Orcas Island Historical Museum
Orcas Island Historical Museum: Address, Phone Number, Orcas Island Historical Museum Reviews: 4.5/5
Orcas Island Historical Museum
Orcas Island Historical Museum
4.5
About
The largest of the San Juan islands is also one of the prettiest, with rocky terrain for hiking and dramatic shorelines for kayaking and whale watching.
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The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
25 within 3 miles
Brown Bear Baking
593
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Bakeries • French • American
New Leaf Cafe
666
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • French • American • Cafe
Island Skillet
398
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly
Mijitas
353
433 ft$$ - $$$ • Mexican • Latin • Vegetarian Friendly
Lower Tavern
328
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Pub
Madrona Bar and Grill
775
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Seafood
Darvill's Bookstore
81
0.1 mi$ • Dessert • Cafe
Orcas Food Co-Op
91
449 ft$ • Specialty Food Market • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Clever Cow Creamery
132
418 ft$ • Dessert • American
Orcas Island Market
47
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Specialty Food Market • American • Deli
Attractions
20 within 6 miles
Orcas Island Farmers Market
36
319 ftFarmers Markets
The Funhouse Discovery Center
5
0.3 miChildren's Museums
Orcas Island Distillery
296 ftDistilleries
Island Hoppin' Brewery
48
0.6 miBreweries
Orcas Island Pottery
349
2.6 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Moran State Park
591
State Parks
Judd Cove Preserve
15
0.9 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Mount Constitution
94
Mountains
Sucia Island State Park
79
National Parks
Turtleback Mountain
70
Mountains
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
36 reviews
Excellent
26
Very good
9
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Kathryn A
Dupont, WA12 contributions
Solo
This museum has lots of information of the early settlers and life on Orcas island. They have moved several small original settlers' cabins to the site and have plenty of artifacts. It was larger than I thought it would be. I spent about 45 minutes browsing the exhibits. I really enjoyed the museum and would bring more family to see it. Admission was free but you could give a suggested donation.
Written October 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TripletA
Seattle, WA115 contributions
I love the way this museum is arranged, with the cabins of six of the early settlers moved to this location and linked together. I knew the museum contained exhibits on the early settlers, but it also contained so much more, with little exhibits on prehistoric bison, interactions of settlers with the Samish tribes, and operations of the first telephone exchange on the island, which also doubled as a fire alert system. It's absolutely crammed with artefacts, and the more you look, the more you find. Well worth an hour of your time.
Written September 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
vern C
Mount Vernon, WA603 contributions
Family
We passed by this while walking around downtown Eastsound and peeked inside. We were immediately met by a friendly lady who promptly and proudly began telling us all about the museum and how it came to be. It didn't take much convincing to get us inside. The museum consists of several cabins that were built on the island in the 1800's that were dismantled and relocated to the museum. Each is filled with interesting historical items. The museum is very well organized and put together. It is well worth a visit.
Written May 17, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Laura F
San Francisco, CA140 contributions
Couples
We stumbled on this at the annual Eastsound 4th of July festival and we learned so much about the history of Orcas in just one half hour. Will return when we have a couple of hours to really explore and speak with the very knowledgable docents.
Written July 9, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The Traveling Bees
Morgan Hill, CA16 contributions
Really a great experience. Highly recommend you pay a visit. Informative and fascinating history! We would love to go back.
Written August 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
816tony
Orcas Island, WA39 contributions
Family
The museum is a wonderful collection of old log cabins..donated by islanders..moved to town....the individual cabins are joined together as one to tell the history of early life in the islands...from the 14,000 year old BISON found intact in a peat bog ...to early hardships of living on an island.hunting for your food.one room school house growing up.....fabulous learning experience for children.
Written February 8, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michael O
Redmond, WA265 contributions
Couples
Linda and I enjoy poking around in small museums and had a great time in the Orcas Island Historical Museum in Eastsound. The caretakers were very friendly and happy to explain the artifacts used in everyday life on the island in days past. The museum houses an old pump organ which, if given permission one can play. The museum grounds are decorated with plants and flowers as well as an beautiful carved statue depicting Native American lore. We spent about two hours visiting, though you could do a much faster walk-through if you are limited on time. Please provide a donation to support the cause!
Written April 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ruth M
Salem, OR53 contributions
Couples
Interesting exhibits about the homesteading days of Orcas Island. The settlers had to make do with what they could grow or make.
Written September 23, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
nskaye
Wilmington, DE297 contributions
Couples
Small but personal museum. Good exhibits that portray early life and times on Orcas. Interesting antiques and plenty to read as you walk through.
Written March 17, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
WesternNYTravelFrog
Dunkirk, NY212 contributions
Couples
We were really looking for the USPS when we walked past this museum. What a great find! an incredible collection of early Orcas artifacts and images. The museum is housed in an assemblage of log cabins that have been connected. We spent over an hour looking at as much as possible until the place closed. Very helpful docent/volunteer filled in some gaps in information for us. Take the time to check this place out!
Written July 11, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Orcas Island Historical Museum
- Hotels near Orcas Island Historical Museum:
- (0.10 mi) Outlook Inn on Orcas Island
- (0.09 mi) Eastsound Suites, Orcas Island
- (0.11 mi) Landmark Orcas Island
- (0.11 mi) Adorable Cottage in the heart of Eastsound
- (0.12 mi) 'The Windward Studio' at SeaStar Lofts -- on the Waterfront!
- Restaurants near Orcas Island Historical Museum:
- (0.10 mi) New Leaf Cafe
- (0.11 mi) Brown Bear Baking
- (0.10 mi) Island Skillet
- (0.08 mi) Mijitas
- (0.09 mi) Orcas Food Co-Op