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Seattle, Washington / Museums

Log House Museum

A City of Seattle Historic Landmark, this cozy museum explores the origins of the city's first colonial settlement at Alki in 1851, housed in a restored 1904 carriage house.

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What is the Log House Museum known for?

Known as the 'Birthplace of Seattle,' this City of Seattle Historic Landmark interprets the history of Seattle's first colonial settlement established at Alki in 1851.

How much does it cost to visit?

Admission is free, though a donation of $5 is suggested and encouraged.

What are the hours?

The museum is open Thursday and Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Where is it located and how do I get there?

The museum is located at 3003 61st Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116, one block from Alki Beach Park. It is accessible via King County Metro bus lines 50, 773, and 775.

What is the building like?

The building was originally a carriage house built in 1903–1904 using logs that grew on the land before non-Native arrival. It features exposed old-growth logs, a wraparound porch, a courtyard, and a native plant garden.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Log House Museum, recognized as a City of Seattle Historic Landmark, serves as a dedicated center for interpreting the history of Seattle's first colonial settlement established at Alki in 1851. The museum is operated by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, which purchased and restored the building in 1995 to convert it into a historical center. It officially opened its doors to the public on November 13, 1997, a date chosen to commemorate the 146th anniversary of the Alki landing. Architecturally, the museum is a charming carriage house constructed between 1903 and 1904 as an outbuilding to the Historic Fir Lodge. The structure is built from logs that grew on the land before the arrival of non-Native peoples, featuring exposed old-growth logs and a welcoming wraparound porch. Visitors can also explore a native plant garden and a quiet courtyard, blending the structure's rustic architecture with the local flora. Located just one block from Alki Beach Park, the museum provides a deeper understanding of the area's significance. The site is situated near land known to the Coast Salish people as sbaqʷabqs or Prairie Point. By exploring the museum's visitor materials, guests can trace the transition of the area from its indigenous own to the early colonial settlement of the city.

Visitor tips

  • Admission is free, though a suggested donation of $5 is encouraged to support the museum.
  • Plan your visit for Thursday or Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., or Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • If you are using public transit, the museum is accessible via King County Metro bus lines 50, 773, and 775.
  • Check the museum's website for temporary closures, as they may close for the installation of permanent exhibitions.

Nearby context

The Log House Museum is located at 3003 61st Ave SW, at the corner of Stevens, just one block from the popular Alki Beach Park, providing a perfect historical anchor for a walk along the waterfront.

Sources

Evidence and links