Northwest USA Museums and Culture

Step inside this local treasure to discover the remarkable stories of Petersburg's pioneers, fishermen, and families who shaped this unique Alaskan community. Since 1968, the museum has been collecting and sharing the genuine history of the people and places that make this region so special. It's a warm, welcoming spot to connect with the rich heritage that defines Petersburg.

The Alaska Veterans Museum is planned with a focus on honoring our nation's veterans and insuring that because of the sacrifices they made to defend America's freedom, "They Shall Not Be Forgotten." As President Calvin Coolidge said, "A nation which forgets its defenders, will itself be forgotten."

Discover the fascinating history of Alaska State Troopers at this downtown Anchorage museum, tucked beneath the 5th Avenue Parking Garage. Through exhibits and artifacts, explore the remarkable stories of dedicated officers who've maintained law and order across one of America's most challenging and remote landscapes. It's a compelling glimpse into the unique demands of policing the Last Frontier.

Discover the stories that shaped Valdez—from Gold Rush adventures to modern resilience. Our museum preserves the voices, artifacts, and traditions that define this remarkable community, inviting you to connect with the people and events that continue to inspire our town today.

Explore the art, natural history, and stories of Kachemak Bay's coastal communities in this engaging cultural hub. Summer programs and exhibitions bring local heritage to life and connect you to the wild landscape that shaped this unique Alaskan region.

The Palmer Visitor Information Center is your contact point for questions and information on the Palmer area. Palmer is located in the scenic Matanuska River valley, with the Chugach and Talkeetna mountain ranges ringing the valley.

Preserving, displaying, and honoring Alaska's aviation heritage.

Step inside Kodiak's cultural heart and discover 7,500 years of Alutiiq heritage brought to life through ancient artifacts and stories that still resonate today. The Alutiiq Museum offers a window into the traditions, ingenuity, and resilience of Alaska's Native people—perfect for a meaningful winter visit when you have time to really connect with the past.

Learn about Cordova's colorful and fascinating history at The Cordova Historical Museum.

Dive into Alaska's seafaring soul through expertly curated exhibits showcasing Native boat-building, historic shipwrecks, and working fishing traditions. This maritime museum captures the vessels and stories that have shaped life on Alaska's waters for generations.

Discover the rich heritage of Southeast Alaska at this community-centered museum, where Native Tlingit culture, local history, and regional art come together under one roof. Through carefully curated artifacts, clan treasures, and rotating exhibits, you'll gain authentic insight into the Chilkat Valley's diverse past and vibrant present. Perfect for curious travelers and culture enthusiasts alike.

Step back into Cooper Landing's frontier past through three beautifully preserved buildings—Jack Lean's 1920s cabin, the historic post office, and a vintage schoolhouse—all nestled along the scenic Kenai River and maintained by dedicated local volunteers.

The Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry (MATI) started in 1967 as the Air Progress Museum. It was a small collection of Alaskan transportation artifacts gathered for the centennial celebration of the United States purchasing Alaska from Russia in 1867. The exhibit was on International Airport Road in Anchorage.

The Ilanka Cultural Center honors the full heritage and culture of the Eyak, Alutiiq, Ahtna, and Tlingit peoples. We are dedicated to the revival and preservation of Native crafts and skills for future generations. Ilanka is the Alutiiq word for “family,” and the Ilanka Cultural Museum is pleased to share Alutiiq heritage with you – our food and languages, art and regalia, songs and dances.

The Museum of the Aleutians is a 9,400 square foot building and is the only archaeological research and Museum storage facility for the Aleutian Region.

Step into Alaska's natural world and uncover the stories behind its most iconic landscapes and creatures. This Eagle River museum showcases everything from ancient glaciers and wildlife habitats to Indigenous traditions and geological formations through interactive exhibits and hands-on science experiences that engage visitors of all ages.

Explore the spiritual heart of Russian Alaska through stunning icons, embroidered textiles, and sacred objects that reveal nearly three centuries of Orthodox heritage. This intimate museum brings the region's multicultural past to life.

Dive into centuries of Kodiak's compelling past at this museum housed in a beautifully preserved Russian-era building. You'll encounter fascinating stories of Alutiiq heritage, Russian colonial life, American settlement, and wartime history through engaging exhibits and cultural programs that bring the island's diverse legacy to life.

Experience vibrant Alaskan art in an intimate Homer gallery featuring rotating solo exhibitions, live performances, and artist-led workshops. Meet creators directly during the studio tour or attend lectures that celebrate regional creativity and cultural connection.

Step back into the Klondike Gold Rush era and discover the stories that shaped this historic frontier town. Our carefully curated collection of gold-rush artifacts, vintage photographs, and personal memorabilia brings Skagway's wild past to life, offering a fascinating glimpse into the adventurers and dreamers who once flooded through these streets seeking fortune.

Known as the only museum in Sitka that contains elements of all of Sitka’s history,the Sitka Historical Museum is packed with displays, photographs, andartifacts from Sitka’s Tlingit, Russian, and American history. This is a great first stop for travelers to orient themselves to Sitka.

The Anchorage Museum brings the best of Alaska to the world and the best of the world to Alaska. <br> Through a combination of art, history and science the Anchorage Museum creates a rich, deep understanding of the human experience and offers something for everyone.

