Hammer Museum — Attraction in Alaska

Yes, it really is all about hammers. Hammers for nails. Hammers for tacks. Hammers for telephone lineman (yes, think Glenn Campbell). Hammers for jewelry, and hammers for bankers. Nothing about MC Hammer.

It started as a pet project for a local handyman that simply had too many hammers, and now it is a full fledged house of hammers.

This was a focal point for my cruise this week. Not the eagles, not the wildlife, not the excess food on the cruise ship, I had expectations for this place, not grand, but solid expectations.

It was a late September cruise in Alaska, so the weather was miserable on the day we went. Rainy, chilly, just a typical day for the season. We walked in dripping wet, a small entryway, into a larger area - and hammers were on every wall, on every nook, even on the ceiling. Each one carefully labeled, each one detailed for it's purpose or its origin. Glass hammers, ceramic hammers, comical hammers, husband hammers, wife hammers (I searched for in-law hammers but couldn't find one). It would take days to actually go through all of them in detail. This is the perfect place to visit on an inclement day, but actually any day.

Now, this place is not big - but it had something for everyone in our group. A gift shop, a museum specialist, hands-on exhibition, a functional and clean bathroom (with hammers on the wall).

If you get the chance to go, just visit the place. Buy a coaster, or a hat and brag to your friends about it. Tell them anything you want because you know they won't go there - but tell your tool friends they have to go.

And take your wife and if she can find the "Alaskan Husband Trainer" - buy...

5 Stars – A Crazy Unique Must-Visit Experience

The Hammer Museum in Haines is truly one of the most unique attractions you’ll ever come across, honestly, I don’t think there’s another place like it anywhere on the planet. As quirky as it may sound, it’s absolutely fascinating. The collection is massive, with thousands of hammers of every type, size, and purpose imaginable. From everyday tools to rare historic pieces, it’s amazing to see just how much history and craftsmanship can be tied to something as simple as a hammer.

What makes the experience even better is the staff. They’re incredibly knowledgeable and clearly passionate about what they do. They’re happy to share stories, history, and even a few laughs, which makes the visit both educational and entertaining. Their energy really brings the museum to life.

Admission is only $7.00 per person, which is a value for the experience you get. It’s fun, memorable, and unlike any other museum you’ve probably ever visited. If you’re in Haines, this is an absolute must see, you’ll walk away with a new appreciation for something you probably never thought twice...

OMG, this place is a MUST SEE!!! There're big hammers, little hammers, tiny "Lego" hammer (created and donated by Raleigh across the street), dental hammers, medical hammers, travel size hammers, sample hammers, hammers for wood, hammers for metal, hammers that look nothing like hammers, useless hammers, and CERAMIC hammers (it's NOT decorative or useless). All that and then some for $7!!! AND, if you just stand in front of any display for a moment, very knowledgeable staff memebers will provide history and stories regarding whatever hammer youre staring at. You just gotta go see it...