Shafer Historical Museum

In 1919 Simon and Joyce Shafer moved to the Methow Valley where Simon found work as a hired hand and soon saved enough money to buy ownership in the Winthrop Meat Market. Simon expanded the meat market into a general merchandise store and began accepting tools, heirlooms, and other treasures in trade for his goods. By 1948 his collection had become so large that he decided to start a museum For that purpose he bought the Waring Castle, an unusually long log home built by Guy Waring who founded  the town of Winthrop.  

      

 

For almost 30 years the Shaffer family ran the museum all the while adding buildings and artifacts. In 1976 the Shaffer children donated everything to the Okanogan County Historical Society. The museum continues to grow as more buildings and artifacts are donated.

 

Paved paths connect the buildings. Most of  the buildings have ramps so they are fairly accessible. The large mining and farming equipment is located in lots surfaced with loose gravel which is very difficult to push through. 

Parking is on the street with plenty of room for RVs.  Museum  48.47698, -120.18193