Discovering the International Mermaid Museum: A Hidden Gem on Washington’s Coast
We ended up at the International Mermaid Museum completely by chance. While visiting the United States over the summer we spent a few days in Bellingham and were set up with a cat sit in Portland, Oregon as our next stop. We had a week to cover what is usually around a 5 hour drive so we decided to be a bit touristy on the our drive south. Day 3 of the journey we woke up in Federal Way, Washington with a vague inclination that we should end the day out on the coast. The most logical route for that would be to cut off the freeway at Olympia and head down through Aberdeen. While mapping it out, I saw the icon for the International Mermaid Museum and announced that THAT was going to be today’s destination.
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International Mermaid Museum
International Mermaid Museum – Short Video
Westport Winery Garden Resort
A Unique Museum Experience at Westport Winery Garden Resort
What a super fun place. Located between Westport and Aberdeen on the SW Washington coast, this museum is part of the Westport Winery Garden Resort. Before you even step inside, you’re greeted by remarkable artistry – the entry portico’s pillars are fascinating works created through a complex process involving an artist and 3-D printing, as explained by a placard near the entrance.
Speaking of entry; the museum is surprisingly affordable, with adult admission at just US$3 and a family plan for US$10 (as of August 2024). Upon entry, visitors are offered a scavenger hunt worksheet, though I’d recommend not letting it become your sole focus – there’s so much more to discover.
Inside the Museum: Where Science Meets Mythology
We spent almost 45 minutes in the museum itself; if you have littles (or a real fascination with mermaids) I bet it would take longer.
The museum cleverly organizes its collections by different types of mermaids, blending mythology with marine science. Each section tells the story of specific mermaid types, accompanied by displays and artifacts that bring these legends to life.
For your budding oceanographer, nascent marine biologist or plain old mermaid fan, the museum offers a wealth of information. We particularly appreciated how the exhibits balance educational content about ocean ecology with mythological stories.
We had no idea there were so many types of mermaids or that mermaid mythology was so deep (sorry, couldn’t resist). Small and large, beautiful and terrifying, mermaid lore covers the gamut of human experience, The stories in the galleries help inform how different cultures perceive the mermaid myth and also gives a sense of how rooted in human culture the myth is.
Of course, one of the best known mermaid has a prominent space of her own. This corner is really for the Disneyfied version of the tale but it’s kind of cute. The various toys and merchandise included give a sense of the pervasiveness of the Ariel myth in US culture.
Tips for Visitors
Our experience as travel bloggers taught us that this museum benefits from a two-pass approach. The first walk-through helps you absorb the overall experience, while a second pass allows you to focus on specific details or capture photos. The museum is open daily from 11 am to 6 pm, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Don’t miss the ‘garden’ part of the Westport Winery Garden Resort after your museum visit. We spent over an hour exploring the grounds, which feature an engaging mix of natural beauty and sculptures, plus a small golf course and various games.
Whether you’re planning your trip or stumble upon it like we did, the International Mermaid Museum offers a unique blend of education, entertainment, and whimsy that makes it worth a visit during your Washington coast journey.
