THE MUSEUM IS FUN FOR ALL AGES!
Our rustic museum building was constructed by the Forks High School Carpentry class during the 1989-90 school year. It continues as a testimony and example of the Forks can-do spirit and logger spirit! Inside you’ll find a variety of wonderful displays and exhibits, from vintage chainsaws and a bunk house, to intricate handmade models and a Tangley Calliope. Outside explore the fire lookout tower, giant hollowed-out log, stump house, and the large covered pavilion building which houses large equipment related to trapping, farming, logging, and more. Additionally, the museum offers a gift shop with an eclectic collection of books, items, and souvenirs. Take something home with you to remember your visit by or find something just downright unusual. Yes, we have logger ducks as well as other interesting logging and forestry related items! More about our exciting exhibits in the info below.
Inside Exhibits and Displays
You better believe we have chainsaws! We also have a bunk house, a cook house, pioneer and farming displays, homestead display, movie theater, and tavern. As well as some of the most amazing and intricate handmade models you will ever see. The museum is also home to a wide variety of different paintings and art displays. An interesting 3-dimensional work focused on Paul Bunyan by artist Joellyn Rock occupies a central part of the upstairs museum displays. In addition, a large Smokey the Bear doll hides someplace in the museum, try to find him when you visit! Click on the small images below to view them larger.
Tangley Calliope
One of our pride and joy items is our vintage Tangley Calliope. The calliope makes appearances in some of our local parades and outside on the occasional sunny summer day. The story is that a calliope like ours can be heard five miles away. We’ll just vouch for the other side of town! Hear for yourself in the video below!
Fire Lookout Tower & Grounds Display
There aren’t that many fire lookout towers left and this is an excellent chance to see a vintage one close-up. Additional displays outside include a giant hollowed out log, a stump house and a donkey skid that is slowly being reclaimed by nature. Nearby on the other side of the chamber building you can visit the Loggers Memorial. You’ll discover even more outside by exploring our picnic area, trails, and other activities page as well. Click on the small images below to view them larger.
Pavilion
New to our facility is our covered pavilion area for large equipment not suited for indoor display. There are items related to trapping, farming, dairying, logging, milling, and of course some chainsaws! A highlight is our antique lumber straddle carrier that makes appearances in our Forks Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade. Click on the small images below to view them larger.
