The Unusual Museums
on San Juan Island

There are three wonderfully unusual museums on San Juan Island, an eclectic assortment that will provide something to interest everyone. Visit them all and make a day of it!

The Whale Museum
Still at the same location since they opened in 1978, The Whale Museum Friday Harbor continues to provide excellent education about the local resident orca pods to the general public about. Learn all about the whales you may see while you are here. You will see a whale skeleton, a life-size model of an orca, movies, and peruse the gift shop where your purchases support whale research. You can even adopt an Orca!
62 First Street North, Friday Harbor, (360) 378-4710

Read about the southern resident pods and check your knowledge about whale history and whale facts killer whale facts! Here are some good places to go whale watching if you want to see orcas, and be sure to bring along a few of these orca books for background and fun while you wait.

San Juan Historical Museum
Designed to "share and interpret the story of the peoples of San Juan Island," and housed in an 1894 farmhouse in Friday Harbor. You will find a "Carriage House," a "Stone Building," a "Milk House," and a barn. Includes Island artifacts for display and a gift shop with books, t-shirts, and a variety of gifts relating to the history and culture of San Juan Island.
405 Price Street, Friday Harbor, (360) 378-3949

Islands Museum of Art
"Presents inspiring and engaging exhibitions and lectures reflecting the best in all of the visual arts and particularly those of the northwestern United States and southwestern Canada." Another unusual museum, located in Friday Harbor, one block up from Spring Street.

Find out more about San Juan Island art and artists.

They also feature the Westcott Bay Sculpture Park, located just outside Roche Harbor Resort, and includes more than 100 wood, stone, glass, bronze, or ceramic sculptures along winding trails throughout the property. The Park is open year-round from dawn until dusk, regardless of the weather. Umbrellas at the entrance gate are available for use on rainy days!

The Sculpture Park is such a serene and beautiful way to view the artwork -- very tranquil. Foxes are often seen running through the property so be on the lookout for them! Exhibits are continually changing, so every visit can provide the new and unique. Make sure you see it!

Support these museums by visiting their gift shops! Shopping from them directly is an opportunity to provide benefit both to the museum AND you! Fun and entertaining! Whale Museum Gift Shop, and the San Juan Historical Museum Gift Shop.

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