In an 1890s farmhouse on the outskirts of Friday Harbor, the San Juan Historical Museum commemorates early pioneer life on San Juan Island. While the building itself is interesting for its vernacular architecture, the displays of kitchen and parlor furnishings – like the pump organ and massive wood range – are also worth checking out. A new wing on science and industry is in the works.
San Juan Historical Museum
San Juan Islands
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
20.89 MILES
Far more than just another pretty flower arrangement, Butchart is a national historic site and a triumph of early-20th-century gardening aesthetics. With…
18.07 MILES
Arguably the finest museum in British Columbia and carrier of a ‘royal’ prefix since 1987, Victoria’s flagship sight mixes the cream of BC’s provincial…
17.01 MILES
More ostentatious country mansion than fortified castle, Craigdarroch, with its turrets, stained-glass windows and palatial interior, looks like it might…
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6.94 MILES
Spencer Spit State Park is one of only four state parks on the San Juan archipelago. Two sand spits have formed a marshy lagoon that is a prime spot for…
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29.23 MILES
Halfway between La Conner and Mt Vernon, this renowned bulb producer has color-drenched fields of blooms as well as a truly spectacular display garden…
12.95 MILES
In 1911 Robert Moran donated 7 sq miles of his property to create this park on the eastern saddlebag of Orcas Island. The park is dominated by 2409ft Mt…
18.2 MILES
This dramatically handsome confection of turrets, domes and stained glass is British Columbia's working legislature and is also open to visitors. You can…
17.94 MILES
It’s not big, nor are its resident critters (although some of them are alarmingly colossal by insect standards); however, this diminutive indoor ‘zoo’ is…
Nearby San Juan Islands attractions
0.02 MILES
If you have time for only one sight, visit the excellent Whale Museum, a small but cleverly arranged space dedicated to the life of the orca (killer whale…
2. San Juan Islands Museum of Art
0.14 MILES
Housed in the most swanky, modern building in town. Visit to see rotating exhibits featuring primarily Pacific Northwestern artists.
1.91 MILES
Turn Island is a hit with beach campers and especially kayakers. The marine park is part of the San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge.
4. Shaw Island Library & Historical Museum
3.62 MILES
This little history museum about Shaw Island shares space with the library.
5. San Juan Island National Historical Park (American Camp)
4.5 MILES
On the southern flank of the island, the American Camp hosts a small visitor center and is a good place to start your historical excursion. Among the…
6. Lopez Island Historical Museum
4.66 MILES
This tiny museum exhibits antiquated farm machinery, early pioneer photos and various rotating exhibitions. What it lacks in scale it makes up for in…
7. San Juan Island National Historical Park
4.94 MILES
Known more for their scenery than their history, the San Juans nonetheless hide one of the 19th century's oddest political confrontations, the so-called …
5.61 MILES
The restored 1917 schoolhouse is run by the local historical society and offers a good photo op. To get to the schoolhouse from Lopez Village, take the…