If you're in Neah Bay, do yourself a favor and pop into the Makah Museum. It's small enough that non-museumy family members won't be rolling their eyes too much. The museum largely focuses on artifacts recovered from longhouses in Ozette that were buried by a mudslide in the ~1500s. It was a great time capsule to learn about the Makah people and their way of life. Open seven days a week 10-5, free parking, and guided tours are available. A definite must-see on the Peninsula! read more

Makah Museum - Museums Near Me - Neah Bay, Washington

This was a great stop. You can see the 4000 year old Makah local tribal culture in a hour. A Great small store at the end. no photos , food or drink i the museum. Discounts offered, not for Veterans. read more

Makah Museum - Front Door - Museums Near Me - Neah Bay, Washington

Worth a stop. A great way to learn about the historical daily life of the Makah people.There is a replica of a longhouse as well, which further helps us imagine what life was like here. read more

Amazing! Staff (Cedar) was awesome, so full of knowledge and very friendly. We were fortunate enough to meet Aunty Sarah a Makah native who just so happen to be at the museum when we walked in. She too was such a joy to converse with. Sharing stories proudly (as she should be) about her culture. The artifacts that are on display definitely helped paint a picture of the Makah people. Resilience, resourceful and respected -- Mahalo for sharing with us !! read more

One of the better Native American museums you'll find. The extensive and detailed displays mostly derive from archaeology work at a nearby destroyed village. It's all very well done and you'll learn a lot about the old culture. No photos of exhibits allowed which is why you won't find any on this Yelp page. read more

During one of our summer trips which was to Neah Bay and Cape Flattery we also swung by and went to the Makah Museum on the reservation. Such a great place to learn the history, culture and practices of the Makah tribe and the area! One thing to keep in mind is that you need to purchase tickets of course to go into the museum. Cash is only accepted and not credit cards or debit cards so you will need to find an ATM in town to get some cash or plan ahead to bring some if you plan to buy merchandise from the gift shop or tickets. Lots of artifacts that are on display here was uncovered from a longhouse that was covered in a mudslide long ago in the area. The name of the site where much of what was recovered was at the Ozette archeological site and much of the content on display is pretty well preserved. Another real treat is going to a life size scale longhouse that is at the museum. It is really cool and definitely an immersive experience going inside it and walking around. This was one of my favorite parts to the museum I believe but all of it is pretty amazing! I would have taken pictures, especially of the longhouse but photography is not permitted in the museum itself. You can take pictures out in the gift and reception area and outside of the building. Everyone that worked here was really friendly and pleasant as well as the entire trip to Neah Bay and the places we paid visits to. Definitely a good stop to make and we felt like it was a good companion destination after our hike to Cape Flattery. read more

The first thing on the to do list on my visit to Neah Bay and it turned out to be about the only thing open in Neah Bay that day. Depending on how you visit museums, you could spend between 15 minutes to 2+ hours here. The contents of the museum are solely from the Ozette archeological site and they are pretty impressively preserved. No photos are allowed inside of the artifacts, thus the same two photos from every entry. If you have the time, spend the extra hour at the end to watch the video about the Ozette site dig and the story of the museum. The replica longhouse was cool to walk through, but my favorite part was the replica canoes. Instead of distressing them mechanically, they used it to row to Canada, just like their ancestors would have. Total dedication. read more

Makah Museum - Museums Near Me - Neah Bay, Washington

See all

Nicely designed museum. $10 admission. Walk through, view exhibitions, replica of the long house and can watch an hour long movie on the history. Gift shop, clean bathrooms, nice staff. Picnic tables to have lunch on the grassy area in the front part of the museum or can cross over to the water and there are picnic tables there too. read more

Great exhibits. The museum is not huge but you learn a lot about the history and way of life of the Makah.

