International Mermaid Museum

Along Highway 105 between Aberdeen and Westport is one of those roadside attractions that’s so beguiling you’ll be unable to resist. You’ll know you’re there when you see the massive siren sculpture beckoning. Don’t fear, she isn’t drawing you to destruction on rocky shores. This mermaid will lure you into something far more fun than sirens of yore. The International Mermaid Museum describes their mission as ‘dedicated to teaching ocean ecology from seashore to sea floor’ using mermaid mythology that’s common across all cultures. Here you’ll find denizens of the deep like Sedna—Inuit goddess of the sea. There are also plenty of pop-culture mermaids from the Starbucks siren to Disney’s Ariel. Glittery floors and deep blue walls make the museum feel like a plunge into a magical pool and each mythical being provides a deep dive into real-life ocean facts that are just as fascinating as the mermaid lore.