Metsker Maps is a Locally-Owned Map and Travel Store Near Pike Place Sign
I recently had someone ask me if there were any places that got cut from my book that I really didn’t want to have to cut. The top answer was easy – Metsker Maps.
This little store adjacent to Pike Place Market is a traveler’s dream with maps, travel books, and geography themed artwork.
So why didn’t it make it into 100 Things to Do in Washington State Before You Die? Well, I already had Pike Place Market. And technically Metsker Maps is in Pike Place Market, located in the Sanitary Market Building (though visitors need to be aware you’ll have to “leave” the market’s open air stalls and buildings and enter from the storefront on First Avenue). Part of me STILL felt like Metsker Maps deserved it’s own callout, but one thing I strived with this book was to not have too much of one area in it (such as the Pike Place area of Seattle).
Plus, I had an inkling that perhaps I’m biased toward Metsker Maps because it is like my soul store – if I had to open my dream store, I’m pretty sure it would be close to Metsker Maps… with maybe a coffee and wine bar thrown in. 😉
Still, it was a painful cut to take off Metsker Maps from the shopping and fashion section of the book.
That being said, if you are also like me and love traveling and have several maps being used as decor in your house, then this is the one store in Washington you CAN’T miss checking out.
Metsker Maps of Seattle is located right off of 1st St, less than a minute stroll away from the iconic Pike Place Market sign. You walk in and are immediately greeted by rows of map prints and circular displays presenting adorable travel-themed stickers and postcards.
The bets way to experience this store is to take your time, since you’ll want several minutes to gently flip through the boxes of map prints. You’ll discover geological renditions of some of your favorite national parks, beautiful artwork of places around the world, and sea or mountain topography.
Among the many prints are actual maps for various pursuits ranging from hiking to fishing to driving and more. Globes and atlas books are also available. Also mixed into the shopping experience are fun gift-worthy items like coasters, ornaments, puzzles, and kid books.
In the center of the store is a zigzag of bookcases, with tourist guidebooks, travel memoirs, and nature and outdoor recreation books lining the shelves.
Metsker Maps History
Map collectors will also be delighted by the store’s offering of antique maps and collectibles. In fact, Metsker Maps was started back in 1901 by a cartographer by the name of Charles Metsker who originally created detailed topography maps for surveyors and other businesses that needed them, such as logging companies and real estate developers. In 1999, Metsker Maps merged with Kroll Map Company, another iconic Seattle-based map institution located in Belltown. Kroll’s iconic maps are still sold in the store.
The history of the store is really interesting and you can learn more about it by reading the Metsker Maps about page or stopping in and chatting with the friendly employees.
Metsker Maps has evolved over the past 120+ years, and is one of the last remaining map stores in the United States. Hopefully it continues for decades to come. Stop in and see what catches your eye. If you’re like me, you may never want to stop perusing this delightful store!