Plan Your Visit to the McCleary Museum & Event Center
Visit McCleary: A Gateway to the Washington Coast
McCleary is a welcoming town nestled in the lush forests of Western Washington. Whether you’re escaping the city for the weekend or heading to the Pacific beaches, we invite you to breathe in the fresh Northwest air and discover our local history.
While you’re visiting, don’t forget to take a selfie in front of your favorite display and share using #mcclearymuseum or #eventcenteratthemcclearymuseum. We can’t wait to see what you discover.
📍 Location & Getting Here
Located just off Highway 8 between Olympia and the coast, McCleary is a convenient 1½-hour drive south of Seattle. It is the perfect starting point for the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway.
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Physical Address: 426 S. 3rd Street, McCleary, WA 98557
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Mailing Address: PO BOX 554, McCleary, WA 98557
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Phone: 360-964-0561
🏛️ Know Before You Go
Planning a stop at the McCleary Museum? Housed in a beautifully preserved, 100-year-old historic church, our museum offers a unique glimpse into the region’s heritage. The museum is located just off Highway 8 with easy access to downtown and highway 108 towards Shelton.
| Feature | Details |
| Museum Hours | Sat & Sun, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM (or by appointment) |
| Admission | Free (Donations are always welcomed) |
| Event Center | Hours vary by scheduled events |
| Parking | Corner of Oak St & 3rd St; ADA-accessible spots with ramp access available |
🍴 Eat, Stay, & Explore
McCleary offers more than just a quick stop. Slow down and enjoy our local favorites:
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Fuel Up: Grab a coffee at one of our local stands or stock up on essentials at Gordon’s Select Market.
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Dine In: Enjoy a meal at The Bear’s Den or visit the family-friendly Bandana Brewing Company.
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Stay Awhile: Experience the charm of the historic McCleary Hotel, a local landmark perfect for an overnight history-themed retreat.
Pro Tip: McCleary is the ultimate “slow travel” destination. Use us as your home base before hitting the ocean beaches!
🗺️ Suggested Itineraries
Check back soon! We are currently Curating Day Trip and Overnight Trip guides to help you make the most of your visit to McCleary and the surrounding Scenic Byway.
After your visit we would love for you to leave us a review on Google or YELP.
Common Questions
Is the museum accessible?
Yes. We have accessible parking, ramps and one ADA bathroom.
Are you child friendly?
Absolutely! We welcome all ages.
Are you pet friendly?
Yes, the McCleary Museum is pet friendly. We welcome well-behaved, leashed animals, and there is grassy space outside for pets to take a break before entering. Other places in town of interest for your canine companion are Beerbower Park, The McCleary Hotel and outside dining at The Bear’s Den.
What forms of payment do you accept for donations
Admission for the museum is free but we happily will accept a donation made by cash, check, card or online submission.
How long should plan to spend at the museum?
Most guests plan to spend about an hour at the museum for an enjoyable visit. If you are planning a visit in advance to research family history, you may want to call us in advance to see if we can help locate information for you prior to your visit.
Helpful links
McCleary Washington Home Page | McCleary Washington
Grays Harbor – Visit Grays Harbor – Unforgettable Grays Harbor
The McCleary Hotel | Historic Boutique Hotel in McCleary, WA
Grays Harbor Fair & Events Center
McCleary | Timberland Regional Library
The Chehalis Valley Historical Museum – Located in Montesano, Washington