenino’s sandstone buildings, including the State Bank of Tenino, Tenino City Hall, the Tenino Depot Museum, and what’s left of the original quarry house. Pop in for a visit with the Tenino Stone Carvers and get a first-hand look into how they're keeping the tradition of stone carving alive.

Heading west along the Byway, you'll find Grand Mound and the site of Fort Henness, built and occupied by pioneers during the Indian War of 1855-56. Grand Mound is home to the Chehalis Tribe, Salish-speaking people who lived along the Chehalis River, receiving a bounty of salmon and other river-based sustenance. Today, the Tribe operates thriving enterprises such as the Lucky Eagle Casino and Talking Cedar Brewery and Distillery, the first of its kind in Washington to successfully lobby Congress in 2018 to repeal the Andrew Jackson-era statute that prohibited distilling on native tribal lands.

Small but mighty, Rochester packs in history and happenings. This little town has deep roots in its Native, pioneer and Scandinavian past. Gate City Schoolhouse, built in 1910, has been maintained and supported by The Gate Community Club since 1944, preserving the original slate blackboards, straight-grain fir flooring which was milled at the Bordeaux Lumber Mill and the original school bell still rings through the area. A maternal nesting bat colony lives in the belfry and can be seen at dusk as hundreds of bats fly out to forage. Swede Hall, built in 1939, is a thriving historical event center featuring Sunday dances and the annual Swede Day event.