There's really just one reason to stop at this state park: it's home to the grave of Willie Keil, a 19-year-old boy who dreamed of heading out on the Oregon Trail from Missouri in 1855, but died of malaria days before leaving. His father, having promised, decided to pickle the boy in homemade whiskey inside a lead-lined coffin and bring him along anyway, and here he remains. (The rest of the family didn't stay long; rains drove them to Oregon.)
Willie Keils Grave State Park
Washington Coast
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
4.31 MILES
This humble little museum holds a surprisingly compelling, well-arranged collection of memorabilia from the area's maritime history. Small vignettes…
Leadbetter Point State Park Natural Area
18.38 MILES
This 807-acre natural area, 3 miles north of Oysterville, is a kind of buffer between the straggling developments of Long Beach Peninsula and a section of…
23.49 MILES
For some interesting local history, check out this full-scale replica of one of the ships piloted by Captain Robert Gray when he first sailed into Grays…
27.79 MILES
Half souvenir shop and half sideshow, the 'museum' features Weekly World News stars like Jake the Alligator Boy (a wonder of taxidermy that appears to be…
18.82 MILES
Picture-perfect old church dating from 1892. Pick up a walking-tour brochure here during the summer months.
27.33 MILES
At 107ft it's the tallest lighthouse in the state, although its setting in a clump of trees makes it less scenic than a classic promontory lighthouse. …
28.02 MILES
This former Coast Guard station was built in 1939 and boasts some great period photos and artifacts of seafaring days gone by. A separate building houses…
World Kite Museum & Hall of Fame
28.08 MILES
If you think a museum devoted to the history and artistry of kites might be a bore, think again. Kites have been used for scientific research, aerial…
Nearby Washington Coast attractions
4.31 MILES
This humble little museum holds a surprisingly compelling, well-arranged collection of memorabilia from the area's maritime history. Small vignettes…
2. Leadbetter Point State Park Natural Area
18.38 MILES
This 807-acre natural area, 3 miles north of Oysterville, is a kind of buffer between the straggling developments of Long Beach Peninsula and a section of…
18.71 MILES
This beautiful red house (built 1871) was the original home of Oysterville cofounder RH Espy. It's now a private residence.
18.82 MILES
Picture-perfect old church dating from 1892. Pick up a walking-tour brochure here during the summer months.
18.86 MILES
Near Clay St, this building (built 1863) is the oldest one still standing in Oysterville's historic district. It served as the first Pacific County…
23.49 MILES
For some interesting local history, check out this full-scale replica of one of the ships piloted by Captain Robert Gray when he first sailed into Grays…
25.23 MILES
Built in 1924 by one of the timber barons of Hoquiam, this 26-room riverside mansion is filled with period furniture, clothing, regional artifacts, a doll…
27.33 MILES
At 107ft it's the tallest lighthouse in the state, although its setting in a clump of trees makes it less scenic than a classic promontory lighthouse. …