If you've lived in the Pacific Northwest and ever wondered about the origin of those Jake the Alligator Man stickers, this is the review for you! Marsh's Free Museum is the legendary home of Jake himself (you can find him in the back). The shop is an absolute treasure trove of curiosities. It features a mix of your classic beach-town souvenirs alongside more "not-so-typical" fare, like unique books, sweatshirts, and even knives. If you have some spare quarters, the old-school mechanical games are a must-play! The service here has always been great, super attentive and friendly. As for value, some things are a little expensive, but they also have affordable stuff if you look hard enough. They are not any more expensive than any other shop in Long Beach. I always make it a point to stop here every single time I'm in Long Beach. Whether you're just starting your trek down the strip or looking for the perfect place to end your journey, this spot is a PNW essential. read more

Marsh's Free Museum - Antiques Near Me - Long Beach, Washington

What can I say other than this is a huge tourist trap, but in the best way possible? You know it's good when one of the exhibits has its own Wikipedia page (Jake the Alligator Man). There are lot of curios, from taxidermy animals to old orchestreons. A lot of the amusing displays are in the back and in corners. I would say if you have small kids to be careful bringing them in as it seems like there are a lot of delicate items, from the piles of beautiful seashells in the front, to the porcelain items in the back. It is such a fun and unique place to visit, and the best part is that it's free! Although you will definitely walk away having purchased something. read more

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Another store selling t-shirts and hoodies but, with a very old twist. First of all. The front of the building is cool by itself with all the wood carved statues and the Awesome Captain Bob's Chowder. We went in not knowing what we would see. Bam. T-shirts and hoodies but not just that, seashells as well. Lot's of the same things in most gift shops but this one has lots of curiosities and antiques, stuffed animals. I liked the blacksmithing tools. The movies were strange. Some a bit "Adults Only" for sure. Some of the machines no longer worked but it was still cool to look at them. A lot of history in this one building. The ceiling was filled with curiosities. We didn't buy anything but if you're in Long Beach, WA. and you need a gift or maybe something cool for yourself, look no further. I'm sure you'll find it in Marsh's Free Museum. read more

Museum, or gift shop? Some of both but mostly the latter. Come here to buy your tourist trinkets.

This whacky store/museum is a must see when in the area. From snarky hoodies to beautiful seashells of all sizes to souvenirs to bizarre artifacts, this place is so fun. If you check in on Yelp, you'll get a tiny free shell or a piece of taffy. I bought this amazing tiger shell and postcards. I probably spent 90 minutes here looking at everything. I would have bought nautical decor they have like large glass floats had I not been in the middle of moving. Friendly employees added to the mirth. read more

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Marsh's is a very quirky place, and is definitely worth a visit. Even if admission wasn't free, it would be worth paying a $5 for a $10. Despite Marsh's being billed as a museum, it's primarily a shop, but there is a lot of museum fodder around the periphery and tucked into corners. Their selection of sea shells is impressively vast. I had no idea what I was in for when I entered, but was surprised to see "Jake the alligator man". I'd seen this curiosity in documentaries over the years, just didn't realize it was located at Marsh's. I also was very impressed to see actual Orchestreons, bagatelles, and old-timey nickel peep show machines. I'd recommend a visit if you're in Long Beach. Definitely a unique and fun place to visit. read more

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What a fun and unique place to visit! We had so much fun browsing the aisles looking at the everything from the relics, to the unexpected, and all the merch in between. Could be overwhelming if your are claustrophobic as we got there early in the morning and it was busy and when we walked passed again a few hours it looked packed! I can assume if you work here, you will never be bored. I absolutely recommend going here, multiple times. read more

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Loved everything in this museum! From the quarter games, to Jake, the jewelry and fun sea shells! Definitely going back!