This museum exceeded my expectations. The genuine relics on display are incredible. Take a look at the fine beadwork, and how impressively mitered wooden boxes were made using primitive tools. Everything from fishing hooks to whale canoes is shown in great detail, and you can touch the canoes and feel how smooth the hulls are due to incredible hand crafting. Note the museum is rather small and quiet. Please be respectful. Sit quietly in the long house and listen to the chants and drumming and it's easy to imagine how things were. read more

Very cool museum focused on the materials and knowledge gained from the rediscovery and recovery of the village of Ozette and the trove of archeological data and artifacts from there. Its not a large museum but it has so much detail about the lived lives of the Makah, pre European contact to post. The canoes and long house recreation were amazing. OK I've run out of superlatives but its a must see. read more

This place is a must visit if you're in the area! Very nice gift shop and well thought it exhibits. Small enough that it's not overwhelming but large enough to spend at least an hour or two learning about the local history! read more

Very interesting history. Intriguing artifacts but my favorite is the mock longhouse and the whale bones hanging from the ceiling. It's a small museum, but has lots of artifacts and historical documentation on how the Makah tribe lived in Neah Bay. I love the little gift shop in the museum as well. I'd like to go back to do a more thorough walk through. We got there near closing time. read more

We stopped here are our way back from Cape Flattery. So glad we did.This is definitely on the must see list. The history and the information provided in this beautifully laid museum is fascinating. The artifacts on display are all well explained and very accessible to all visitors. The long house that is recreated really gives insight into the way people lived in the costal villages. The information on the village unearthed in Ozette was particularly interesting to me. The artifacts not only tell a tale of a people who lived here long before the incursion of Europeans, but it also provided solid scientific evidence in legal battles in favor of the indigenous people to maintain their right to living and fishing and hunting on their land. It also set the legal precedence for other native people to continue their birthright. I would not hesitate to travel back to Neah Bay to visit this fascinating museum again and get more information on the people and culture of this area. It is a very much a travel worthy destination. read more

2 adults and 2 students cost us $22. It was slow when we went there so we had lots of time to explore and learn. Great experience for our family and we learned a lot! read more

This museum is a must-see. The quality of the museum in this relatively remote section of Washington State doesn't get half the foot traffic it deserves. There are many exhibits which demonstrate the ancient ways of the Native Americans (Makah Tribe) whom have always called this region home. There are artifacts from every aspect of ancient Makah life. You can learn how these people hunted whale without the aid of metal weapons from small wooden boats. Not only that but you will about Japanese castaway sailors! When we visited, the employee in the gift shop was super friendly and helpful! read more

The Makah museum is not at all what I expected it would be. Using artifacts from a Makah settlement at Ozette that was buried by a mudslide and thereby preserved, it tells a story about government mistreatment all too familiar to Americans. It's an old story and I normally wouldn't pay to hear it, but at the Makah museum it is told so deftly that it educates you, shocks you, and may even move you to tears. In short -- it's real and more than a bit disturbing. BUT ... the emphasis is not on mistreatment, but rather on survival, and it is this that makes the experience a tonic for the soul. You leave feeling good. Somehow. Go if you are in Neah Bay. At the very least you will congratulate yourself that you are relating to your fellow man. read more

came here to grab a map, go to the bathroom and ask how to get to cape flattery but i guess we got there 20 minutes before closing and the front desk guy just had a horrible attitude which was disappointing. we personally didn't go inside the museum but man, i hope he doesn't talk to people like that during the day too because it really dampened the mood. otherwise, i guess if you don't need to come here then dont. just follow the yellow road until it ends and then you'll end up at the parking lot right before the trail for cape flattery (which was beautiful and totally worth it ) read more

We were headed to Cape Flattery and had no idea this museum existed. Thank goodness we were hungry and stopped at Pat's Place for some Indian Fry Bread (side note: EAT THERE). Pat was very friendly and highly recommended the Makah Museum. So we went. They were open until 5 and we got in a little after 4, which was just enough time to see everything. Admission was only $5 per person. The museum focuses on a Makah Oceanside village that was buried- and preserved - by a mudslide 500 years ago. It is a truly fascinating look into the past, and boasts the most extensive collection of Native American artifacts. My husband, brother-in-law, and I were all absorbed in their way of life, from toys and games to highly advanced whale hunting tools. Afterward we enjoyed talking to the gentleman at the front desk, who was very friendly and helped answer questions we had about the artifacts. Add this museum to the list of things to see while you're in this beautiful area! And be sure to grab a bite at Pat's Place. read more

