Visit
the Shafer Historical Museum
NOTE: Buildings are currently CLOSED due to smoke conditions and staffing due to the Cedar Creek & Cub Creek2 wildland fires.
You may visit the outdoor exhibits on your own and "Take a Peek" inside the buildings with informational signs at the windows. Please be aware of poor air quality and take appropriate precautions.
Please check this page for museum re-opening updates.
Summer Hours
Buildings OPEN & Docents available
Friday, May 7 through Sunday, September 19
10:00am - 5:00 pm Daily
Grounds & outdoor displays open all daylight hours.
Extended season! Monday, September 20 through Oct. 3, 10:00am-2:00pm
Open holidays: May 25 (Memorial Day), July 4 (Independence Day), September 6 (Labor Day)
Please note, special circumstances may change these hours at any time. In our neck of the woods, that could be heat, smoke, wildfire or volunteer availability to staff the museum.
Winter Hours
Grounds available during daylight hours on your own, featuring mining and farming collections. Buildings are closed.
Please note: Snow is not cleared. Path to Riverside Ave is open only until it becomes too icy.
Archives are available by appointment year 'round.
COVID-19 Policies at the museum
Please, wear a mask indoors if you are not vaccinated or are around children who cannot be vaccinated.
Outdoors, masks are at your discretion, but encouraged when close to others outside of your own group.
Hand sanitizer is provided. Docents clean frequently-touched surfaces daily. Most indoor spaces are well-ventilated & airy, with open doors and windows.
The museum hosts lots of people, from lots of places - thank you for keeping our volunteers and those still unvaccinated in their households stay healthy. (Updated 6/30/2021)
Admission
Admission is by donation. Suggested minimum is $5 per adult. Youth are free.
The museum relies on admissions to share and preserve the history of the Methow Valley, yet is available to all regardless of ability to pay. Please give generously!
Cash, checks or contactless credit card payments accepted.
We are a Blue Star Museum, offering free admission to active duty military and their families.
Location & Parking
285 Castle Avenue, Winthrop, Washington
Easy, plentiful street parking is available on Castle Avenue. A footpath from Riverside Avenue/Hwy 20 provides (uphill) walking access from the main street of Winthrop.
Guided Tours
Docents lead tours by reservation on Saturday mornings, 10:30am-11:30am. Please complete this request form and staff will contact you to make arrangements. Request a tour now
Large Group Tours
Available by request for schools, tour operators or other organized groups. Please phone or email at least 2 weeks prior to your desired date staff@shafermuseum.org or (509) 380-9911. Guides are volunteers and we need time to ensure staff are available to meet you. A tour fee and admissions fees are collected in advance or at the time of your tour.
Museum Archives
All year 'round, photos, documents, books and research materials are accessible in our archives office by appointment. If needed, research services are available for a small fee that directly supports preservation efforts. Contact us to come in: staff@shafermuseum.org
Selections of the Museum's collections are available ONLINE.
What are your favorite places?
The Shafer Museum is one of Ralph Munro's! The former Washington Secretary of State visited the museum and shares what he likes the best in this video.
Blue Star Museums provide free admission for active duty military and their families. Welcome to the Shafer Museum!