Marsh's Free Museum Long Beach Washington
Home to Jake the Alligator Man, this free museum offers a bizarre collection of antiques, oddities, and unique souvenirs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed browsing
Marsh's Free Museum Long Beach Washington
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed browsing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Home to Jake the Alligator Man, this free museum offers a bizarre collection of antiques, oddities, and unique souvenirs.
"A one-of-a-kind gift shop featuring bizarre, eerie, and vintage circus oddities."
📸 Snap a pic with Jake!
Don't leave without a photo with the iconic Jake the Alligator Man. It's a classic!
🛍️ Souvenir hunting heaven
Great spot for unique gifts and quirky souvenirs. Prices are surprisingly reasonable.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Jake the Alligator Man
The legendary mummified half-man, half-alligator. A truly bizarre and unforgettable roadside attraction.
Curiosities and Antiques
Explore a vast collection of vintage items, oddities, and unique souvenirs. Something for every peculiar taste.
Sterling Silver & Minerals
Discover a surprising selection of .925 sterling silver jewelry and fascinating minerals for sale.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Quirky Charm
Jake the Alligator Man is a Must-See
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Snap a pic with Jake!
Don't leave without a photo with the iconic Jake the Alligator Man. It's a classic!
🛍️ Souvenir hunting heaven
Great spot for unique gifts and quirky souvenirs. Prices are surprisingly reasonable.
🕰️ Step back in time
This museum has been around since 1921. Soak in the vintage atmosphere!
🚗 Easy to find
Located right on the main drag in Long Beach, Washington. Hard to miss!
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Snap a pic with Jake!
Don't leave without a photo with the iconic Jake the Alligator Man. It's a classic!
🛍️ Souvenir hunting heaven
Great spot for unique gifts and quirky souvenirs. Prices are surprisingly reasonable.
🕰️ Step back in time
This museum has been around since 1921. Soak in the vintage atmosphere!
🚗 Easy to find
Located right on the main drag in Long Beach, Washington. Hard to miss!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Marsh's Free Museum's iconic status and unique, quirky charm, especially Jake the Alligator Man. It's a beloved spot for its vast collection of oddities and affordable souvenirs, offering a memorable experience for all ages. Some find the sheer volume of items overwhelming, but most appreciate its one-of-a-kind nature.
"Seriously a one of a kind gift shop. We just recently visited and maybe I should have gotten more photos they had so many cool old machines to play on, a penny machine, Jake the alligator man. And gifts for anyone quiet literally! So many fun gifts and trinkets. If you need a must have vacation item visit here!"
Tashia Mosley
"Lots of fun oddities and artifacts to see. I especially loved all of the coin-operated mechanical games and music boxes, though I was bummed to see the Orchestrion was out of order. If you like Ye Olde Curiosity Shop in Seattle, you'll have a great time. Go visit Jake, he's waiting for you!"
NintendoNut64
"A one-of-a-kind gift shop featuring bizarre, eerie, and vintage circus oddities, the museum is free to enter, and the gift shop boasts a wide array of offerings with friendly staff ready to help."
Justin Brummage
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Marsh's Free Museum is conveniently located on the main street of Long Beach, Washington. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Many visitors stop by as part of a scenic drive along the coast.
While the museum is packed with items, the main aisles are generally navigable. However, due to the nature of a vintage museum, some areas might be tighter. It's best to call ahead if you have specific accessibility concerns.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Marsh's Free Museum is genuinely free to enter! You can explore all the quirky exhibits without paying an admission fee.
Opening hours can vary seasonally, but it's generally open daily. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
No, tickets are not required as admission is free. You can simply walk in and explore the museum at your leisure.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum is famous for Jake the Alligator Man, a mummified half-man, half-alligator. You'll also find a vast collection of antiques, oddities, vintage circus memorabilia, and a gift shop.
Yes, children often find the quirky and unusual exhibits fascinating. It's a unique experience that can spark curiosity and conversation.
Photography is generally allowed inside the museum, especially for personal use. However, it's always polite to be mindful of other visitors and ask if you're unsure.
The gift shop offers a wide array of unique items, including souvenirs related to Jake the Alligator Man, vintage-style trinkets, sterling silver jewelry, and minerals.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Marsh's Free Museum primarily operates as a museum and gift shop. While they might have small snacks available for purchase, it's not a full-service restaurant. You'll find plenty of dining options in the surrounding Long Beach area.
📸 📸 Photography
The absolute must-have photo is with Jake the Alligator Man! The museum's interior, filled with eclectic displays and vintage items, also offers many unique and quirky photo opportunities. 
Generally, personal photography is permitted. However, professional photography or filming might require prior arrangement. Always be respectful of the exhibits and other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond Jake, the museum offers a fun scavenger hunt for interesting items. The gift shop also provides opportunities for kids to pick out a unique souvenir that reflects the museum's eccentric charm. It's a memorable stop that offers a break from typical tourist attractions and provides a good dose of wonder.
💰 Budget Travelers
While entry is free, the gift shop offers a wide range of affordable souvenirs, from quirky trinkets to sterling silver jewelry. You can find unique mementos without breaking the bank, making it a great place to pick up gifts or a personal keepsake.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of Jake the Alligator Man
Jake's presence is a major draw for visitors seeking the unusual. The museum embraces his fame, making him the central figure of many displays and souvenirs. It's a prime example of the kind of bizarre and fascinating Americana that makes roadside attractions so memorable.
Many visitors recall seeing Jake from childhood school trips, highlighting his enduring appeal across generations. The sheer novelty of Jake ensures that a visit to Marsh's Free Museum is an experience you won't soon forget.
A Treasure Trove of Antiques and Curiosities
The museum also boasts a surprisingly robust gift shop section. Here, you can find unique souvenirs, many themed around Jake the Alligator Man, alongside a notable collection of .925 sterling silver jewelry and interesting minerals. This blend of museum exhibits and retail offerings creates a dynamic shopping experience.
Travelers often describe the atmosphere as 'quirky,' 'bizarre,' and 'one-of-a-kind.' It's a place where you can truly find something for everyone, from the most conventional shopper to the most eccentric collector. The friendly staff are often noted for their helpfulness, adding to the welcoming, albeit unusual, environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit