Washington State factories to visit and tour

Washington State has factories to visit and tour. Below, first are the active, working factories. The next section has historical operations which often have demonstrations or renactments. These incluse both large and small operations, from several person chocolate factories and cheesemakers to large manufacturers making paper towels, wood products, beverage cans and bottles, are open to the public with real tours, exhibitions and fun education.

In some cases, such as a manufacturing process that is no longer in use, the only way to see it and learn about it is a museum or living history center. So, we also provide information about engineering facilities and museums, dinosaur digs, even government facilities, like NASA, astronomy oberservatories and more that are open to the public on certain days and times. And if there is some place that is just plain fun to visit, we add that, too!

These are perfect for homeschooling, for STEM and for fun! Kids love visiting these places! They're learning and getting an education without even realizing it. And most of these are either free or under $10! What's better then fun, entertaining, good for children and families, educational and free?

Here are some of the top factory tours in Washington State and contact information and tips about visiting them.

Factories, Engineering, Museums and other fun demonstrations and exhibits to visit in Washington State

• Amazon Fulfillment Center - tour of the facility
  GEG1: Amazon Fulfillment Center, 10010 W Geiger Blvd, Spokane, WA 99224.
  BOOK ON THEIR WEBSITE. Each tour is approximately 60-90 minutes long. On the tour you may walk up and down at least one flight of stairs and walk approximately 1 mile. Amazon says "Ever wondered what happens when you shop on Amazon? Book a free walking tour of an Amazon warehouse and see how our people and technology deliver for customers." The also have the following recommendations and requirements:
  Arrive Early - arrive 15 minutes prior to your tour.
  Attire - All guests must wear flat, closed-toed, and closed-heeled shoes (no sandals, clogs or high heels). We recommend wearing comfortable shoes or sneakers. Additionally, long hair must be pulled at or above shoulder length. Loose fitting clothing (long-hanging jewelry, scarves, or ties) are not permitted. Headscarves worn for religious reasons are permitted but must be tucked in securely.
  Identification - Upon your arrival, your tour leader will ask for a government issued photo ID. Please ensure that guest information submitted during sign-up matches the guest ID.
• Boeing Future of Flight - Aircraft manufacturer
  8415 Paine Field Blvd, Mukilteo, WA 98275. Phone: 800-464-1476. Email: Email: info@boeingfutureofflight.com. Open: Tours are offered Thursday to Monday; Select 'Buy Tickets' on their page to check availability. Step inside the world's largest factory for a behind-the-scenes look at the Boeing Everett Factory and 777 assembly line. Each tour is an 80-minute guided experience with a front row view of current airplane production, the Everett site’s history and the central role it plays in the future of commercial aviation.
  Pro-Tip: Tickets sell out quickly. We recommend booking tickets in advance, either online or through the Call Center: +1 (800) 464-1476.
• Boehm’s Candies and Chocolates - chocolate factory
  255 NE Gilman Boulevard, Issaquah, WA 98027. Phone: 425-392-6652. Open: their store is Monday-Saturday 9:00am to 6:00pm, Sunday 10:00am to 6:00pm and their factory production is Monday-Friday 10am to 4pm. They call it the Edelweiss Chalet (it looks like one). You can tour our factory, visit the chalet and/or take a class. Free, self-guided window tour is available anytime during regular retail hours. During production hours, windows along the side of our factory allow you to have a glimpse of the day’s happenings. The ideal time for a window tour is while our candy makers are in production; Monday through Friday between 9:00 am to 3:00 pm (some areas may be on a lunch break between 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm. Start with a tour of our factory and a demonstration of how chocolates are made, then make your own chocolate masterpieces. The owner comes from a long line of Austrian candy makers, giving him the innate ability to learn the delicate craft of chocolate making, but also underwent extensive culinary training in Germany.
• Emerald City Trapeze Arts - Flying Trapeze, Aerial Arts, and Circus classes.
  2702 6th Ave S, Seattle, WA. Phone: 206-906-9442. Email: info@emeraldcitytrapeze.com. No experience is required for our introductory Flying Trapeze and Aerial classes! Located just south of downtown Seattle, Emerald City Trapeze is housed in the former Canal Boiler Works building in SODO. Rustic charm shines through in its wood-beam construction and funky décor, but the real magic is up in the air. In addition to offering the widest range of circus classes in Seattle, we are proud to be one of Seattle’s most unique special event venues. We host weddings, corporate events, special occasions, and birthday parties! Featuring a full-sized flying trapeze rig, a professional theatrical performance stage and a stunning aerial studio, Emerald City Trapeze students and guests enjoy nearly 20,000 square feet of vibrant, historic space in which to learn circus and acrobatic arts from world-class instructors. Emerald City Trapeze’s world-class circus performances make for a truly memorable evening. Throughout the year, Emerald City Trapeze Arts gathers circus artists from around the world for a circus spectacular! These seasonal shows are sell-out events with High Flying Trapeze, dazzling Aerial performances, and sensational Circus acts! No experience is required for their introductory Flying Trapeze and Aerial classes.
• Theo Chocolate Factory - chocolate factory
  3400 Phinney Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98103. Phone: (206) 632-5100. Email: info@theochocolate.com. Open: They have free, self-guided window tours anytime while they are open. They also have guided tours are available by reservation. They say they are "the ultimate destination for chocolate lovers! From cocoa farm to chocolate bar, you will taste your way through the incredible chocolate-making journey during this hour-long interactive experience." After the Factory Experience you can stop in their Flagship Store for one-of-a-kind creations, classic chocolate bars and handmade treats.
  

