Lynden, Washington: A Quaint Dutch Town in the Pacific Northwest

A Dutch American Town in Washington

Lynden has a population of 12,000 and is home to one of the largest Dutch American communities in the United States. Dutch is still spoken by some of the local residents.

The Lynden Post Office's Historic Mural

Lynden Post Office showcases an indoor mural depicting pioneer Phoebe ["FEEbee"] Judson, who arrived by canoe up the Noodsack River in 1870.

Dutch windmills contribute to the ambiance of historic Front Street. This Dutch Village Inn, found on Front Street, features a 72-foot windmill and six unique rooms; three of these are inside the windmill.

This expansive and whimsical 142-foot-long mural in Downtown Lynden welcomes the visitor to Front Street. The city's heritage is reflected in the signage, floral displays, and Dutch-themed storefronts and architecture along Front Street.

Things to Do in and Near Lynden

• Washington State in the Pacific Northwest is renowned for its national parks, glacial lakes, evergreen forests, and mountain landscapes.
• The city is just a stone's throw from the Canadian border and the beautiful cities of Vancouver and Victoria, BC, and is about 100 miles north of equally beautiful Seattle. Winter sports and summer hikes are available in the North Cascades National Park, within easy reach of Lynden. Mt.Baker is 90 minutes east of Lynden, and the Pacific shore is just 20 minutes to the west.
• Significant Dutch immigration in the early and mid-1900s spurred the growth of dairy farming in this richly fertile region of Washington State. Today's farms include acres and acres of cornfields, as well as raspberry, blueberry, strawberry, and equine farms. Lynden is also home to the annual Northwest Washington Fair and Rodeo [RHODAYO]. The fair is held in early summer.
• A walk along Historic Front Street is as attractive as it is interesting. Explore Lynden Pioneer Museum, antique stores, a Dutch bakery, Dutch and German restaurants, jewelry, yarn, and other specialty stores. My personal favorite is Edalene Dairy along Grover Street. That ice cream is the best I have ever tasted.
• The Dutch Village Mall is home to Lynden's Community Theater. The Performing Arts Guild is non-profit and puts on four productions a year, including musicals, comedies, dramas, and children's shows.
• Drop into the Visitors Center to find out much more about the local tourist attractions, things to see and do, the current events calendar, directions, and contact information.

Something for Nature Lovers

Views of Mount Baker's snow-capped peak are a reminder of how close Lynden is to the Cascade Mountain Range—for both winter and summer activities.

Picture Lake is a little lake in Mt. Baker National Forest that—on a clear, still day—offers gorgeous views of Mt.Shuksan and its reflection in the lake. It is incredible in summer and exquisite in the Fall. This is one of the most photographed views in North America.

Less than an hour's drive from Lynden, the annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is another seasonal attraction not to be missed. The festival runs through April and is so relevant to the region's Dutch heritage. Each spring, the Skagit Valley comes alive with festival events and happenings, from street festivals to art shows.

Recommended

Amazing Experience of the 1000 Islands Cruise in Ontario, Canada

World-Class Golf in the Heart of Dairy Country

Lynden's Homestead Golf and Country Club is a true resort course, with 18 regulation-length holes and Blue Grass greens. Designed by William Overdorf, the course offers multiple tees and wide landing areas for recreational golfers—and for more challenge, doglegs, hidden hazards, and 6,927 yards from the longest tees for a par 72. This is the only course in Washington with a par-five that plays into an island green and has been voted the best par-five finishing hole in the state.

After a round of golf on this beautiful course, enjoy a meal at the onsite restaurant and stay in one of the luxury studio condominiums. Flexible country club membership, guest and visitor rates are available.

Stay at the Country Club

Homestead Golf and Country Club also provides a family fitness center with indoor and outdoor pools, tanning booths, hot tubs, water aerobics, swim and tennis lessons, and top-of-the-line equipment.

The tranquil setting of a home on the perimeter of the golf course provides a picturesque retreat for golf enthusiasts, families, vacation homes, or corporate housing—on manicured/maintained lots.

A trail for walking, cycling, and rollerblading skirts the edge of Homestead Golf Course, crossing rustic wooden bridges and following the tree-lined creek into Lynden City Park.

The trail passes behind this delightful historic stone and thatch cottage. The thatching was imported from the Netherlands and installed by Dutch artisans.

Entertainment for All Ages

The Million Smiles Park is a superb children's playground in Lynden City Park, sheltered by towering conifer trees alongside Fishtrap Creek. Million Smiles Park was designed, built, and funded by hundreds of local Community Volunteers in just nine days.

It features an enclosed tot lot, with a toddler-sized toy town and many activity sites that are designed to exercise both little bodies and imaginations. Many of Lynden's children have left their handprints in paint on the playground structures.

The park is a favorite place for young families to visit and is a great rest stop and picnic site for families traveling en route through Lynden.

For older children, the playground provides a climbing wall, swings, a castle maze—and a 35-foot-tall tree house with a slide.

Lynden, Washinton

Loving Lynden

I have traveled internationally and lived in many cities and smaller towns. The smaller towns hold the greatest appeal for me. Maybe it is the laid-back feel or the fact that friends are easily made but for whatever reason, I love Lynden, WA.