Step inside Alaska's premier hands-on science center where curiosity becomes discovery. Stand inside a giant bubble, explore marine ecosystems in the touch tank, meet exotic reptiles up close, and uncover the physics behind everyday phenomena through interactive exhibits and our immersive planetarium. Perfect for families who learn best by doing.

Escape the cold and step into Idaho's fascinating stories—from ancient pharaohs to dinosaurs to the epic Lewis and Clark expedition. This premier museum brings the region's natural and cultural heritage to life through world-class traveling exhibits, interactive programs, and displays that spark curiosity for visitors of all ages. Perfect for a winter day of discovery and wonder.

Tucked in the heart of Hailey, this charming 1882 adobe building invites you to explore the rich stories of Blaine County. Founded in 1962, the museum preserves local history within its distinctive walls—once a liquor store, movie house, and even an armory during the Spanish-American War. Step inside to discover artifacts and memories that bring Idaho's pioneer heritage to life.

The Museum was started by aircraft enthusiast John Bagley. The museum opened in 2006, with the goal that gives visitors the opportunity to see up close some of the machines that have served America and provided us with the freedoms we currently enjoy.

The Boise Art Museum champions excellence in the visual arts through exhibitions, collections and educational experiences and is nationally recognized for leadership, innovation and excellence in the visual arts.

Explore the vibrant heritage of Idaho's Basque community through dynamic exhibits, cultural events, and immersive experiences that celebrate the traditions of this proud immigrant legacy right in the heart of downtown Boise.

The Staff House Museum located at 820 W. McKinley Avenue in Kellogg was constructed in 1906 by the Bunker Hill & Sullivan Mining & Concentrating Company as the residence for Manager Stanley A. Easton and his bride, Estelle Greenough.

A non-profit educational arts organization founded in 1971 by Glenn and Bill Janss. The Center offers cultural experiences that are exceptional for a community located far from urban centers. Our purpose is community service, and the arts are an integral part of our development as human beings.

Step back into Gem County's frontier days by wandering through this charming Village museum complex, where multiple historic buildings showcase local heritage and stories. Summer is perfect for exploring at your leisure, moving between structures and discovering the region's rich past.

Discover the rich history and vibrant culture of African Americans, with a special focus on their stories in Idaho. Located in the historic St. Paul Baptist Church building within beautiful Julia Davis Park, this museum offers engaging exhibits alongside lectures, films, workshops, and live performances that celebrate community and foster meaningful connections across cultures.

Discover the incredible stories of aviation and World War II history at this community-supported museum in Idaho. Explore fascinating exhibits that bring to life the technology, culture, and brave individuals who shaped North America during one of history's most pivotal eras. Plan your visit today and experience hands-on learning that connects the home front to the war front.

Discover the glittering world of Idaho's mining past and geological wonders at this gem tucked into the Historical District. Nestled beside the historic Old Penitentiary, the museum brings the state's underground riches and earth science story to life through captivating exhibits and hands-on learning opportunities—perfect for curious minds of any age.

Explore Priest Lake's pioneer heritage through historic exhibits, settler interviews, and local artifacts at this volunteer-staffed museum. Open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day on Priest Lake Museum Road north of Luby Bay Road.

The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho opened its doors to the public on Oct. 19, 2002, and is operated by the Board of Directors as a 501(c)3 nonprofit art museum and art education center.

The Idaho Military History Museum has been established for the purpose of "preservation, display and interpretation of military history and artifacts that have a geographical tie to the history of the people and state of Idaho". <br> The Idaho Military History Museum was opened in 1995 by the Idaho Military Historical Society.

Four Rivers Cultural Center Museum gathers within its walls, the wonders of more than a century of history. The museum exhibits trace the settlement patterns of the Northern Paiutes, Basque, Japanese/Americans, Hispanic, and Euro American immigrants. The visitor's exhibit tour begins with an educational film, designed to provide a historical context to the exhibit gallery.

Dive into hands-on science that sparks curiosity and wonder at this dynamic museum where learning feels like play. From interactive exhibits to immersive programs, you'll discover why science matters in ways that actually stick with you—perfect for curious minds of all ages looking to explore, experiment, and have fun this winter.

Dive into Oregon's natural and cultural stories through world-class exhibits of fossils, artifacts, and geological wonders. Perfect for curious minds seeking to understand the ecosystems and civilizations that shaped this remarkable region.

Experience world-class art in a beautifully expanded space that celebrates creative traditions from across the globe—American, European, Asian masterpieces, and cutting-edge contemporary works all under one roof. The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art invites you to wander through thoughtfully curated galleries and catch rotating exhibitions that keep each visit fresh and inspiring.

Explore one of the West's finest collections of wildlife art, featuring paintings, sculptures, and mixed media from over 100 artists spanning Native American traditions to contemporary work. Located in Jackson Hole, the museum pairs its remarkable permanent galleries with rotating exhibitions and educational programs perfect for art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

The Center has 12,000 square feet of exhibition area. Fossils and life forms from earliest geologic time periods are displayed in a chronological perspective. There are over 200 displays throughout the museum. The central hall houses dozens of full-size mounted skeletons, including over 20 dinosaurs.