1977: The Coastal Interpretive Center began as a Washington Sea Grant program called Ocean Adventures.
1984: Washington State Parks, working together with the State Departments of Natural Resources, Fisheries, and Wildlife along with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the City of Ocean Shores took over, the Ocean Adventures program opening in 1984 as the Ocean Shores Environmental Interpretive Center.
1997: State collaboration ceased; the City of Ocean Shores assumed full responsibility and renamed the facility “Ocean Shores Interpretive Center.”
1999: Ocean Shores Interpretive Center Association was created as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit “friends” group to support the city’s operations of the Center and Damon’s Outpost bookstore was launched.
2012: Ocean Shores Interpretive Center Association assumed responsibility for governance and operations, broadened the mission statement, and renamed the organization “Coastal Interpretive Center.” Since then, facilities have been upgraded, educational programs extended, and assumed stewardship of the 121- acre Weatherwax property and trail system has administered.
THANK YOU! Without volunteers, members, and donations the Coastal Interpretive Center would not be the robust, immersive experience locals and visitors have come to enjoy! Please join us in supporting our mission.
You must visit the Interpretive Center in Ocean Shores. Absolutely wonderful. Helpful staff, Great exhibits and hands-on activities for the kids. I really enjoyed visiting here. A+++++
–Alison A., Renton, WA