I love to ️ explore history museums.I love the model rail.Lots of other exhibits are very interesting.Migrants and their history, old suitcases old shoes etc are interesting.Third Thursday 5 - 8 pm is FREE .

Excellent museum. Exhibits are one way and ones involving touch are blocked off, but still lots to see. Dont miss the amazing train display on top floor

We take our kids here a few times a year. The museum recently updated a large section on the first floor. Most of the exhibits are hands on and are interactive for younger kids. Our kids were engaged and curious about most of the displays. We did a treasure hunt during our visit. If you get a chance, check out the model train set upstairs its really impressive. There is parking located right off Pacific Ave so its a short walk to the entrance.

Always a fan of the history museum. I love the artwork on display currently for horizon and love the McNeil exhibit. You should definitely check it out before its gone! If you miss it the amazing train display has been there as long as Ive been in Tacoma. The detail and visual history is great.

Oh my, besides the sad Virus constrictions, there was alot to learn and see !

Museums in general are very interesting, educational, and fun. To all the children staying home due to Coronavirus, and home schooled children, make a visit to this museum and call it interactive education experience.

Entry fee is a bit steep. $14 for one adult. This is more a history museum. I feel that history should not be this expensive. But, is worth it. The museum is very well maintained. A good amount of history from the history of this place and the people who inhabited it. Got to see some remains of pre historic animals who had roamed this place in the past. A lot of history is told with respect to the indians who used to live here. The dress that they wore, their language, their livelihood. Good to know that some of them are still alive. Three first floor is good with lots of information. The third floor was not impressive. Wonder why a history museum has details of people who lived in prisons and the crimes they committed. This is not something to be proud about and to be shown to kids. They should not be made famous.

We had a good time and learned a lot. However elevator was broken down not good with stroller and disabled people.

The train layout is the best exhibit. I loved it!

The Washington State History Museum is about the history of Washington State and relation to the Pacific Northwest with artifacts from Womens Suffrage, Industrialization, Native American Tribes and items such as Clovis Points. Washington State History Museum is located in downtown Tacoma, easy to find, lots of great local exhibits also with several interactive exhibits. Check out the Washington State History Museum on your next visit to Tacoma. #localguides

Fun place to visit for families with school age kids and it worked well for me and my 3 and 6 year old. Lots to see and learn. Being newer to the area its a worthwhile place to visit just so you can learn more about the people that first called this place home, native and non-native, that eventually brought most of us.

We always enjoy our visits and the kids learn something new each time about Washington as we do a few exhibits on the main floor each time before visiting the rotating/temporary exhibits. Exhibits are beautiful and more interactive ones are being added.Definitely more enjoyable for the 8 and older crowd. Toddlers will definitely enjoy the annual Model Train Exhibit.4/5 vs. 5/5 as the bathroom sinks dont work on a consistent basis. Seems like something that should be working..

DO make a point to go when they have the annual train show. They do a really good job of putting the model trains on display and explaining them all to spectators. My boys love model trains so it was a treat. The train simulator is also a really cool activity. This year they have some really interesting cultural exhibits also and have a room downstairs where the kids can build with legos!

We spent several hours at the museum which is not nearly enough! Plenty of great space. My favorite displays were the early industries and the model railroad. We will becoming back ready to absorb more!

Amazing experience. We spent 3 hours and it was worth every penny. I hope they keep coming with new exhibits ideas.

CA Baydestrian Review: I love love love this museum! I visited this museum by myself and learned so much! I hadnt realized that Washingtons history was so similar to CAs! I love the interactiveness of the museum and the fact that no space is wasted! The gift shop was AMAZING and had a good range of affordable to expensive gifts. The employees were so sweet and the customers I encountered there were so courteous. Id love to come again with family in the future.

I took my sons to see the Men of Change Exhibit. My God what an exhibit. My 2 sons came out of there just excited to know that there are black men

Nice museum that is updated regularly. The bottom floor has lots of good information about the history of Washington. The upper floor is more geared for children, theres a nice display of model trains and lots of interactive things for kids to do.

