Location: Vancouver
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What to do and see in Vancouver, Washington (WA): The Best Museums
Steeped in history, Vancouver is the oldest city in Washington. Once the largest western outpost of the British Hudson's Bay Company, where supplies and food were bartered in the 1800s, it was closed in 1860 as Americans took over commerce. The outpost was later recreated as the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. For more history, check out the Pearson Air Field, the oldest operating airfield in the West, where vintage aircraft are displayed at the Pearson Air Museum. If adventure is your bag, Vancouver is the perfect base for day trips to the Columbia River Gorge, the breathtakingly beautiful 70-mile river stretch that cuts through the Cascade Mountains, or Mount St. Helens, the site of the famous volcano, both of which offer a slew of outdoor activities. For calmer pastimes, cruise the picturesque river in the Columbia Gorge riverboat, or visit Beacon Rock, the world's second largest monolith, where a walking trail leads to spectacular panoramic views.
Restaurants in Vancouver
1. Jack Murdock Aviation Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Dedicated to preserving the aviation history of Pearson Field, the oldest operating air field in the West, this center combines aviation history with interactive exhibits on the mechanics of flying, and allows visitors to watch old planes being restored.
2. Clark County Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
The Clark County Historical Society & Museum are dedicated to the collection, preservation, and interpretation of the cultural history of Clark County and the Pacific Northwest, and to sponsoring educational programs and exhibits for the enrichment of all members of the public. The museum is located in Vancouver Washington's 1909 Carnegie Library at 1511 Main Street.To achieve the above functions, the museum produces changing interpretive exhibits using the tangible historic objects stored in the museum collection and temporary loans of items from the community and other heritage organizations. The museum also hosts traveling exhibits from larger institutions and regularly provides lectures, classes, special events, student internships, teacher training opportunities and other related education programs to further the appreciation of the history and culture of Clark County. The museum also houses a gift shop and a research library, both of which are open during regular museum hours.
3. Water Resources Education Center
4. Pearson Field and Pearson Air Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By davebD1385JT - Vancouver, United States
The Pearson Air Museum is a "must-see" for anyone interested in aviation history generally or its local history, which is extensive. Do you know who Valery Chkalov is, or that the first trans-polar flight was from Moscow, Russia to Vancouver, WA? Chkalov achieved several milestones in aviation. In 1936 and 1937, he participated in several ultra long flights, including a 63-hour flight from Moscow, Soviet Union to Vancouver, Washington, United States via the North Pole in a Tupolev ANT-25 airplane (18–20 June 1937), a non-stop distance of 8,811 kilometres (5,475 mi). The flight pioneered the polar air route from Europe to the American Pacific Coast. The displays are well done, interestingly arranged and easy to see. It turns the history of the Fort Vancouver area into a bustling, thriving point of interest in your mind. Well worth a stop to check it out.
5. Phoenix Rising Art Gallery
Phoenix Rising Art Gallery is located in the heart of Downtown Vancouver on Main Street. We are located on the second story of a historic building that was Vancouver's first bank 100 years ago. The gallery is newly renovated with new LED track lighting, suspended walls, and newly installed floors. We are always featuring local artists and taking in new talent.
