Suggested Itineraries

Plan Your McCleary Adventure

Explore our suggested travel guides to make the most of your trip through East Grays Harbor. Every itinerary features a stop at the McCleary Museum, where you can discover local history in our beautiful 1926 building. You will also find helpful links to our community partners, local parks, and favorite dining spots to help you plan the perfect visit.

Help us tell the story of our community! While you’re exploring, don’t forget to take a photo and share your experience using #mcclearymuseumandeventcenter. We can’t wait to see what you discover.

Visit McCleary on Your Way to the Coast

Are you driving from the Seattle or Tacoma area to the Washington Coast? McCleary is the perfect middle point to take a break. Instead of just stopping for gas, turn your break into a mini-adventure!

A Fun Stop for the Whole Family

As you head into town, your first stop should be the McCleary Museum & Event Center. Open Saturdays & Sundays from 12:00-4:00 and located just a few blocks before the park, our museum is a great place for families to explore together.

Hands-On History: Kids love seeing our giant vintage saws and old-school technology. It is like walking through a time machine!
Pet Friendly: Don’t leave your furry family members in the car. We welcome leashed pets inside the museum so everyone can stay together.
Easy and Quick: You can see our coolest displays and our beautiful 1926 building in a short visit before heading to the park.

Stretch and Play at Beerbower Park

Just a few blocks down the road from the museum, you will find Beerbower Park.

Playtime: Let the kids burn off energy at the large playground.
Restrooms: The park has public restrooms available for travelers.
Dog Walking: There is a large grassy area perfect for giving your dog a good leashed walk.

Lunch and Treats

McCleary has great local spots to grab a bite before you hit the road again:

Hot Lunch: Visit Bandana Brewing or The Bear’s Den for a delicious sit-down meal. The Bear’s Den even has outdoor seating for you and your pet!
Quick Bites: Stop at Gordon’s Select Market for fresh grab-and-go snacks and meals.
Coffee for the Road: Pick up a latte or a treat at The Coffee Shop or Rainmaker Coffee Company to keep you fueled for the rest of your drive.

Why Choose McCleary?

By stopping here, you avoid the crowded highway rest stops. You get to enjoy a friendly town, clean air, and local history.

Make the McCleary Museum part of your family’s beach trip tradition!

Visiting Straddleline Park & Exploring McCleary, WA

Are you planning a trip to Straddleline Park? This huge outdoor playground sits right along State Route 8, just 10 miles from downtown McCleary and next to the beautiful Capitol State Forest. It is the ultimate spot for camping, hiking, and off-road riding.

At Straddleline Park, you can enjoy:

ORV Trails: Ride off-road vehicles on exciting tracks and trails.
Campgrounds: Stay at developed campsites with great amenities.
Outdoor Fun: Hike, bike, and explore the nearby Capitol State Forest trail system.

Rainy Day Things to Do in McCleary

Pacific Northwest weather can change fast! If you need a break from the rain or the summer heat, McCleary has the perfect indoor backup plan.

Step 1: Visit the McCleary Museum & Event Center

Cool off in our historic 1926 building, complete with renovated hvac an AC.

Museum Hours: Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Private Tours: Visiting during the week? Contact us 24 hours in advance to schedule a private tour.
What to See: Explore local history archives filled with vintage logging saws, historic photos, and our famous stained glass.
Live Events: Check our online event calendar before you visit! You might catch a live concert or a cool history lecture in our main hall.

Step 2: Eat Like a Local

After learning about our town’s history, grab a bite to eat at one of these local favorites:

The Bear’s Den: The perfect place for a delicious, hearty lunch.
Bandana Brewing: Enjoy great food and a warm, cozy atmosphere.
Local Coffee: Grab a warm drink at The Coffee Shop or Rainmaker Coffee Company to keep your energy up.
Grab food to go: Need snacks and more to take with you back to camp? Gordon’s Select Market has you covered.

Plan your McCleary adventure today!

The Ultimate Grays Harbor Historic Road Trip

If you love history, the Pacific Northwest is packed with stories of timber barons, pioneer days, and beautiful old architecture. This weekend road trip takes you back in time to explore the roots of McCleary, Elma, and Montesano, Washington.

Stay at the Historic McCleary Hotel

Start your journey by checking into The McCleary Hotel. Built in 1912 by Henry McCleary—the town’s founding lumber baron, this beautiful boutique hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

A Living Showroom: Henry McCleary didn’t build the hotel just for guests. He built it out of the finest wood from his own mill to show off his lumber products to traveling buyers!
The Vibe Today: It has been beautifully restored to look like a Swiss Craftsman building from the early 1900s. It’s a quiet, peaceful getaway perfect for relaxing and soaking in local history.

Visit the McCleary Museum & Event Center

Just a short distance from the hotel, you can dive deeper into the town’s roots at the museum, located in another beautiful historic building from 1926.

What to See: Look through archives filled with old photographs of the town’s early days, see vintage logging tools, town memorabilia and the beautiful stained glass.
Hours: Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, or by appointment.

Hunt for Vintage Treasures in Elma

On your way down Route 8 toward Montesano, make a quick stop at the Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds in Elma.

The Monthly Indoor Swap Meet: If you are visiting between October and April, check out their popular monthly swap meet inside the Pavilion building. It is a giant community marketplace where you can hunt for unique collectibles, antique tools, jewelry, and vintage Northwest finds. Visit the Grays Harbor Fairgrounds website for details on the swap meet and other events.

Road Trip to Montesano

Next, continue your drive to Montesano, WA, one of the oldest cities in the region and the historic seat of Grays Harbor County.

Marvel at the Grays Harbor County Courthouse

You cannot miss this stunning building in the center of town. Built between 1910 and 1912, it is a masterpiece of Beaux-Arts architecture.

What to Look For: Walk inside to see the beautiful central rotunda, marble walls, brass railings, and historic walnut and oak panels. Make sure to look at the massive murals along the grand staircase. They depict scenes of early Washington State industry, agriculture, and commerce. Building access is available during business hours. If you are arriving over the weekend, the outside of the building is still an amazing sight.

Explore the Chehalis Valley Historical Museum

Finish your history tour at the Chehalis Valley Historical Society Museum on Pioneer Avenue.

What to See: This museum is dedicated to preserving the stories of how early pioneers worked, played, and lived in the Chehalis Valley. You will see incredible artifacts from the region’s earliest logging and farming days.
Hours: Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM (Admission is free!).

Pack your bags and step back in time!

Message the Museum Fill out the form below to contact us. We can help with history research, venue rentals, and memberships and other questions or concerns.

Prefer to call? 360-964-0561 Mailing Address: PO Box 554, McCleary, WA 98557 Visit Us During Open Hours: 426 S 3rd St, McCleary, WA