What are the opening hours?

Tuesday 11pm - 4pm Wednesday 11am - 4pm Thursday 11am - 4pm Friday 11am - 4pm Saturday 11am - 4pm

Lake Chelan Museum

Name: Lake Chelan Museum
Address: 204 E. Woodin Avenue (PO Box 1948), Chelan, WA, 98816, US
Telephone: +15096825644
Price range: $

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Lake Chelan Museum

The Chelan Museum is operated by the Lake Chelan Historical Society as a historical and cultural center for the Lake Chelan Valley.

The Lake Chelan Historical Society (LCHS) was started in 1970 by James Lindston after he retired from the Seattle First National Bank (SeaFirst) as the Chelan branch manager. The building that the museum occupies was originally the home of the Miners & Merchants Bank, which was established in 1902 and operated until 1955, when it was acquired by SeaFirst. The building was built in 1907. Our missio

n statement is short and to the point: to act as a historical resource and cultural center for the Lake Chelan Valley. We are a 501(c)(3) organization for tax purposes and thus can accept donations that would qualify as charitable contributions. We are independently operated: our income is mainly derived from membership dues, admission fees, rental income and sales of historical books and pamphlets, apple labels and grants.

07/03/2026

What a fun time with the Lake Chelan Boys & Girls Club at the Chelan Museum! ☀️

06/25/2026

🌳Have you been to the new community park in Manson yet?🌳

The Village Green has been a dream of many since the 1980s and now, thanks to tireless collaborative efforts over the years, that dream has become a reality.

The site where the park sits was once Ernie's Garage (photo on the left). Historically, the location was home to a fuel station existing under several different owners/names since the 1920s.

Special thank you to Dennis King for providing these aerial images showing the before and after of the new park.

06/18/2026

📚 Join Our Volunteer Team! 📚

Do you love local history, meeting new people, and being part of your community? The Lake Chelan Museum is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our team!

New volunteers will begin by welcoming visitors at our front desk and will work alongside our experienced volunteers to learn the ropes. Whether you're a lifelong history buff or simply curious about the stories that shaped the Lake Chelan Valley, volunteering at the Museum is a rewarding and enjoyable way to get involved.

As a volunteer, you'll:
✨ Meet visitors from near and far
✨ Learn fascinating local history
✨ Work with a friendly and knowledgeable team
✨ Help preserve and share the heritage of the Chelan Valley

If you're interested in learning more, please contact Ron or Natasha at 509-682-5644 or [email protected].

Come be part of preserving the stories that make our valley special—we'd love to have you on our team!

06/04/2026

Summer fun at the Lake Chelan Pavilion☀️

There were three iterations of the Lake Chelan Pavilion over the years - all drawing large crowds of folks looking to enjoy a day on the lake, a night of dancing, roller skating, or a community event.

The first was built in the early 1920s and was torn down only a few years later due to the lake levels rising from the new Chelan Dam. The second version of the Pavilion is shown in the photo here taken by William Gurr in 1926, the same year it was completed. It was built by Walter Irons. Sadly, the Pavilion burned in the 1930s, but Irons rebuilt it shortly after.

The third and final Pavilion served the community until the early 1960s when it was demolished to make room for new development at Campbell's Lodge.

Have any fun memories or stories of the Lake Chelan Pavilion? We encourage you to share them below! 🌊☀️

05/21/2026

As we head into Memorial Day weekend, we pause to remember and honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. 🇺🇸

Today’s photo of the Okanogan Military Band reminds us of the community and traditions that have long brought people together in times of both celebration and remembrance. Here, they are pictured in 1910 sitting in front of the Miners & Merchants Bank, now the Lake Chelan Museum.

We wish everyone a safe and meaningful holiday weekend — and hope you’ll take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices that made it possible.

05/14/2026

Harvest time in the orchard 🍎🐴

We do not know the names or exact story behind this photograph, but there is much to admire in this moment captured in Chelan more than a century ago. From the team of horses and wagon loaded for transport, to the well-dressed men balancing apples, every corner of this image tells a story. And we can’t help but love the dog taking a nap in the middle of it all.

Do you recognize this orchard or any of the people pictured here? We would love to hear from you! Please share any information, family stories, or guesses in the comments below.

04/30/2026

Throwback Thursday 🥖

Step inside Wards Bakery, May 1926—100 years ago this month. Behind the counter, two hardworking women (left: Gladys Spring Armour, right: unknown) pause for a moment during a busy day of baking, surrounded by fresh loaves, pastries, and the comforting sights—and surely smells—of a community staple.

Located on Woodin Ave, Wards Bakery operated in the same building where Evergreen Accounting and Greene Insurance Services are today. At the time, its neighbors included Chelan Furniture Co (now Lake Life) and Chelan Meat Co (now Layla’s Bar & Kitchen). A street view and additional interior photo are posted in the comments.

Do you have stories to share about Wards Bakery? We’d love to hear them!

04/17/2026

🎉 You’re invited!

Join us for our Annual Member Meeting at the Ruby Theatre for an evening filled with fascinating local history and community connection.

We’re thrilled to feature a short video of Betty Holmes Ruse, who shares stories from her time working the Chelan Switchboard—a unique look into the past you won’t want to miss!

Director Ron McGaughey will also introduce our new Photo Policy and showcase favorite picks from our collection. Everyone is welcome and we hope you join us!

📅 April 29
🕡 6:30 PM
📍 Ruby Theatre

Afterwards, come and enjoy refreshments and great company at the Museum —we hope to see you there!

Address

204 E. Woodin Avenue (PO Box 1948)
Chelan, WA
98816

Opening Hours

Tuesday	11pm - 4pm
Wednesday	11am - 4pm
Thursday	11am - 4pm
Friday	11am - 4pm
Saturday	11am - 4pm

Telephone

+15096825644

Website

http://chelanmuseum.com/

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