Nordic Heritage Museum050

Housed inside one of Seattle's gorgeous vintage grade-schools, this is the only museum in the United States that honors the contributions of Nordic immigrants. If you come with children, be sure to check out Webster Park, located just across the parking lot from the museum.

The first floor features the Dream of America exhibit, which illustrates the long journey immigrants took from the Nordic countries through Ellis Island and across the United States to Washington State. Visitors can walk through the stage-set-like rooms and imagine what it might have been like to have landed at Ellis Island or to have lived in a tenement.

The second floor houses lumber and fishing exhibits, the Heritage Rooms which feature household objects and costumes, and a temporary exhibit space with rotating exhibitions. On the third floor, each of the five Nordic countries has its own room showcasing that country's art, crafts, and lifestyle, along with their contributions to the Pacific Northwest. Look for beautiful examples of folk costumes, household utensils and furniture, and jewelry. While this isn't a "touch museum" for small kids, opportunities to touch objects, pack an immigrant trunk, and try on clothing have been added in the Dream of America exhibit. The children most likely to appreciate these exhibits are late elementary age and up.

Call the museum to arrange docent-guided tours for groups of 10 or more, with two weeks notice. The museum also hosts a variety of children's activities, like craft and storytimes, seasonal festivals and activities (especially around the holidays), Nordic music programs and lectures, and an annual summer Heritage Camp, open to children ages seven to 11.

Note: Some special exhibits may have an admission surcharge.