Back in Mar 2022, I was on a road trip from Southern Cal to up north through San Francisco, CA, Portland, OR, and Discovery Bay, WA. I swung on by Long Beach, WA on my way back to Portland. Got a chance to shop at Marsh's Free Museum while I was waiting for my food from Captain's Bob Chowder. What a wonderful find! Honestly, I didn't know this store's name until after I got home and googled it for Yelp purposes LOL. Tons of old antiques and other neat stuff in here... bought myself a nice golden "Bee Happy" mug and a couple coasters "Love You To The Moon & Back" and "Let Your Faith Be Bigger Than Your Fear". Wished I got another "Bee Happy" mug so I can give it to the love of my life when I meet him LOL. Maybe I'll meet him somewhere or at Marsh's one fine day when I return to Long Beach, WA... LOL! Give Marsh's Free Museum a shop when you're in Long Beach, WA. It is truly free... no admission fee! It is indeed a museum. You can spend hours looking around in here... as for buying, that's another story LOL. Happy Looking and Shopping! read more

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It's a trinket store lots of neat little things, t shirts, ball caps and such. Worth a visit it's got a lot of neat little side show things that are fun to look at. read more

We come here every time we pass through Long Beach, so much fun! It's pretty touristy but pretty fun to visit just the same. The store's aisles had a collection of old fashioned coin machines- the kind that plays music or tell your fortune. Lots of knick knacks to spend money on as well oddities on the walls and in the aisles. The biggest draw was a "petrified alligator boy" , a bit creepy for young kids. Whenever you're passing through Long beach, be sure to stop in. Can't miss it- the World's Largest Chopsticks are in the front! read more

This place is so much fun! There is so much to look at not just to buy. There are old fortune machines and fun little games. Outside is the World's Largest Frying Pan! On the street close to Marsh's Free Museum and the World's Largest Chopsticks! .... Would only be better if they cooked off of the pan at least 1x a year. read more

Marsh's Free Museum - World's largest frying pan - Antiques Near Me - Long Beach, Washington

GREAT place. It does deserve the caps. Lots of souvenirs and mystics of the world. A two headed cow, some weird aligator boy, and tons of great shirts. I got my fortune told my Madame Fortuna and it was spot on legit. Also, I found a nice couple of gifts for my sister's garden. A dried starfish and one of those Japanese floaty balls for nets. Highly recommend. read more

Marsh's Free Museum - Antiques Near Me - Long Beach, Washington

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"Break it you buy it" scam. Someone in our group picked up a figurine and was told by one of the employees to "be careful, the wings like to pop off". The wings then popped off and he told us that we have to pay for it because a piece broke off the wings. A piece didn't break off from the drop, it was already missing, probably from a previous drop which he even said happens. We even noticed the wings were asymmetrical before they popped off. He wouldn't listen to us and was adamant about us paying, so we were forced to. We got scammed. He was probably upset because we returned an item before this happened. Do not touch ANYTHING unless you are absolutely sure you are going to buy it. read more

attention! Bring a giant bag of coins nickels dimes and quarters! What a cool spot! I knew I wanted to stop in here as soon as I drove by so while taking a lunch break I decided to try this and Captain Bob's chowder next door. Captain's Bob's was closed but Marsha's free museum was open. As soon as I walked in I was in awe. I wish that I had known I needed to take a bag full of change to play with all of the vending machine slash coin operated machines that they had next time I will definitely do it right. Lots to see and do definitely a spot to take the kids or a fun date night. read more

Marsh's Free Museum - Sasquatch - Antiques Near Me - Long Beach, Washington

This is an eclectic store w some old items hanging from the ceiling. Not really a true museum...more of knick knack shop w interesting decor. Wasn't a bad stop, might be pricey if you have a few kids who want all the fun stuff they see. read more

This place was very welcoming, me and my sister went in here while waiting for our food at a nearby restaurant. The man at the front desk was very welcoming and let us keep our drinks at the front desk so we don't spill anything. Though this place is "free" most things to do there costs money unless you just want to look around and not use any of the machines. But other than that. The place is pretty cool, welcoming staff, cool statues and convenient entertainment. 9/10 will come again read more

When in Long Beach, WA you must walk into this business. Begin looking up as soon as you step inside. There are SO many interesting historical curiosities! Prepare to stay a while, it is worth it! They also have lots of kitch, tee shirts, and good stickers. Make sure to grab something before you depart. We can't risk this gem closing! read more

I cannot lie. I must come here every time I come to Long Beach. I love the old antique machines, and of course the alligator man. But there's always something cool to get - shells and rocks, etc. read more