A breathtaking collection expertly curated with lots of heart and soul. I think my favorite part was the recreation of the traditional longhouse through which one can wander. It's set up as if a bunch of families lived in it, but just happened to all go somewhere else for a minute. As my consort pointed out, it wasn't ruined with a lot of placards explaining everything, which lent to the amazing sensation of walking through another time and place. The mural of the beach outside the door looked so realistic. The giftshop has a few items by local craftspeople. The cashier was very informative and cheerfully discussed the Makah language with us. If we'd had more time, it looked like the movie they show was worth watching. Lots of other visitors were glued to their seats. read more

Note that this isn't in the right place on the map. It is found just before the "Hey. Welcome to Makahland" sign on the outskirts of town and next to a field where people are found at play. We bought a $10 annual pass here for something we really didn't need. Visiting a national forest is free, babies, and is off the rez. These types of museums are not really my thing as native stuff just isn't that interesting to me. The community seems to be imploding, so I'm sure they could use your help in paying th $7 admission to see what they have, I guess. I was going to yelp other things in this town, but they're not listed. Oh well! read more

Excellent! This is not the largest museum one can visit, but a great deal of care has been taken to make it a very good museum. Also, the price is reasonable ($6) and the staff is friendly and helpful. It is most definitely worth spending an hour or two here learning about the history of this area from the beginning of time. read more

I really enjoyed the Makah Museum...Lots of interesting artifacts and history. Great displays and explaination. The gentleman at the entrance/gift shop was a great addition to the experience; he was happy to answer all my sons many questions about artifacts and the area while tending to the phone and other guests. I wish I'd have found more native art/craft for sale in the gift shop rather than mass produced items but perhaps another time...earlier in the season maybe? Thanks to the fisherman on the ferry that mentioned it or we likely wouldn't have stopped in. Great stop on the way to Cape Flattery! read more

If you're at all interested in history, anthropology, archaeology, or Native American culture, you will enjoy the Makah Museum. Do you know about the shipwrecked Japanese sailors? Or the fascinating ancient findings made in the 1970s in nearby Ozette? You will really appreciate the intricate beauty and construction of the objects on display. Entering the re-created longhouse allowed me to imagine what it must have been like to live there. I felt transported to another time. Well done. read more

I been there a lot there is a little gift shop this is a great place to go if you ever going to Neah bay when the pandemic is over.

What an incredible place. The museum really gives a great representation of an independent and proud people. It is sad that they went from 700,000 acres to 28,000. I hope to go back one day and see how I can bring back the old ways, independence and help save the earth. read more

Definitely worth stopping for! This tribe has so much to be proud of. The museum was fun for the whole family and we loved learning more of this tribe and their ingenuity. You can also purchase your parking pass for Cape Flattery and other tribe locations. read more

Really nice museum. My kids especially loved the replica longhouse. Worth the cost and a great chance to learn more about the Makah culture.

I went to the Makah Museum during my honeymoon. The admission was quite inexpensive at $5 per person. My husband and I had a great time looking around. We both loved that all of the items/artifacts listed included the traditional name as well as the literal English translation. I left a star off because the museum is still under construction and is in the process of adding new exhibits. It's great that more is being added and I'm sure it will be fantastic when everything is completed. read more

If you are interested in Native American history then this is a cool museum and worth the admission. Great learning tool for kids, plus if you ask they have worksheets for your kids. The drive out isn't fun and the reservation isn't the nicest one but the beaches are beautiful and there are some amazing views in the area. read more

Nice museum, artifacts and layout was interesting. Wish there was more for sale in the store, the items were either really cheap tick tack or really expensive. I liked the museum, but could not shake the feeling that it is pretty disconnected from the actual Makah life. Does a good job with the Ozettte incident, not so good explaining current lifestyle. read more

Exceptional museum. Ozette longhouse replica and dioramas are among many highlights Highly recommended

Have to agree! This is an amazing museum, a must see when out this way....you will be missing something special if you choose to miss it....

