A Visitor’s Guide to the Hibulb Cultural Center
Immersing yourself in local history and Indigenous culture is one of the most enriching experiences you can have while staying in Tulalip. Located less than a mile west of Interstate 5 at Exit 199, the Hibulb Cultural Center & Natural History Preserve offers an inspiring journey into the history, traditions, and living culture of the Tulalip Tribes.
Spanning 23,000 square feet of exhibit space and surrounded by a 50-acre natural preserve, this interactive museum is a must-visit destination for guests exploring the Snohomish County coastline.
Rich History and Cultural Heritage
The center is named after Hibulb, the historic main village site of the Snohomish people. The Tulalip Tribes are composed of the Snohomish, Snoqualmie, Skykomish, and other allied Coast Salish bands who inhabited the Puget Sound basin for thousands of years.
Dedicated to “keeping the cultural fires burning,” the center honors ancestral traditions while sharing living Coast Salish culture with neighboring communities and visitors. Throughout the center, displays and audio narration appear in both English and Lushootseed, the Native language of the Coast Salish people.
Must-See Exhibits and Highlights
- Main Gallery: Features interactive displays about the history and seasonal lifeways of the Coast Salish bands. You will learn about the central role of cedar, traditional harvesting, foundational values, and oral traditions.
- Canoe Hall: Showcases historic, hand-carved canoes and archaeological artifacts recovered from sites across Snohomish County. The hall illustrates the journey of the Coast Salish people from the Cascade Mountains to Tulalip Bay.
- Tulalip Longhouse: Step inside a traditional replica longhouse to sit by the hearth and listen to recorded stories, family songs, and oral histories shared by Tulalip elders and storytellers.
- Warriors We Remember Wall: Honors the military legacy and contributions of Tulalip veterans.
- 50-Acre Natural History Preserve: These protected wetlands and forests offer peaceful natural views that reflect the native habitat of the area.
Location, Hours, and Admission
Location and Contact
- Address: 6410 23rd Ave NE, Tulalip, WA 98271 (less than 1 mile west of I-5 Exit 199)
- Phone: (360) 716-2600
- Parking: Free on-site parking
Hours of Operation
- Tuesday–Friday: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Saturday–Sunday: 12:00 PM–5:00 PM
- Monday: Closed
General Admission
- Adults: $10
- Seniors and military: Discounted admission is available.
- Children aged 5 and under: Free
- First Thursday special: Free admission on the first Thursday of every month.
Insider Visitor Tips
- Plan for 1.5 to 2 hours: Give yourself plenty of time to explore both the inner galleries and exterior exhibits without rushing.
- Listen to Lushootseed: Use the interactive audio stations in the longhouse and main gallery to hear Native Lushootseed storytelling.
- Browse the gift shop: Look for authentic Coast Salish jewelry, prints, books, and handcrafted items made by local Native artists.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions: Located in Quil Ceda Village, the center can be paired with afternoon shopping at Seattle Premium Outlets or dinner nearby.