It's fine, there's some interesting stuff, but some of the games were too raunchy and it felt weird looking at taxidermy. Overall, overrated but fine. read more

This is just a must-stop when in Long Beach. Silly, fun, eclectic, filled with every type of tchotchke, collectible, oddity, souvenir and history imaginable. And, of course, you have to see Jake the Alligator Man, "infamous" for the area. In peak tourist season, the place is utterly packed, so best to go early or off season. read more

I could spend hours there looking at all the cool stuff. I bought some items and forgot to take my debit card out. Unfortunately I was almost home before I called. I called them and they confirmed I had left it in the card machine and had it safe. They graciously offered to mail it to me right away. Such pleasant and helpful people. That kind of service is hard to find nowadays. read more

Great little museum consisting of some lovely little oddities like Jake the Alligator Man which is the Star attraction , collections of shells, beach rocks/ gems and other trinkets for sale. Has a small arcade, snacks and everything you're looking for!! I mean they have something for everyone here. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the area, suggesting nearby other attractions. It's free to enter no purchase necessary, but you'll probably buy something, because everything is so neat. I think it's a great place to stop in and stroll around before hitting the beach. read more

Marsh's Free Museum - Jake the Alligator Man - Antiques Near Me - Long Beach, Washington

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This place is pretty cool. They have an awesome collection of oddities everywhere. A shrunken head, jake the alligator man, and a wooden sasquatch to name a few. They have all the quirky stuff you want to buy when you're on vacation at the coast as well. They have salt water taffy, gator jerky, fidget spinner, and rubber band guns. I highly recommend stopping in if you're in the area. You will inevitably end up leaving with some sort of goodie. read more

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We've enjoyed this place for years, but it actually gets better as time goes by and our kids get into the swing of all the kitschy fun. This time, they spent all our nickels on the old fashioned peepshow viewers that you used to find at old time arcades. And of course they had to 'test their passion factor' and loved all the funky items like the two-headed calf. Jake is looking a little worse for wear. He used to be the main attraction, but really there are endless amounts of funky stuff to view at the free museum. read more

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I wouldn't call this an actual museum. It's a store that has some interesting and weird decorations. It reminds me a lot of Ye Olde Curiosity Shop in Seattle. They both have similar bizarre things. There is a wide variety of things to buy and prices for them. I bought some salt water taffy in 4 different flavors and they all tasted the same. It was disappointing but the price wasn't too bad at least. The staff that helped me was friendly and the line moved fast. read more

I've lived in tourist towns all my life and each beachside enclave needs a place like Marsh's Free Museum. Before I even left Maui (where I live and there isn't anything like this here), my neighbors told me I had to check out "Jake, the Alligator Man." Nothing else. No other clues. Well, Jake is here as well as a massive collection of "antiques" and curios, as well as touristy trinkets to buy and salt water taffy. I have to admit that Jake is not that photogenic but check out my photos of the rest of the store as well. This place is a must-see on the Long Beach Peninsula. OK, now that I've gone and read the other reviews: Yes, it is a gift shop. That they choose to display many historic pieces is a bonus. (Who cares if they call it a museum?); and are we to deny a racist past or take offense at a machine with a black harmonica player playing plantation music (when it works)? I don't think so. It happened. It isn't glorifying the Civil War like monuments in the South. I've included a picture of it in my attached images. read more

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Fun place. Went here on a whim. Although I didn't realize I should have brought more coins with me. Take your kids here folks, they will get a good thrill. All sorts of cool machines and entertainment for 5 cents to a dollar. Unique items for purchase and I was very very tempted to buy their secret grab boxes, if anyone actually bought one. Let me know what you got in it! You'll find great souvenirs here. Definitely must go. read more

Marsh's Free Museum - Items to see at the free museum - Antiques Near Me - Long Beach, Washington

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I love this store every year. But lately the out of order signs, dusty shelving, and chaotic merchandise is a bit much.

This place takes me back to my childhood of the 60's. So many fun antique arcade machines and interesting things to see. I always take a few things home when I am here. They have items of all prices and things for all ages. Give yourself and hour to just look around at all the neat things. The staff is always helpful, and prices are what you find in a quaint seaside town. read more

No visit to Long Beach is complete without a stop here! We see something new every time we go in. Jake is the best!

