Suquamish Museum

The Suquamish Museum is located in the tiny township of Suquamish on the Kitsap Peninsula, part of the Port Madison Indian Reservation.

It's just a 35 minute ferry ride from Seattle to Bainbridge Island, then 15 minute drive up to Suquamish.

This 9,000 square foot modern museum resembles a Native American longhouse, and was opened in 2012 at a total cost of $7.5 million. It preserves the history of the Suquamish people that have lived in this area for thousands of years.  You can see photographs, precious artificacts and documents in two galleries. The largest gallery hosts the permanent exhibition "Ancient Shores Changing Tides".

The Suquamish Museum also has a gift shop, 50-seat auditorium, meeting room and an adjacent playground with a water feature and sheltered picnic area (check hours).

After visiting the museum, take the 5 minute walk to Chief Seattle's gravesite in the nearby cemetery. You can also walk or drive down to the Suquamish waterfront, and enjoy a meal at Sully's Bistro.

Suquamish Museum

Stroll through the entrance of the Suquamish Museum, surrounded by cedar and hemlock trees.

Check in at the front desk in the beautiful lobby.

The gift shop is just off the lobby.

The main gallery hosts the permanent exhibition "Ancient Shores Changing Tides".

Get an up-close look at intricately weaved baskets.

These hand woven baskets were used for collecting berries, and even carrying water and some were handed out as gifts.

This is the "Carriers through the Canoe Culture of Time" sculpture.

This dress was constructed from bark!

There are incredible artifacts at the Snoqualmie Museum, like this mask.

Here's a pair of children's shoes.

You can also read about Chief Seattle's famous speech, when he signed the Point Elliott Treaty in 1855.

Finish up your visit at the adjacent playground.