Really expansive and informative at a bargain with volunteers that obviously care a great deal about preserving history

It was a very nice and peaceful stroll. Loved some of the exhibits that you could interact with.

Really enjoyed the interactive exhibits, hubby wanted to see the prison exhibit really gave an awesome history of the area and interests we came for. Stairs to go up but also elevators available for those less able. This is important to me as my knee does act up and sometimes I am not able to go up long flight for stairs. Really good Interactive exhibits around the airplane building exhibits and the logging industry to name but a few interesting areas to check out. Love the model train exhibit multiple tracks multiple models nicely done.

Half the exhibits are unoperable but the price remains the same.

This museum is modern and spectacular. I highly recommend this for the family...lots to do and lots of interesting things to learn. Its huge...I could spend several days here!

So worth while, you will not regret stopping here. Great displays and stories about the culture and history of the early settlers, many things to surprise and delight. Also dont miss the model railroad display on the 5th floor, so many great details!!!

I had skipped this museum for the first three years I lived here. Im sorry I waited so long. Its a good collection of exhibits and artifacts explaining how Washington came to be what it is today. There are also exhibits that are limited run, like the LBD (Little Black Dress) display and the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter images. Giving it a point off because some of the interactive displays were not working correctly. This museum pairs well with the MOHAI (Museum of History and Industry) in Seattle.

This place is pretty cool. They have a model train area that is really cool. The building is pretty awesome. A lot of the history exhibits are interactive which is pretty cool. 4 stars because some of it was boring.

We went to a free event to see the Men of Power, very moving exhibit. This museum is beautiful and I love how close it is to the sites of Tacoma.

Got married here in 2015 and it was a great venue! Staff were super amazing at meeting our needs, and all-in-all, it made my wedding historic!Guests were even allowed to tour the museum after the reception which was cool.

Went on a school field trip. Enjoyed this trip. Took 1 point off because some of the sound features such as during the industrial age were difficult to hear and because I didnt understand how to go in order by time. I especially loved the exhibit where there were personal experiences with the shoes. I did cry. If this helped you, please consider hitting the thumbs up button.

It was so fantastic to go to the History Museum. They provided a plethora of information that was geared not only towards adults teens adolescence but as well as toddlers. Many of the exhibits were Hands-On which meant that kids could touch-and-feel items that they would normally not be able to do in another Museum. It was not just history but also the evolution of life itself in the state.

Very nicely set up. Kept the kids interest. We learned a lot. Always something different every time we come.

Love this place and the changing exbits. Low income people with ebt card can get their families in for $ 2 .00 a family. Its wonderful that they do that so everyone can enjoy this place.

Excellent spot for a rainy day in Tacoma! Learned quite a bit about Washington. Very well laid out museum.

Great place! Love the exhibits, my kids had a good time learning our States history, too.

A great museum. In the heart of Tacoma. Lots of activities and things to see. I wish the would have kept the museum store.

A hands on experience. My youngest loves it!!

Had a great time with the family! I really enjoyed the LBD (Little Black Dress) exhibit! Beautiful! Can’t wait to go back.

Fantastic place with so much to see, read, and learn! I have always enjoyed spending time here! There was a toy exhibit upon our visit.

When I visit new places I like to learn about the history and I enjoy museums. This one disappointed me because they didn’t have a good state overview or timeline. IMO it was a collection of random vignettes with no good introduction as to what they were for in most cases. They did a good job though of throwing around shame and guilt. Wish I would have gone to the glass museum on my extended lunch break. Overall I enjoyed my short time in the SeaTac area.

The museum district is worthwhile to hang out in. Went to this one 10 years ago and not much has changed. Seaport museum still my favorite if you only can do one.

We are here visiting from the state of Tennessee and got to go to the museum. Very educational and history filled. Will go visit again next time we are here.

