The Northwest Carriage Museum (NWCM), located an hour north of Astoria in Raymond, Washington, is a treat for horse-drawn carriage enthusiasts—and just about anyone else.
This year, the world-class museum is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The museum began with 21 donated carriages in 2002, and over the course of two decades expanded to more than 60 horse-drawn vehicles from the 19th century. The museum is recognized as having one of the finest collections of its kind in North America, with all manner of horse-drawn vehicles on display, including elegant carriages, common day buggies, work wagons, coaches, and sleighs.
In addition to the large display space for the museum’s collection of vehicles and artifacts, visitors will also find a one-room schoolhouse, a mechanical horse, and a wheelwright/blacksmith display.
“There is something for everyone at the NWCM. Several of our vehicles were used in movie classics like Gone with the Wind and Virginia City,” says executive director Laurie Bowman. “Kids of all ages love the interactive exhibits.”
The Northwest Carriage Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Group tours, which need to be scheduled in advance, are a specialty. 360-942-4150
