Get carried away at the Northwest Carriage Museum in Raymond, WA, home to a world-class collection of horse-drawn vehicles and period artifacts. The museum recently celebrated its 20th Anniversary, and from its impressive original collection of 21 horse-drawn vehicles, donated by a local private collector in 2002, the museum has grown to an astounding 63 vehicles and thousands of related artifacts from the 19th century. While the experience of seeing these stunning vehicles in person is already enough to make this museum worth the trip, the incredible restoration and conservation of the vehicles, along with the dynamic and engaging exhibition of the collection are what really set this hidden gem apart!
Strolling through the Northwest Carriage Museum is like taking a step back in time: the welcoming and informative staff, and in-depth interpretive boards, audio, video, interactive, and infographic explanations of everything from the craftsmanship and building of these vehicles, to the social, practical, and historical elements of this period of history really do transport you to the past! Additionally, the museum is hard at work creating new digital enhancements to their exhibits, adding additional information that could previously only be seen and heard on private tours of the collection. Through the scanning of QR codes with a smartphone or tablet, visitors will now be able to see these vehicles from new perspectives and in action as they have never have before!
The Northwest Carriage Museum is open 7 days a week, year-round, from 10am to 4pm. Private group tours can also be scheduled by calling (360) 942-4150. Veterans and active military receive $1 off admission. Come see one of the finest collections of 19th-century vehicles in the country, fun for all ages! For more information about the collection, local area, and more, please visit www.nwcarriagemuseum.org.