This was a fun place for a conference reception. The cayering was great. Concrete made it hard to hear the mayors speech, but everything else was excellent.

I had a lot of fun and brought my wife, daughter and our friend. Lots of cool information and a really cool rotating exhibit the time we went. I did, however, not like the liberal slant to a lot of the things... But the model teain exhibit made me feel better!

Found the history of immigration to Washington State portion and I feel the best parts were highlighted

Ive visited here a couple times for different exhibits. Always a wonderful and informative experience.

I love this museum. The Little Black Dress exhibit was interesting. Ample parking. Downtown Tacoma.

I love that field trips come to learn here but when I came I was warned about the field trips and what time the kids would leave after my ticket purchase. Which feels to me that the employees are aware its disruptive enough I could be impacted but chose to take my money first so that they didnt lose a sale. Still an amazing museum, just a frustrating start.

I recently went on my sons field trip & Ill go again with my family. Loved how they had it all set out.

This was really interesting. The history of the geography of different regions of Washington state was interesting and well presented. This museum really came to life for me with the presentation of the history of different industries in Washington state. The most interesting was the history of coal mining. I did not know much about this and it was very illuminating. I thoroughly enjoyed this museum.

This is a beautiful museum that is located in an area with stunning views of the bay and Mt Rainer. Lots of great local restaurants in walking distance makes for an easy day out.

This was really interesting. The history of the geography of different regions of Washington state was interesting and well presented. This museum really came to life for me with the presentation of the history of different industries in Washington state. The most interesting was the history of coal mining. I did not know much about this and it was very illuminating. I thoroughly enjoyed this museum.

I love history and i did get to learn more here.its a good place with alot to learn.Very interesting good history.

This is honestly such a hidden gem. The history of Washington State is so fascinating. The exhibits are very interactive and engaging. Not only is it historically played out but also traces back the Geological aspects. A WINNER ALL THE WAY! LOTS for kids to do as well. Nobody will be bored at this rich history Museum

Grandson loved the trains. Lots of hands on, some good local history and nature studies

Best deal is annual for the year and go back for the 21+ nights and family events. Best Santa you ever too (seen him for years) hope he keeps going in 2020!

A mix of rotating exhibits along with permanent ones. rich with Washington State History. great for all ages. when done with the museum, be sure to walk along Pacific Avenue and support local retail stores.

Model Train Show is a wonderful family event.

Great model train display with fantastic representations of historic buildings in Tacoma that arent there anymore.

Ancients time part is so amazing. You can see weapons made from dragon glasses.

The kids scavenger hunt was fun and the model trains were super popular.

This place is amazing!!! I would definitely recommend for a family weekend trip. Awesome exhibits and hands on learning.

What a educational experience. Have to go back and see more.

Wonderfully curated museum. As an out of state traveller, I learned a lot about the state.

This was really interesting. The history of the geography of different regions of Washington state was interesting and well presented. This museum really came to life for me with the presentation of the history of different industries in Washington state. The most interesting was the history of coal mining. I did not know much about this and it was very illuminating. I thoroughly enjoyed this museum.

This was just ok, I must admit. I was a bit disappointed, as I was hoping for more around how Washington came to be, as a state. The stuff they showcased was interesting, but it was life in general in different eras. Interesting, sure, but I was hoping for more about the first people to settle it, us getting statehood, etc.

Youll need at least 2 hours to do even a cursory tour, but this was a truly world-class museum explaining WAs history, industry and people. Lots of interactive displays, movies and things for kids. Also a stellar model train collection!

A fun diversion from the daily grind.The model railroad exhibit is a must see.

For first time go-ers definitely confusing place to be! No organization or direction.

Great place

This is a great museum. Can spend a long time here. Upstairs they have a kids section thats alot of fun too. Kids can go and play while you have time to look at everything else. Located close to the glass museum and art museum. Also convenient access to the trolly outside.

It was really beautiful, all the exhibits were amazing I especially loved the Lunar Exhibit because of the real moon rocks!

