By Amy Jones, Ensemble Contributor
Here in Western Washington, we’re surrounded by some of the nation’s most renowned art museums—Seattle Art Museum (SAM), Chihuly Garden and Glass, and the Seattle Asian Art Museum, to name just a few. However, tucked away in Seattle and the surrounding region are some of the quirkiest, most delightful museums that cater to niche interests and eccentric tastes. From rubber chickens to haunted dolls, these hidden gems are perfect for satisfying peculiar curiosities, entertaining the kids, or simply exploring places you never knew existed.
Here’s a list of small, unique museums and exhibits in and around Seattle that promise both learning and laughs.
The Seattle Pinball Museum
Why just admire exhibits when you can play them? The Seattle Pinball Museum invites visitors to challenge each other on a vast collection of pinball machines, ranging from vintage models dating back to 1934 to modern iterations. Whether you're a pinball wizard or just want to show your kids the joy of tactile gaming (because it didn’t start with "Grand Theft Auto"), this interactive museum is a must-visit. And yes, you can actually play all the games! Bonus: Free admission for all visitors.
Location: International District, Seattle
The Nutcracker Museum, Leavenworth
Ever thought about the engineering behind cracking a nut? At the Nutcracker Museum in Leavenworth, you’ll find more than 9,000 nutcrackers from all over the world. From percussion and pressure mechanisms to beautifully crafted folk-art pieces, this museum offers a surprisingly fascinating glimpse into the variety and creativity of nutcrackers. You'll walk away with a newfound appreciation for these often-overlooked tools of ingenuity.
Location: Leavenworth, WA
The Telephone Museum, Cle Elum
Step into the past at the Cle Elum Telephone Museum, which houses the oldest complete collection of telephone technology west of the Mississippi. Covering telephone history from 1876 to 1970, this museum takes you through the evolution of communication, including Cle Elum's own distinction as one of the last places in the U.S. to use a manual switchboard. Don't be surprised if you find yourself reflecting on the humble landline, which may one day be an exhibit in itself.
Location: Cle Elum, WA
Free admission.
The Archie McPhee Rubber Chicken Museum, Seattle
For a blend of whimsy and absurdity, head to the Archie McPhee Rubber Chicken Museum. Hidden within the iconic Archie McPhee toy store, this quirky museum is dedicated to the hilarity of the rubber chicken. It asks serious questions like, “Why is the rubber chicken so funny?” After exploring the absurd exhibits, don’t miss the chance to snap a selfie with the world’s largest rubber chicken. It’s a silly yet strangely profound experience you won’t want to miss.
Location: Wallingford, Seattle
Free admission.
The Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum, Tacoma
History buffs will love the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum. As one of the largest private manuscript collections in the United States, it houses a treasure trove of historical documents. Highlights include Charles Darwin’s original writings on science and religion, a handwritten draft of the opera "Madame Butterfly," and the logbook from the Enola Gay, the plane that dropped the first atomic bomb. It’s a fascinating dive into history, and even better—there’s no admission fee.
Location: Tacoma, WA
Free admission.
The McSteven’s Chocolate Factory Museum, Vancouver
For chocolate lovers and collectors alike, the McSteven’s Chocolate Factory Museum offers a charming experience. Nestled within the chocolate factory, this museum showcases an extensive and nostalgic collection of antique cocoa tins from around the world. Not only will you explore the history of cocoa packaging, but you can also sip on some delicious samples as you browse. It’s a sweet and delightful experience for all ages.
Location: Vancouver, WA
Free admission.
The World-Famous Giant Shoe Museum, Seattle
It’s not a department store, but it’s definitely worth your quarters! The World-Famous Giant Shoe Museum in Pike Place Market features a collection of extraordinary oversized shoes, including the size 37 shoe of Robert Wadlow, the tallest man in recorded history. Peek into the viewing machines after dropping a coin and marvel at these massive shoes—an amusing and unexpected part of your Pike Place experience.
Location: Pike Place Market, Seattle
The Museum of Curious Things, Pier 54, Seattle
Step into a world of oddities at the Museum of Curious Things, housed in a vintage 27-foot Airstream trailer parked at Pier 54. This traveling museum offers an array of peculiar artifacts, from taxidermy and cryptozoological specimens to cultural oddities and strange historical artifacts, including George Washington's death announcement and a mummified cat. If you're looking to host an unforgettable party, the museum can even come to you!
Location: Pier 54, Seattle
The Seattle Death Museum
For those fascinated by the macabre, the Seattle Death Museum offers exhibits on funeral customs, embalming practices, and death masks. Part of the "Spooked in Seattle" tour, this small but intense museum is also home to postmortem photos, authentic mummy wrappings, and haunted dolls. Founder and paranormal investigator Ross Allison has created an experience that's eerie, educational, and strangely compelling.
Location: Pioneer Square, Seattle
And Farther Afield…
The Washington State Ski and Snowboard Museum, Snoqualmie Pass
For winter sports enthusiasts, the Washington State Ski and Snowboard Museum celebrates the state's deep connection to skiing and snowboarding, with special attention to its roots in Norwegian immigrant culture. Learn about the evolution of winter sports in Washington through artifacts, photos, and stories of legendary athletes. A must-visit if you’re on your way to hit the slopes!
Location: Snoqualmie Pass
Free admission.
White Bluffs Quilt Museum, Richland
If you're a fan of textile arts, make the trek to Richland for the White Bluffs Quilt Museum. This museum serves as a center for quilting, weaving, spinning, and basketry, preserving traditional crafts and hosting rotating exhibits of stunning quilts. It’s not only a celebration of artistry but also a hub for the quilting community, offering classes and a lending library for enthusiasts.
Location: Richland, WA
Final Thoughts
Whether you're a local or just visiting, these unique museums in and around Seattle provide a refreshing break from the usual cultural fare. From quirky collections of rubber chickens to historical manuscripts and giant shoes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Many of these museums offer free admission, making them accessible for families, curious explorers, and those seeking a bit of unusual fun.
So, the next time you’re in the mood for something offbeat, take a detour to one of these quirky destinations. You’ll leave with stories to tell and maybe even a selfie with a giant chicken!
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