About Us
Metsker Maps has a rich history as one of Seattle’s most iconic map stores, with roots that trace back to the early 20th century.
The story begins with Charles F. Metsker, who founded the business in Tacoma, Washington, in 1901. Originally, Metsker’s business focused on producing custom maps for surveyors, logging companies, and real estate firms – key industries in the Pacific Northwest at the time.
Metsker Maps has continued to thrive through even the digital age, adapting to the changing landscape of cartography with new technologies while still maintaining its dedication to high-quality printed maps.
In 1980, the store moved to Pioneer Square and a few years later joined forces with Kroll Map Company, a century old local mapmaker in Belltown that continues to publish maps to this day. While we were once rivals, we are now one happy map family. In 2004, we made the move to Pike Place Market where you can visit us in the Sanitary Market Building.
Today, Metsker Maps remains a treasure trove for map lovers in Seattle, upholding over a century of tradition and continuing to connect people to places with their vast collection of maps and geographic resources.
We’re proud to say we have been and always will be a small, locally owned business and plan to continue on as such for as long as we can, because of our supportive customers such as yourself!