We loved the museum. Picked up our parking pass, shopped at the gift shop, and spent about an hour exploring the exhibits and immersing ourselves in early Makah life. The amazing longhouse built into the center of the museum, the amazing hand carved canoes, and the whale suspended from the ceiling were some of our favorite things. Friendly and helpful staff! Make the stop, it's worth it. Clean restrooms and it was Under $20 for our whole family to enjoy the museum. read more

We have visited twice, once about 15 years ago and then more recently. It is extremely impressive because the society uncovered used wood for everything and there would have been no preservation of these objects without the mudslide. The preservation process has been complex but well done, much like the Mary Rose Museum in Portsmouth England. These people had a good life and lived in harmony with the land and sea around them. The only similarity to me is Pompeii, not as old but we have few wooden objects from the Romans. Here is a whole village with tools, clothing, and canoes. Was a wow the first time and will remain my favorite spot on the Olympic Pensula. Go to Cape Flattery while you are there, the world ends there as far as you can tell. read more

Really enjoyed this museum, which is very well done. (I used to work at The Field Museum of Natural History, so I know a few things about natural history/anthropology exhibits.) Had a great chat with Kirk, who explained the dig project and the history of the tribe and building. Really appreciated the hands-on approach. Loved the Long House, one of the best features of the space. Would recommend! read more

A great small'ish museum explaining the historical artifacts found through archaeological excavation of an pre-contact Makah village. It took us about an hour to go through. It's a lot of reading, almost nothing hands on, which makes perfect sense for this subject matter. I could imagine kids being a bit bored. Great exhibits, great facility, great giftshop, $5 entry. Worth the time and money, for sure! read more

This museum is flat-out amazing. The more you know about Makah culture, the more amazing it is, and if you're an archeologist, this place is the home of an archeological find that has been called America's Pompeii. It is a world-class collection way out here in the middle of a very remote part of the world. The museum houses the findings of a dig that uncovered an entire Makah Nation city that was covered by a mud slide 500 years ago. FIVE HUNDRED YEARS AGO. The artifacts are not to be believed and have also helped the Makah Nation as evidence in proving its treaty rights. The museum is organized in a circle, following the seasonal life of the Makah Nation, whose ancestors live right up the road here. We were there on a slow day so the person at the desk spent a very generous amount of time with us, giving us amazing information. Aside from the incredibly preserved tools, clothing, etc, there are traditional hand-carved canoes and there is a skeleton of the whale caught in the most recent Makah whale hunt which is a whole amazing story in itself. There's also a shop here that has a quite good selection of books about First American culture around here. This is also a good stopping off point before visiting the Makah Nation reservation. Neah Bay is the westernmost tip of the U.S. There is serious history here as well as incredible nature, fishing, and very kind people. There aren't a ton of places to eat and sleep but if you want to learn and experience and have your mind blown, this is a beautiful place and a careful trip to the museum by a curious visitor will blow your mind. So worth the entry fee it's insane. read more

The Makah Museum is an awesome experience. It shows you the culture and the history of the Makah people. Insights into their whaling and seal hunting culture make it apparent that whale hunting is part of their ancestral past. The information on the Ozette village and the archaeological findings are amazing. It shows an advanced culture that was here before Columbus. Very cool. read more

I found this museum in 1000 places in U.S. and Canada to see before you die. We drove to this remote location to see the museum. It was worth the drive over difficult roads. The Makah tribe doesn't have a casino. This museum has brought tourists. Much of the museum is replicas though there are some several hundred year old artifacts. The long house and the canoes are impressive and the whale bones add to the experience. There is a documentary that tells some of the story of the reemergence of crafts, such as wood carving, and the efforts being made to keep the language alive. The admission was reasonable. The gift shop has some interesting things. We bought two children's books for a toddler we know. read more