If you’re the kind of person who gets excited about old mansions and tales from the past, this road trip is right up your alley.
Washington is packed with historic houses, from fancy city mansions with velvet curtains to tiny pioneer cabins that still smell like wood smoke.
You’ll walk through hidden doors, peek into vintage bathrooms, and hear wild tales about the people who lived in these spots over 100 years ago.
So get ready for a road trip packed with hidden gems, interesting history, and seriously cool stops.
1. Campbell House – Spokane
Campbell House is a stunning 1898 mansion in Spokane, built in the Arts and Crafts style with big bay windows, dark wood details, and a red brick exterior.
You can tour the inside to see period-appropriate furniture, antique gadgets (hello, early 1900s vacuum!), and even a vintage intercom system.
It’s part of the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, so you can explore the house and then hop next door for rotating exhibits and local history.
Don’t skip Browne’s Addition while you’re nearby—it’s Spokane’s oldest neighborhood and packed with more historic homes, leafy streets, and great coffee spots.
2. Perkins House and Cabin – Colfax
Just down the road in Colfax, you’ll find the Perkins House and Cabin which is a totally different kind of place with a pioneer feel.
The cabin was built in 1870 and is the oldest standing building in Whitman County.
The charming Victorian house next to it came along in 1886, with its white gingerbread trim and tall, narrow windows.
Inside, expect hand-cranked washing machines, old-timey wallpaper, and great stories from the always-friendly Whitman County Historical Society docents.
After your visit, grab a picnic and head to Schmuck Park nearby—it’s got pretty views of the Palouse hills and is the perfect spot to chill.
3. Kirkman House Museum – Walla Walla
Next stop: Walla Walla, where the Kirkman House Museum brings major 1880s luxury to the road trip lineup.
Built by a wealthy cattle rancher, this brick mansion is packed with fancy touches like gas chandeliers, marble fireplaces, and a grand, movie-worthy staircase.
With vintage fashion, antique toys, and guides who love sharing juicy stories, each room brings the Kirkman family’s high-society life to light.
While you’re in town, swing by Pioneer Park for a breezy walk under huge old trees, or hit up one of Walla Walla’s famous wineries just minutes away.
4. Stimson-Green Mansion – Seattle
Next up, the Stimson-Green Mansion in Seattle is a total showstopper.
This 1901 Tudor-style beauty sits right in First Hill, with a timbered exterior, stained glass windows, and dramatic pointed rooflines.
Inside, it’s all carved wood, velvet curtains, and secret doors (yes, actual hidden doors!), thanks to the Stimson family’s love of drama and luxury.
After your visit, walk a few blocks to the Frye Art Museum or grab a fancy coffee in nearby Capitol Hill.
5. Meeker Mansion – Puyallup
Next up in Puyallup is the Meeker Mansion, where pioneer grit and Victorian vibes collide into one incredibly cool house.
Built in 1890 by Ezra Meeker (yes, that Oregon Trail legend), the mansion is full of hand-painted ceilings and stained glass.
It even has a bathroom with one of the first indoor showers in Washington!
You can explore every room, from the parlor to the attic, and check out oddball artifacts like Meeker’s travel trunks and an old-fashioned hair curling machine.
Before you hit the road again, check out Puyallup Farmers’ Market (open Saturdays from April to October) for fresh bites and handmade goodies.
6. Bigelow House Museum – Olympia
Over in Olympia, the Bigelow House Museum is part of early Washington history.
Built in the early 1850s, it’s one of the oldest homes in the state and was the hangout spot for early lawmakers, abolitionists, and other notable figures.
The house comes complete with original furniture, faded family portraits, and stories about the Bigelows’ role in Washington’s fight to become a state.
After your tour, walk a few blocks to Sylvester Park or the Capitol Building, both are ideal for stretching your legs and soaking in more local history.
7. Washington Governor’s Mansion Grounds – Olympia
Just a short stroll from the Bigelow House, the Washington Governor’s Mansion Grounds is the last spot on our list.
The mansion, built in 1908, still serves as the home of the state’s current governor.
The real showstopper, though, is the garden with perfectly trimmed hedges, bright roses, and epic views of Capitol Lake and the Olympics.
You can take a tour if you plan ahead, and peek inside the grand dining room, ballroom, and sweeping staircase that have hosted presidents and royals.
Even if you skip the tour, the nearby grounds are a dreamy spot for a walk, especially in spring when the flowers go wild.
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