Learn about the life, culture, and activities of the Coastal Salish Native Americans who lived in the Northwest before the arrival of Euro-American settlers. Travel in a horse-drawn buggy like the pioneers did 125 years ago. Take home your own pioneer or Native American inspired craft. The Pioneer Farm Museum and Ohop Indian Village are open for outdoor activities. While the Pioneer Farm Museum tour is not available this summer, the Ohop Indian Village, which features the Native American Seasons tour, is an outdoor facility that can operate during Washington state phase 2 restart.
“Safety restrictions prevent us from being able to open up our buildings for visitors and tours, but we do have fantastic programs available in the open air,” says Aaron Pruitt, Pioneer Farm Museum and Ohop Indian Village Director. “The Native American Seasons tour is one of our signature programs and is completely outdoors. We are limiting tour sizes and increasing cleaning protocols so we can make this experience available to the public.”
The Native American Seasons tour follows a forest trail, where visitors stop at three different seasonal areas to participate in the activities and games the Nisqually children would have engaged in while learning the skills needed for survival. The tour is geared towards children and excellent for families.
In addition to the Native American Seasons tour, Pioneer Farm Museum buggy rides give a slice of what travel was like for the first homesteaders in the area. Outdoor crafts, such as hand-dipped candle-making, tin can lantern, and pioneer toys give a little more insight into the life and culture of early settlers (and something to take home). Each of these programs is available individually, or guests can purchase a package for all three.
Public programs are available Wednesday through Sunday. The first of four Native American Seasons tour times begin at 10:30 am and the last at 4:00 pm, with Buggy Rides and Craft times available in-between. Bring your own lunch or snacks. Food is not allowed on the Native American Seasons tour, but picnic areas with physical distancing are available.
Call (360) 832-6300
Website pioneerfarmmuseum.org
