If you haven’t taken a trip to the the Hibulb Cultural Center and Natural History Preserve, it’s time to add it to your list.
Among the artists whose work is featured prominently at the Tulalip tribes cultural center is James Madison, an artist and master carver of Tulalip descent. His storytelling artwork is being highlighted this month at Hibulb in honor of National Native American Heritage Month, and you can see him at work and discussing his approach to carving wood in the video here:
“The wood speaks to me. It’s a spiritual journey that I go on,” says Madison in the video. “For me I see, like, a ghost inside it.”
“And I need to remove all the pieces that don’t belong so I can bring that spirit of the wood out.”
Hibulb features an interactive cultural center, and kids will enjoy checking out the main exhibit and temporary exhibit as well as the longhouse. (And, of course, the gift shop!) A big favorite is the canoe hall, where children (and adults) can check out traditional canoes up close.
Outside, Hibulb offers 50 acres of forests and wetlands that families can explore, too, all while learning about the remarkable history and culture of the Tulalip tribes.
If you go
Ticket prices
HCC Members and Tulalip Tribal Members: Free
Adult (18 and over): $10
Senior citizens: $7
Student (6-17): $6.00
Military and veterans: $6
Children 5 and under: Free
Family $25 (Two adults and up to four children)
Hours of operation
Monday: Closed
Tuesday to Friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday to Sunday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Address
The center is about 35 miles from downtown Seattle. The drive can take 40 minutes to just over an hour, depending on traffic.
Hibulb Cultural Center and Natural History Preserve,
6410 23rd Ave. NE, Tulalip
More road trip ideas:
Bellevue Botanical Garden: Come for the bridge (and stay for intriguing sculptures)
Deception Pass with kids: 5 fun things to do (and one maybe)
The mysterious Mima Mounds: Family-friendly day trip from Seattle
