Lets face it. It rains a lot here in Grays Harbor. From October to June the rainy days not only dampens the forests, it can dampen our spirits, as well. As the gray covers everything, many locals often question just why they live here. The answer is not simple, but for many of us, we enjoy living here because of the rain. While some will still head outside, no matter the weather, many will want to retreat indoors until the sunshine returns.
Instead of sitting and watching TV or playing online, there are a lifetime of great activities to enjoy indoors. These places will make you appreciate and celebrate being a resident of Grays Harbor. These five iconic and awesome locations are sure to help your family pass the time during the doldrums of the precipitation season. Whether you do a few in a day or space it out every few weeks, these five destinations will give you a brighter outlook during the shorter, darker days.
1. Sucher & Son’s Star Wars Shop
Known for having one of the largest collections of Star Wars memorabilia in galaxies both near and far, Sucher & Sons Star Wars Shop is the perfect place to spend a few hours engrossed in pop culture. This quirky and unique store will have you intoxicated, even transforming those not feeling the force into true fans. Walking the crowded aisles, adults will revert back to childhood, sharing their love for the characters and movies with their little Ewoks. When you start feeling like the dark side is taking over, as rain and clouds seem to smother everything around, a trip to Sucher & Sons will bring a little spot of light. Located at 413 East Wishkah Street in Aberdeen and open daily from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., this is one destination that can be repeated numerous times.
2. Aberdeen Museum of History
Often overlooked, the Aberdeen Museum of History is an important part of Grays Harbor. Documenting the life and times of the city, this small museum is a great way to discover some of the lesser known aspects of how the city we know and love came to be. Complete with exhibits including a blacksmith shop, old vehicles, a general store and numerous pictures, a walk through this small museum will help you reconnect with a long lost period of time. The volunteer staff are extremely friendly and can answer nearly all questions you may have. Walking through the museum is a great activity with your kids, helping show them how quickly things can change and the importance of remembering where we came from. Located at 111 E. Third Street in Aberdeen, the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Sunday 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., and closed Mondays.
3. Polson Museum
Logging is what created the towns around Grays Harbor, helping give the region is the title of the lumber capitol of the world. For the better part of a century, logging transformed with the forests and the cities, bringing wealth and prosperity to a Grays Harbor. While the logging bubble may have burst, the spirit lives on at the Polson Museum in Hoquiam. Created in 1976, the museum is a National Historical site and one of the most unique museums in Western Washington. With both a 6,500 square foot mansion with 17 rooms of exhibits full of artifacts, documents and photos and a Railroad Camp building housing heavy logging machinery, this museum will inspire and educate visitors of all ages. The museum is located at 1611 Riverside Avenue in Hoquiam and is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday noon to 4:00 p.m.
4. Ocean Shores Coastal Interpretive Center
Located out along the North Beach coast in Ocean Shores, the Coastal Interpretive Center is quickly becoming a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike. The building is small, located near the end of the peninsula that holds the city of Ocean Shores, but the content in the building is larger than life. Full of exhibits focusing on shells, rocks and minerals, local wildlife, tsunami displays, history of the Quinault Nation, shipwrecks and an interpretive trail, this is a great place to stop by and learn about local history and culture. There are even lectures and educational events in the building, so coming here often is a great idea. Find the center at 1033 Catala Ave SE in Ocean Shores. Open 10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and Monday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
5. Westport Maritime Museum and Lighthouse
Near the historic marina in Westport, a short walk from the boardwalk selling salt water taffy and fishing trips, the Westport Maritime Museum is a perfect place to enjoy the rainy days. Inside this stunning building, built in 1939, numerous displays and rooms full of history and an amazing lighthouse lens. The lighthouse lens once sat at the Destruction Island Lighthouse off of Kalaloch Beach. Built in France in 1888, the light was used from 1891 until 1995 and is one of the crown jewels of the museum. The museum focuses on maritime life in the South Beach, with other areas showing off the natural history of the Pacific Coast. The museum should be visited often and is a great place for families. Hours vary by season so be sure to check open times here. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
