Northwest Carriage Museum

The Northwest Carriage Museum is a horse-drawn history museum in the small town of Raymond, WA in rural Pacific County. This hidden gem  is home to a world-class collection of 64 horse-drawn vehicles--everything from the most elegant and luxurious, fully-restored carriages, to rustic, conserved work vehicles that made the agricultural and industrial world of the late 19th Century go 'round. In addition to an incredible collection of vehicles, this museum contains a truly stunning array of period artifacts, including clothing, tools, horse tack, day-to-day items, and fascinating ephemera.

Nothing can quite prepare visitors for the step back in time they experience when they cross the threshold at the Northwest Carriage Museum: pictures of these vehicles just don’t do justice to how gorgeous and impactful this incredible collection is in person. Devoid of glass walls and velvet ropes, the Northwest Carriage Museum truly does feel like a stroll through a bygone era. The exhibits not only showcase the beauty and craftsmanship of the vehicles and artifacts, but also perfectly encapsulate their lives and personal histories. The love of this collection by those running the museum can be felt in every detail, and the experience leaves visitors stunned. Kids of all ages are also deeply engaged during their visit: playful and thoughtfully crafted interactive exhibits allow visitors to get their hands on history and thoroughly debunk the myth that learning about history can’t be fun!

The museum began in 2002 with a generous donation of a private collection of 21 gorgeously restored vehicles from local Raymond businessman Gary Dennis and his wife Cecilia. Over the past 23 years, the museum has seen growth not only of the collection, but also of visitor numbers, community and industry partnerships, and renown. 

NWCM's curator, Jerry Bowman, has been instrumental in the growth of the museum; a long-time history buff who had previously restored antiques and classic cars, he was immediately spellbound by the history and craftsmanship of these vehicles when he began volunteering shortly after the museum's opening. He has since become a historian on the horse-drawn era, as well as a restoration and conservation resource for carriage-lovers worldwide. Laurie Bowman, wife to Jerry, got involved with the Board of Directors and educational programming early on, and went on to become Executive Director, where she focused her efforts on spreading the word about this historical treasure. Through the passion and guidance of the Bowmans, the Northwest Carriage Museum has gained renown throughout the US and the world, becoming a must-see destination for travelers in the Pacific Northwest and a tourism boon to the small town of Raymond.

The museum takes great pride in its support of its community, and in the economic vitality brought to Raymond and its sister town South Bend through the visitors it attracts. The Show Your Card & Save program is a fantastic example of how the NWCM partners with small businesses and organizations throughout the area to create a mutually beneficial network of support. Through this program, which has grown from 4 to 46 participating businesses since its inception five years ago, area businesses can choose to offer a discount to museum members when they show their NWCM member card. The museum promotes these businesses on their website and social media pages, as well as in the museum to visitors, encouraging both members and tourists to spend their dollars at small local businesses!

The Northwest Carriage Museum, now 23 years old, has become an integral part of the collective experience within the community. All of the area elementary schools, as well as numerous home-school groups and out-of-area schools from further away each year, bring field trips of students to the museum to learn about the past--a time in which daily life was so very different than it is now. Those early student visitors are now having children of their own and bringing them back to the museum to create their own childhood memories! The NWCM is so proud to be keeping history alive and sharing it with each new generation.

The Northwest Carriage Museum—located on the pristine Willapa River in the natural wonderland of Southwest Washington—is full of surprises to say the least! Its story is one not only of history, but of community—its mission of keeping horse-drawn history alive has changed the face of the town, and the stewardship of transportation history for good. They are open daily from 10 to 4, year-round, at 314 Alder Street in Raymond, WA.