The Museo Ilocos Norte is an essential stop for anyone interested in the traditions and way of life of the Ilocanos, Yapayaos, Itnegs, and other ethnic communities of the region.

Locally referred to as Gameng, which means treasure in Iloko, this quaint two-storey museum is interestingly housed in a restored tabacalera, a simple, rectangular brick structure built in the 19th century for tobacco storage.

Within the tabacalera can be found impressive displays that highlight the diverse ethnic backgrounds and rich cultural heritage of the Ilocano people. The exhibits reflect the local life of a community, featuring replicas of ancestral homes, traditional attire, ancient farm implements, musical instruments, pottery, and distinctive tribal artifacts like headhunting weapons.

The museo also includes a gift shop named Sarusar, an Ilocano word for storage place, which offers the finest products from Ilocos Norte, providing a broad range of handmade souvenirs and beautifully crafted artworks that cannot be found elsewhere.