7 Cool Historic Places in Snohomish
The Antique Capital of the Northwest is just the place to explore the history of a small PNW lumber town that could. Heritage quality is written on and into the old brick buildings themselves, yet is celebrated in refreshing new ways by new generations of merchants and makers.
Modern goods revivify shops filled with rustic upcycled goods, old bakeries are filled with aromas of fresh pastries, and breweries make a nod to the storied past of tree-felling.
Keep your eyes peeled as you walk through time in downtown Snohomish for a fresh take on vintage. Here are some old-meets-new sights you’ll want to catch.
![](https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/076A7828-medium.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=be3accb200ad81a4d3102686539a10dc 320w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/076A7828-medium.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=7243c7fa52c652d06f61d88d9abcf02c 540w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/076A7828-medium.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=a7a7dcdfe0d7c44557acbce5ebbfa053 768w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/076A7828-medium.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=7eb6ede2c1e2b38a4d717b2d290e9c65 1024w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/076A7828-medium.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=a281428b3762d240f8ee3a7a88dc1d35 1200w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/076A7828-medium.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=df034f9c5889de270bb69faca162fc08 1280w)
Oxford Saloon - 913 1st St.
Some locals say this saloon is super haunted. Look to the windows on the second floor to see spectral human figures lingering for a moment behind lace curtains before vanishing. Downstairs, treat yourself to a night of live blues rock, billiards, and domestic beers on tap. The Oxford is a no-frills historic bar that used to be a brothel. One thing’s for sure – this place has real energy.
Carnegie Library - 105 Cedar Ave.
The first Snohomish library was one of many Carnegie Libraries built across the United States. They were built with money from Robber Baron Andrew Carnegie, who felt he must use the spoils of capitalism to give back to the public.
The Carnegie Library is a beautiful and well-colored piece of civic architecture, and today it’s used as a community gathering space and event venue. Stop here to admire the external architecture while sightseeing the town. The Carnegie isn’t open to the public on a daily basis, but it makes for a truly remarkable event venue for weddings, parties, etc. Book your event here.
Blackman House Museum - 118 Ave. B
Built in 1878, this home was the original homestead of the Blackman family. They were lumber workers from Maione who settled along what was named Blackmans Lake in north Snohomish at the end of the nineteenth century.
Today the Blackman House Museum is owned and operated by the Snohomish Historical Society. You can take a tour if you reach and book a visit.
![](https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/076A7855-medium.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=d8e67d474341a44ed1507c141c97a3a3 320w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/076A7855-medium.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=73cdbe8d4f84a684f27b2a829abdebd5 540w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/076A7855-medium.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=a87415b986d16882361f9683062f1b7c 768w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/076A7855-medium.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=d5b22206eebbcb791459526d4fe13285 1024w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/076A7855-medium.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=a5620a107df897d48971f7908eafa524 1200w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/076A7855-medium.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=eebea43c4dc15a256a68503efae6d678 1280w)
Cabbage Patch Restaurant - 111 Ave. A #2925
This restaurant has been open in an old Victorian-era gabled house for several decades. The house is split up into different levels, plus you can dine in an enclosed porch, on the front veranda, or on a porch out back. The secret is the daily from-scratch pie, which compliments the all-American fare of burgers, fries, and salads.
The Cabbage Patch is also allegedly haunted, so if you hear footsteps on the staircase to the second floor and there’s nobody there… don’t be surprised.
The Gazebo
The Avenue A gazebo overlooks cottonwoods that line the scenic Snohomish River. The gazebo was first built in 1976 to celebrate the bicentennial of the United States. It’s recently undergone extensive reconstruction and remodeling, making for a great place to enjoy a lazy ice cream cone or a selfie with a loved one. It’s easy to see why this little gazebo is the pride of old-town Snohomish.
Centennial Trail Railroad
This 40-mile route parallels an old railroad grade. In the city of Snohomish, you can still glimpse remnants of the railroad tracks next to the Centennial Trail’s paved biking/running path. At one point the trail runs past the old Snohomish Depot, now converted into a private residence. Get your workout on while appreciating this relic of local railroad history.
Antiquing
A place that bills itself as The Antique Capital of the Northwest has got the goods to deliver. If you’re into upcycling, vintage finds, or that perfect something to add to the breakfast nook, Snohomish knows what’s up. Whether you’re cruising an antique mall, or window shopping downtown you’re sure to find the furniture, retro clothes, home decor, or collectibles that will speak volumes about your good taste. Carve out a few hours to explore – you can really go deep into the world of antiques in this city.
Want to dive deeper into the history of Snohomish? Join a Snohomish Walks guided walking tour to get the full story on what makes this such a storied town.
![](https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/076A7859-medium.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=846743a5f040300f14d4f14859dbbdc1 320w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/076A7859-medium.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=f7ecea446e4addb90c67c8c9aaa959b7 540w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/076A7859-medium.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=c73a59ca8990caef4a8a9f08e4e62fcc 768w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/076A7859-medium.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=5ed1b0ca810743cf41952d66ca53673c 1024w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/076A7859-medium.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=010b36493a2f03086bc65877407f4756 1200w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/076A7859-medium.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=849fcd8987a81a29338bf4b690c380cf 1280w)
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Like haunted history? Yeah, we get you.