I visited this museum with my Grandson. We really enjoyed it.Very well done.

Outstanding museum! Awesome displays and lots of interactive displays. Great family destination, good value for the entertainment dollars and you might learn a thing or two

Very intersting but I have missed a guideline

I had a great experience here. The way that it is set up is very classic and informative its like taking a stroll Through time

Rad paintings and a cool prop set cartoon-realistic couch and other things in the Simpsons exhibition. Lots of fun.

Definitely packed full of History!

It a wonderful place to see historical of state of Washington

Our first visit and we were impressed. We attended the opening of the McNeil Island Penitentiary exhibit. The docents were engaging with all the visitors. They were very open, knowledgeable and communicative with the attendees. Since it was opening day, we also chatted with former island residents and even overheard a former inmate who was attending the show.The flow of the exhibit was a bit awkward, and an overhead map/diagram of the island and prison would have help support the other exhibits. While there was a chronology of sorts, it wasnt very well designed. As we rounded the main corner, you were unsure whether to head right or left (it was right). Overall the exhibit was spectacular.We ran out of time to tour the remainder of the museum but will return.

Great moon and little black dress exhibit! Consider becoming a member and supporting history!

So cool! We were there for an hour and a half, and still didnt see it all

Tlinget artists were amazing

Very fun and informative. Chaperoning a field trip with school.

It was a nice facility, not very busy. There were a lot of stories about settlers and seemingly random individuals, not as many artifacts or significant historical events as I would like. Worth an hour or so, but not a must see.

I took our youth group for the day to check out this museum. It never disappoints! Ive been here over a dozen times over the last three years and I really enjoy this place. The architecture is beautiful, the staff are brilliant, and its always so clean! On exhibit now, February 2018, are toys from the past. The kids enjoyed playing with the old faves.

Parts were shut down, what was open was well done and interactive

We had a great time. Lots of history to learn!

Great displays. Good information. Only took us about 2 hours to read and see everything we wanted.

Good, liked the train

This is awesome Museum. It takes you through the history of Washington State. The geological, historical , cultural , art , science and technological journey across different time frame.The museum is located in the downtown Tacoma. easily accessible via public transit . If you are driving, the parking is spacious. There is enough space in the lower or upper parking lot with reasonable parking fee. I used 2-4 hours option which was $5 in the weekend.The museum itself is divided into two major exhibit floor : 3rd and 5th floor (at the time of my visit there was some construction going on the 4th floor, I am not sure if that will be open for public some time in the future). #rd floor had the history of Washington state. I really like the idea of a Take a ‘car trip of catastrophes’ which shows the 12 places of Washington where some catastrophe occurred.5th floor had a elaborate exhibition of black dress and science/technology with special mention to railway display. There is an interactive railway display where I spent the most time.The museum is really worth visiting. I would typically spend 3-5 hours depending on your level of interest.The only thing I didnt like was the high entry fee. It should learn from the Smithsonian museums from DC and make this Museum free for all.

If you like model trains

Trains were fun.

This is actually a very fun, cute and interactive museum. I loved it.

The Washington State History Museum had some really interesting exhibits. I will definitely visit again.

Excellent regional museum. We go most years around the holidays to see the model railroad exhibits. Always something new to see and learn.

Lovely special exhibit on the LBD. Enjoyed the various displays showing the state history- made it interesting

You can not see everything in one day. Ive been at least five times. Love it! ️

Great place very friendly and exploitable. Fun for the family......

You have to stop by! Its right next to Tacomas other museums and it was a great exposure to local history. The exhibits were well kept and interesting and there was plenty to see. Just make sure to bring a jacket because I was freezing inside in shorts and a t-shirt (but we came in July, why would I have dressed to walk around in a refrigerator?)

We attended an event at the WA State History Museum a few weeks ago, and it was a ton of fun! The volunteers were so friendly, and we got to see the exhibits after hours as well. Plenty for adults to look at, plenty for kids to learn.