Dive into Seattle’s history and discover the people and events that shaped this Pacific Northwest powerhouse. Learn about its early transportation and seafaring days and see proof of its innovative spirit and impact on modern culture. Don’t just read about it – explore these must-visit places that bring history to life!
Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI)
Seattle is well known for its innovative spirit. With a visit to the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI,) you’ll uncover the past and present and see how that spirit shaped the city. MOHAI’s engaging exhibits let you explore the Pacific Northwest’s fascinating story with a deep dive into maritime history, groundbreaking inventions, and social movements. See how it transformed from a land rich in Native cultures to the thriving business and tourist hub it is today. Check out MOHAI’s calendar for special events like workshops and hands-on activities that help to bring Seattle’s history to life beyond the exhibit itself. Find tickets online and visit today.
Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture
The Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture is a unique place showcasing one-of-a-kind scientific artifacts and cultural items. With windows that enable visitors to watch as our researchers and scientists clean and uncover fossils, restore cultural items, and prepare specimens, there is always something new to see at the Burke.
The Burke’s three floors of galleries take visitors on an historical journey featuring dinosaurs, fossils of all kinds, animals, plants, cultural pieces, and Northwest Native art. Learn how people lived hundreds of years ago and what the world was like during the time of the dinosaurs. Watch artists in the Artist Studio as they demonstrate traditional weaving techniques that continue today, carve paddles, and more. The Burke Museum is located on the University of Washington campus in Seattle. Advanced tickets are recommended and can be purchased at burkemuseum.org.
Boeing Future of Flight
Journey into the world of aviation at Boeing Future of Flight, home to the Everett Factory Tour, located just north of Seattle in Mukilteo. Aviation enthusiasts and curious minds alike can learn about where the iconic Boeing 747 was born, tour the world’s largest building by volume (Boeing Everett Factory), and see where 777/777X airplanes are assembled.
Explore the Boeing Gallery with interactive exhibits on flight history and future concepts. Catch amazing views of airplanes from the Sky Deck and ignite a passion for flight in the Kids’ Zone filled with hands-on fun. Space enthusiasts can even explore a mockup of the U.S. Lab section of the International Space Station! So, whether you’re an airplane buff or simply looking for a fun and educational family outing, the Boeing Future of Flight promises an unforgettable experience. Plan your visit today and start by picking up your tickets online.
National Nordic Museum
Explore the art, culture, and history of Nordic peoples and learn their stories with a visit to the National Nordic Museum. Tour galleries with artifacts from all five Nordic nations, from Viking treasures to modern design. Nordic Journeys, a permanent exhibit, details the Nordic immigration story, including its evolution over the last 12,000 years. To further immerse yourself in Nordic culture, check out Freya in the museum for Nordic-inspired food and drinks. The National Nordic Museum hosts many events throughout the year, including hands-on activities, film screenings, guest speakers, and cultural performances. Plan your visit online and purchase your tickets today.
The Museum of Flight
The Museum of Flight is a stunning aviation-themed air and space museum that’s the perfect place to spend a few hours if you’ve ever dreamed of flying, becoming a pilot, or are curious about the science and history of flight. This museum boasts an incredible collection of aircraft, including galleries of hanging and floor-parked WWI and WWII aircraft. There’s an aerospace collection in the Space Gallery that is not to be missed with an Apollo Command Module 007A, Sputnik I engineering model, Mercury Capsule mockup, plus a Lunar Rover Vehicle mockup.
Outside, under the covered Aviation Pavilion, you’ll find rare and unique commercial and military aircraft from the 1930s to the present. You’ll see the first Boeing 747, a Boeing 787, and the West Coast’s only Concorde! Also, the first jet mode Air Force One, the first 727 and 737, and an air cargo exhibit. The Museum of Flight is conveniently located just south of Seattle in Tukwila, WA. Plan your visit today and book a tour for a custom experience.
Pacific Science Center (PacSci)
Discover the wonder of science at Pacific Science Center (PacSci). This historic science and technology center has been educating and entertaining the community for over 60 years since it opened as part of the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair. PacSci’s architectural design, by famed local architect Minoru Yamasaki, with its famous arches and fountains, was once on the cover of TIME magazine. Yamasaki later designed the World Trade Center in New York.
With its commitment to educating generations of visitors about the scientific process, PacSci offers interactive and engaging hands-on exhibits that spark curiosity and open minds to further investigation. During your visit, be sure to include a stop in the Planetarium for a live, immersive presentation that will blast you to the outer reaches of the universe or explore the planets in our own solar system. Or visit the Laser Dome for a laser show custom-programmed to accompany popular musical artists, new and old. From IMAX documentaries and blockbuster films to the Tropical Butterfly House and more, there is something for everyone at PacSci!
Space Needle
The Space Needle is the most iconic building on the Seattle skyline, but nothing compares to the view you get from a visit to the top. It’s always one of the most incredible places to visit in Seattle, connecting you instantly to the city’s rich history. Since its grand opening in 1962 as a centerpiece for the World’s Fair, the Space Needle continues to represent Seattle’s innovative and forward-thinking spirit.
See historical images and learn all about the Space Needle as you journey to the elevators, and then on the renovated observation deck (520 feet up!), you’ll stand in awe of the spectacular 360° view of the surrounding landscape, day or night. Floor-to-forever glass and Skyriser benches offer unobstructed sightlines and give you a unique opportunity to see why the Space Needle is “Seattle’s Point of View Since 1962.” For yet another unforgettable view, head down a level and experience the Loupe, the world’s first and only revolving glass floor. Plan your visit and purchase your timed entry tickets online.
Wing Luke Museum
A museum like no other, the Wing Luke Museum is dedicated to the experiences of over 26 ethnic communities sharing the dynamic history, cultures, and art of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) to advance racial and social equity. Wing Luke Museum exhibitions, tours, and programs are developed with community members, to ensure authenticity and a community-based perspective.
Explore recreated spaces like a historic Chinatown store, the Yick Fung Store, which offers a glimpse into the lives of early Asian immigrants. The Wing Luke Museum is where history comes alive, sparking conversations about identity, immigration, and the ongoing contributions of AANHPIs to American society. Visit wingluke.org to make your visit even more engaging and learn about upcoming events – including our Historic Hotel Tours and walking tours through downtown Seattle.
Tours at Climate Pledge Arena
Another historic landmark in Seattle is Climate Pledge Arena. The arena itself sits under the iconic roof structure originally built for the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair. Recently remodeled and now Climate Pledge Arena is the first arena in the world to achieve the International Living Future Institute Zero Carbon Certification and has achieved the highest waste diversion rate of any sports venue globally at the time of certification, in just its third year according to The Green Business Certification Inc. (GCBI). This innovative and ambitious commitment to sustainability sets a new precedent for the sports and entertainment industry, making it a historic milestone in the fight against climate change.
You can explore Seattle’s eco-friendly Climate Pledge Arena and feel like a VIP on a 75-minute arena tour. This behind-the-scenes journey includes the arena’s recent transformation story and sustainability commitment, like how the arena cuts waste, saves energy, and even uses rainwater for the and ice for the Kraken games! Plus, peek into hidden areas like team locker rooms (not on game days) and concert dressing rooms. This tour is perfect for anyone curious about what goes on behind the scenes at this historic arena and those interested in modern sustainable practices. Remember to book your tour in advance since reservations are required.
By understanding Seattle’s history, you’ll better appreciate the city’s diverse present, its current role as a transportation and innovation hub, and its ongoing cultural influence. So, pack your curiosity and get ready to discover how Seattle’s past gives us a perspective of the city it is today.
