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.

  • Physical Address: 426 S. 3rd Street, McCleary, WA 98557

  • Mailing Address: PO BOX 554, McCleary, WA 98557

  • 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:

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.