I'm a collector of pressed pennies, and they have a machine here so we decided to stop in and get it. This is a peculiar oddities shop that isn't really a "museum" but has a bunch of old entertainment machines, odds and ends, and typical tourist-trap stuff (i.e. made in china, marked up.) I had some coins and played with the music machines, including one from the 1860's, which was kinda cool. There is also "Jake the Alligator," which is apparently a popular thing for people to see. It is very silly, but the locals hold a festival in August celebrating him, which is quite intriguing. It's worth it to come in for a few minutes and check out the sights; and stretch out your legs from the long drive on 101. read more

Okay, this isn't exactly a museum, but this place is definitely fun and interesting. I don't know why we skipped this place during our 5 night stay, but I'm glad we stopped by on our last day when a local told us to go see "Jake the alligator man". The "museum" was opened to the public back in 1935 by Wellington Marsh, Sr. The place is packed with displays ("museum" part, I guess) and gift items ranging from crystals and geodes to taffy to clothing to souvenir items to penny press machines, to arcade games to the weirdest, most bizarre items. This place pretty much has it all. The place was packed even during the pandemic. Moving around was a bit tricky, but the staff are helpful and friendly. One can easily spend half an hour just looking through all the displays, shelves and racks. They carry most souvenir items that are also available at other shops in town, but most notable of all was "Jake, the alligator man". He is easy to miss (we couldn't find him so we had to ask on of the staff) because he is tucked in a corner inside a glass display case. Jake is a mummified half-man half-alligator purchased for $750 back in the 60s and is the main attraction. The displays aren't just inside the store, you can find a giant sasquatch, old farm equipment, longest chopsticks and the largest frying pan across the street. Don't forget to look up as most of the antiques are located on the ceiling. read more

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There are so many bizarre and interesting things in this "museum!" Besides jake the alligator man, this place is full of vintage game machines, among them a vintage peep show! I enjoyed testing my sex appeal! The store also sells salt water taffy and other snacks! read more

Marsh's Free Museum - Antiques Near Me - Long Beach, Washington

This place is fun, full of oddities, treasures, junk, keepsakes, gifts, salt water taffy, signs, sea shells, antiquities, toys, glass floats, stuffed animals, rubber band guns, wine holders, and clothing. Jake the alligator man resides here along with a shrunken head or two. Every small town should have a shop like this! It's kookie, fun, interesting, and entertaining. Bring some change for the old school games, and I mean before video games type of games. read more

Ewww, what is that God-awful smell? Hmmm, maybe it's all the stuffed carcasses hanging from the ceiling? What a junk shop if I ever did see one! Holy crap; totally not my cup of tea. Disorganized junk shop. What else can I say? Well, they did have some neat old antique fortune teller-like machines; a nasty looking half man, half alligator thing; a shark complete with fake blood on its dried-up old teeth, and in the middle...salt water taffy. I can't even imagine buying and eating any food from this shop. It didn't feel, smell or look clean at all. Not a place to be serving food!! Yuck! I couldn't wait to get out of this place. My boys, on the other hand, loved this place. Go figure. read more

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This place is soooo cool. Could easily spend hours looking at all the cool stuff. Do note - you break you buy (completely fair) but keep your littles close as there are a lot of beautiful breakable items. Luckily we got out unscathed with lots of fun souvenirs. read more

Always one of our family favorites. We can't come to Long Beach without a couple trips to Marshs. So much to see inside and so much fun. A lot of memories to be made here. read more

Fun store and the staff is really nice! Museum throws you off a bit but the prices are really good here for souvenirs.

This is one place we almost always go into when we visit Long Beach. Kitschy, quirky, touristy, and silly all at once, we love this place. They even have an orange tabby "store kitty"! You might find her sleeping amongst the folded t-shirts, as I did. She looked mildly amused at my startled face. You can get all manner of gifts here as well as peruse Jake, the alligator/man creature that is Long Beach's goofy symbol. There are also some cool antique vending/game machines in here. Definitely a fun place to visit, especially if you have kids. Expect to pay tourist prices. read more