Washington State Historical Forts and Sites, Famous buildings, Active Federal facilities to tour, Geology: like fossils and volcanic areas

• Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve, Coupeville, WA.
  

  This stunning landscape at the gateway to Puget Sound, with its rich farmland and promising seaport, lured the earliest American pioneers north of the Columbia River to Ebey’s Landing. Today Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve preserves the historical, agricultural and cultural traditions of both Native and Euro-American - while offering spectacular opportunities for recreation.

  
  • Alerts and Current Conditions
  • Info about the park
  • Park event calendar
  • Park maps
• Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Vancouver, OR,WA.
  

  Located on the north bank of the Columbia River, in sight of snowy mountain peaks and a vibrant urban landscape, this park has a rich cultural past. From a frontier fur trading post, to a powerful military legacy, the magic of flight, and the origin of the American Pacific Northwest, history is shared at four unique sites. Discover stories of transition, settlement, conflict, and community.

  
  • Alerts and Current Conditions
  • Info about the park
  • Park event calendar
  • Park maps
• Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit National Historic Park, Seattle, WA.
  

  Seattle flourished during and after the Klondike Gold Rush. Merchants supplied people from around the world passing through this port city on their way to a remarkable adventure in Alaska. Today, the park is your gateway to learn about the Klondike Gold Rush, explore the area's public lands, and engage with the local community.

  
  • Alerts and Current Conditions
  • Info about the park
  • Park event calendar
  • Map of downtown Seattle
• Manhattan Project National Historic Park, Manhattan Project National Historical Park, NM,WA,TN.
  

  This site tells the story about the people, events, science, and engineering that led to the creation of the atomic bomb, which helped end World War II.

  
  • Alerts and Current Conditions
  • Info about the park
  • Park event calendar
  • Park maps
• Wing Luke Museum Affiliated Area, Seattle, WA.
  

  More than a museum, the Wing is an experience. A chance to truly understand what it was - and is - to be Asian American in the Pacific Northwest. Take a guided tour of a historic hotel and learn the inside story about what makes the local Chinatown-International District unique. Visitors explore thought-provoking exhibitions of real stories, including actor and martial arts master Bruce Lee.

  
  • Alerts and Current Conditions
  • Info about the park
  • Park event calendar
  • Park maps

Washington State

Washington State State historic sites and parks

Parks by Region

• Columbia Gorge Region
• North Central Region
• North Puget Sound Region
• Northeast Region
• Northwest Region
• Olympic Peninsula Region
• Pacific Coast Region
• San Juan Islands Region
• Seattle / Tacoma Region
• South Central Region
• South Puget Sound Region
• Southeast Region
• Southwest Region

Historic Forts and Houses

• Fort Casey
• Fort Columbia
• Fort Ebey
• Fort Flagler
• Fort Simcoe
• Fort Townsend Historical State Park
• Fort Worden
• Ginkgo Petrified Forest
• Goldendale Observatory
• Westport Light

Seasons, bugs, topography and climate

Washington has both a coast and mountains, which means it also has two distinct climates. On the western side of the Cascades Mountains to the Pacific coast, the summers are mild, humid and rarely rise above 26°C (79°F), and winters are equally mild and rarely drop below 8°C (46°F) while the east of the state is arid with warm summers and cool winters.

Camping in Washington State

If you're looking to save money on your trip, camping may be a fun alternative to hotels and motels, especially, if you already have the gear, or are looking to get some. BTW, this websites ( https://RoadTrippingAndCamping.com ) explains everything you need to know about camping gear and where to the best gear at the lowest prices.

You can get reservations for camping in a tent, camper, trailer, or motorhome in Washington state parks campsites here.

There are both state parks and private campgrounds in Washington State.