The Whale Museum

Photo: Christian Braun via Google Maps

The Whale Museum sits a short uphill walk from the ferry landing in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, in the historic Odd Fellows Hall on 1st Street. It is devoted to the whales and marine life of the Salish Sea, above all the Southern Resident orcas of J, K and L pods that travel the waters around the San Juan Islands. The museum bills itself as the first museum in the country devoted to a species living in the wild.

It is worth a stop before or after a whale watching trip, or on a day when the weather keeps you on shore. You can put names and family histories to the orcas you might spot from the ferry or on a whale watching trip, and the museum’s research and stewardship work gives the visit real substance.

What You’ll See

• Gallery of Whales: The second floor gallery covers the natural history of marine mammals with exhibits, artwork, models and artifacts, including real whale skeletons.
• The Resident orca family tree: A family tree of the Southern Resident orcas helps you understand how J, K and L pods are related.
• A tribute to Sooke: On the first floor, an exhibit honors Sooke, a young orca who died in 2012.
• Steller sea lion skeleton: The skeleton of Mitsu, an adult male Steller sea lion, is displayed on the first floor along with information on baleen whales and a whale sightings map.
• Northwest Native artifacts: The museum’s displays also include pinnipeds and porpoises and Northwest Native cultural artifacts related to marine mammals.

The Story Behind It

The Whale Museum opened in July 1979 on the second floor of the Odd Fellows Hall, built in 1892. The idea came from researcher Ken Balcomb, who had founded the Orca Survey in 1976 and wanted a public space to run a whale hotline and share his findings. He recruited Mark Anderson, who led volunteers in refurbishing the hall for opening day. In 1989 the museum board bought the building outright, which allowed the exhibit space to double.

Research and stewardship have always been part of the mission, which the museum describes as promoting stewardship of whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem through education and research. Its Orca Adoption Program, launched in 1984, lets the public follow individual Southern Resident orcas. The Marine Mammal Stranding Network dates to 1981, and the Soundwatch program teaches boaters how to operate safely and legally around whales.

Tips for Your Visit

• If you arrive on the Washington State Ferry, you can walk: go one block uphill on Spring Street, turn right on 1st Street and continue about a block and a half; the museum is on the right.
• The first floor, with the gift shop and the newest exhibit area, is fully accessible.
• Consider adopting an orca through the museum’s Orca Adoption Program, a popular way to stay connected to a specific whale after your trip.
• The museum hosts lectures and classes through the year, some streamed online; check the events page before you go.

Plan Your Visit

Address: 62 1st Street North, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
Phone: 360.378.4710
Website: whalemuseum.org
Hours and admission: Check the museum website for current days, hours, and admission before you visit.
Directions: View on Google Maps