Enjoy history, culture, and gorgeous vistas when you visit Walla Walla and the surrounding region! From museums detailing the history and culture of Native Americans to historic homes, there are so many wonderful options that are just a short distance from Cameo Heights Mansion. Read about some of our favorite museums near Walla Walla below and start planning your getaway today!
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The Best Museums Near Walla Walla
Tamástslikt Cultural Institute
This Pendleton, Oregon, museum honors the history of the region and the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla tribes. The Tamástslikt Cultural Institute boasts that its visitors can take a 10,000-year voyage in a single afternoon when you visit. Be sure to stop by the museum store to pick up some authentic art, jewelry, as well as tradition shirts, dresses, and shawls. The Kinship Cafe is another must, with a variety of native-inspired foods as well as hot and cold beverages. You won’t want to miss enjoying a huckleberry pastry while taking in the view of the Blue Mountain foothills.
The Tamástslikt Cultural Institute is open Monday to Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is just $10 for adults and $9 for seniors and students. It’s a little over an hour from Cameo Heights Mansion.
Kirkman House Museum
The original Kirkman House was built around 1880 for one of the area’s wealthy families. Today, guests can tour this Victorian mansion and learn about some of Walla Walla’s most distinguished residents. You’ll learn about everything from quilt-making to World War II effects on the region. There are many annual events, like the Victorian Christmas Jubilee, Holiday Bazaar, and Independence Day in the Park, each hosted by the historic house.
Kirkman House Museum is open from Wednesday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults or $25 per household. It’s just a 30-minute drive from Cameo Heights Mansion.
Fort Walla Walla Museum
Located within Fort Walla Walla Park, this museum stretches over 15 acres and includes four exhibit halls, a 17-building pioneer village, and a two-story administrative building. The exhibits at Fort Walla Walla Museum are varied and educate visitors about everything Walla Walla, from the legacy of agriculture in the region to the history of local Native American tribes. Another excellent attraction within the park is the Pioneer Village. This living history exhibit gives an authentic look at life in the 1800s. Many of the homes are original buildings which were moved to the park. Highlights of the village include Prescott Jail, the Union School (one of the best preserved one-room schoolhouses in the area), and Ransom Clark Cabin.
The museum is open daily from March 1 to October 31, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. From November 1 until February 29, the museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults and $7 for seniors. It’s just a 30-minute drive from Cameo Heights Mansion.
REACH Museum
REACH Museum, in nearby Richland, focuses on the natural features of Washington, the history of the Tri-Cities, and how we can help protect our waterways. There are four permanent galleries in the museum as well as one rotating exhibit. These galleries focus on how the land of the Tri-Cities was shaped and formed through the history of the Earth, this region’s place in World War II, local efforts to protect the Columbia River, and so much more! There are great guided tours offered through the year, from vineyard walks to mountain hikes.
REACH Museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $6 for seniors. It’s just a 40-minute drive from Cameo Heights Mansion.
Museum of Unnatural History
Enjoy this quirky attraction during your stay in Walla Walla! The Museum of Unnatural History was founded by Gerry Matthews, a comedian who wanted to display humor and irony to the public via his unique exhibits and art. The museum showcases absurdism, dadaism, and surrealism its pieces. You can learn about all three of these genres as well as see excellent examples of each. It’s hard to grasp what each of these works means fully, but it’s fun to try!
The Museum of Unnatural History is open every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., or by appointment. Admission is free. The museum is just a 30-minute drive from Cameo Heights Mansion.
Franklin County Historical Museum
The Franklin County Historical Museum is the perfect attraction for history buffs. This well-respected site displays a wide variety of exhibits and memorabilia, dating back to the origins of Franklin County. The museum’s mission is to preserve and showcase this region’s past and legacy. From the history and culture of the first Native residents to the entrance of American settlers to this area, brought by the Northern Pacific Railway, the Franklin County Historical Museum uses well-designed exhibits to take you back in time. You’ll also learn about the importance of farming in the region, as well as the Pasco’s Naval Air Station of World War II.
The museum is open Tuesday to Friday, from noon until 5:00 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for seniors. It’s just a 30-minute drive from Cameo Heights Mansion.
Whitman Mission National Historic Site
The Whitman Mission National Historic Site was established in the early 19th century by Marcus and his wife, Narcissa Whitman. They were missionaries who journeyed to the Walla Walla Valley to teach religion. While there, they were essential in establishing the Oregon Trail. You may recognize them from Whitman College, named after the couple. The historic site, which is at the original location of the mission, includes the graves of the couple, a memorial to them, and a small museum which details life at the Whitman Mission.
The Whitman Mission National Historic Site is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is free. It’s a 25-minute drive from Cameo Heights Mansion.
Frazier Farmstead Museum
Outside of Walla Walla sits Frazier Farmstead Museum. This home, built in 1892, was occupied by members of the Frazier family until 1983. Since then, this six-acre site has become a historic home. Visitors can learn about life on a late 19th-century farm. The Frazier family, and later the Milton-Freewater Area Historical Society, worked hard to maintain the restored home and the farm equipment. Working farms like this one were essential in the establishment of the Walla Walla Valley. This attraction is a must for history buffs!
The Frazier Farmstead Museum is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free, though donations are welcome. It’s about a 45-minute drive from Cameo Heights Mansion.
Stay at Cameo Heights Mansion
Are you ready to visit the best museums near Walla Walla? The first step is finding the best accommodations. Cameo Heights Mansion has everything you need for an amazing vacation. With our gorgeous rooms, fantastic mansion amenities, and onsite spa services, you won’t have trouble relaxing. Do you want to enhance your stay even more? Then book one of our vacation specials! Whether you’re interested in golfing, taking a wine tour, or spending time with your loved one, we have everything you need.
Check our availability and book today! We look forward to having you.