The true history of a state predates its acceptance into the Union, stretching back to days when triceratops battled raptors over their interpretation of the estate tax. Delve into the ancient past with today's Groupon: for $8, you get admission for two to the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma (up to a $16 value).

The Washington State History Museum tells the state's story through interactive exhibits, theatrical performances, and multimedia presentations that educate and entertain attendees. A massive model railroad grants flightless humans bird's-eye views of the lines from Point Defiance Park to the Stampede Pass Tunnel in the Cascades, depicting Union Station in the height of its glory during the 1950s and in its early years as a scrappy, constantly barking shed. Other permanent exhibits include the hands-on, activity-driven history lab learning center and the living diorama found in the Great Hall of Washington History. A travelling featured exhibit, Black Wings: American Dreams of Flight, unveils the struggles of African Americans to break through racial barriers and become the pilots and astronauts of their generations.

The museum's structure stands as a historical testament to the architectural prowess of Charles Moore and Arthur Andersson, who covered 106,000 square feet with swooping ceilings and state annals. Each element of the building's design draws from the preexisting texture of Tacoma, with a layout that mirrors Union Station, red brick that matches the warehouse district, and sprawling arches that mark the height of the mayor's joyous leaps when he learned the museum was being built.