Our Area Museums and More will Immerse You in Local Culture & History
Take a break from outdoor recreation and immerse yourself in local culture and history with a visit to terrific Forks WA museums. Visit the Forks Timber Museum to learn about the history of the local timber industry. Stop into John’s Beachcombing Museum to view an extensive collection of items collected off beaches both local and distant. And Twilight fans wont want to miss the Forever Twilight in Forks Collection – a collection of screen-worn costumes, props used by Twilight saga actors. Another not to miss museum is the world-class Makah museum in nearby Neah Bay which highlights 10,000 years of the culture of the Makah people on the Olympic Peninsula.
Explore Forks WA Museums and More:
Forks Timber Museum
If you ever wanted to learn anything about logging in the past and their tools of the trade, the Forks Timber Museum is the place to explore. The museum depicts local history dating back to the 1870’s. It features an authentic fire lookout tower, a 9-foot cook stove from a logging camp and has exhibits of pioneer and regional history. The museum is open year-around and offers evening guided tours by appointment (360) 374-9663. Also look for the nearby Forks Loggers Memorial with its 12-foot tall carved wood logger. The Forks Timer Museum complex offers gardens and forest paths that link to the UW Olympic Natural Resources Center.
Located next to the Visitor Information Center.
John’s Beachcombing Museum
See the treasures the ocean brings to our shores! ‘Treasure’ from around the world! In the 1970s John began collecting glass buoys. See the treasures the ocean brings to our shores! ‘Treasure’ from around the world! Since 1976 the beachcombing museum has built up its exhibits until today where tons of items have been collected off of beaches both local and distant and put on display. Marvel at the diversity of items carefully assembled and sorted over the years. John provides short tours of the highlights of the museum, and there is a fun scavenger hunt for children. Open Seasonally. View John’s Chamber Listing.
Located at 143 Andersonville Avenue, Forks.
The Collection
View costumes and props seen in the five Twilight films including screen-worn Bella, Edward, and Jacob costumes! Snap a pic with Bella’s Graduation Quilt, international Twilight editions, and Chuckesmee! Open year-round and FREE at our Rainforest Arts Center! Tons of photo-op areas so bring your camera!
Located at Rainforest Arts Center 11 N. Forks Avenue.
Makah Museum
The Makah Museum houses artifacts from the Ozette Archeological Site, a Makah village partly buried by a mudslide 300-500 years ago discovered in 1970. It provides a glimpse of pre-contact Makah life. Exhibits include whaling and fishing gear, basketry, replicas of a full size long house, and canoes. The museum opened in 1979 and is open to the public 7 days per week from 10am-5pm.
Located at 1880 Bayview Ave, Neah Bay.
The Shay Locomotive Engine
The Shay locomotive engine is another historical highlight. Located in Tillicum Park, this steam locomotive was built in 1930 and stands as a monument to the local logging industry.
Tillicum Park is the perfect spot for a picnic. There’s a covered picnic area, restrooms, children’s playground, basketball and Pickleball courts, and more!
Gold Star Families Memorial Monument
While you are here, visit the only Gold Star Families Memorial Monument currently in Washington, located outdoors at the Forks Transit Center, 551 S. Forks Avenue. This monument is free and open to everyone. From their website: “Initially the Foundation’s goal was to establish a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument in Woody’s home state of West Virginia. Once that monument was complete, a new mission became clear to Woody and those at the Hershel “Woody” Williams Medal of Honor Foundation to establish these monuments in as many communities as possible in all 50 states.”
More info available at: www.woodywilliams.org
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