The 20 BEST Things to Do in Lynden, WA, for the Whole Family
Explore Lynden's Dutch Heritage
Tucked into the northwest corner of Washington State, just a few miles south of the Canadian border, is a small town with a seriously big personality. The charming town of Lynden is packed with Dutch heritage, fresh farm-to-table food, gorgeous Pacific Northwest scenery, and more family-friendly activities than you'd ever expect from a town this size.
It's got windmills on Front Street, working dairy farms where you can lick an ice cream cone within sight of the cows that made it, old-growth forest trails, rollicking seasonal fairs, and a thriving arts scene — all in one walkable, bikeable, udder-ly delightful town.
The 20 Best Things to Do in Lynden, WA
Whether you're making a weekend trip up from Bellingham, crossing from Canada, or on an extended Pacific Northwest road trip, we’ve got you covered! From the best hotels in Lynden to all of the exciting, family-friendly things to do, here’s your guide to an unforgettable adventure!
1 | Explore Historic Front Street | Front Street is the beating heart of Lynden, and your first stop should almost certainly be on this famous stretch of Dutch-inspired downtown.
You'll spot windmills, charming boutiques, antique shops, bookstores, flower shops, thrift stores, and cozy cafes, all within a few blocks. The whole strip has a storybook quality that's unique and photogenic.
Pro Tip: Explore like a local and rent or borrow a Sutch-style bike for the ultimate experience!
WHERE: Lynden, WA 98264 | WHO: N/A
2 | Lynden Pioneer Museum | Consistently rated one of the top things to do in Lynden on TripAdvisor, the Lynden Pioneer Museum is a genuinely fascinating step back in time.
The museum features an entire replica of Lynden's historic Main Street with full storefronts, plus an impressive collection of horse-drawn carriages, vintage farm equipment, household artifacts, and exhibits on early Dutch settler life. There's even a restored 1886 schoolhouse and a log cabin on the grounds!
Pro Tip: Go early! The museum is popular and can get busy, especially on the weekend.
WHERE: 217 Front St, Lynden, WA 98264 | WHO: (360) 354-3675
3 | Bellewood Farms | This family-operated apple farm is the largest apple orchard in Western Washington, and it offers U-pick apples in season, a charming farm store, an award-winning bakery cafe, and a craft distillery with free tastings.
The farm-to-table cafe serves up things like curry apple soup and turkey-apple sandwiches, and the apple pie has won national recognition. Plus, the views of Mount Baker from the orchard are genuinely stunning! This place is definitely a must for families.
Pro Tip: Visit in fall for U-pick apples and the pumpkin patch corn maze. In summer, catch the Farm Tunes music series.
WHERE: 6140 WA-539 #3, Lynden, WA 98264 | WHO: (360) 318-7720
4 | Lynden Dutch Bakery | The Lynden Dutch Bakery has been a community institution for well over a century! And it continues to put out Dutch classics and seasonal pastries that locals and visitors go absolutely wild for.
This is the place for Bankets (almond sticks), Poffertjes muffins, lemon cookies, and a rotating selection of berry pies when local fruit is in season. Grab a coffee and a pastry to go, or settle in at the small indoor seating area.
Pro Tip: Don't miss its second location, Just Desserts, inside the Fairway Center, if the main bakery has a line.
WHERE: 421 Front St, Lynden, WA 98264 | WHO: (360) 354-3911
5 | Million Smiles Playground | Lynden City Park, or Million Smiles Playground, is not your average neighborhood park.
It has a 35-foot treehouse, a climbing wall, a jungle gym, a pump track, a castle maze, a rock climbing wall, and a tire tunnel, plus easy access to Fishtrap Creek for tadpole and fish watching.
It's an absolute dream for kids of all ages, and there's plenty of benches and picnic space for parents to relax while the little ones burn off energy.
Pro Tip: Trail connections from the park lead to Bender Fields, so you can turn a playground visit into a longer family walk.
WHERE: 8460 Depot Rd, Lynden, WA 98264 | WHO: (360) 354-6717
6 | Jansen Art Center | The Jansen Art Center is housed in a beautifully repurposed building that once served as Lynden's City Hall and Fire Station; even the old jail cells, library, morgue, and council chambers have been transformed into creative space.
Inside, you'll find sophisticated gallery installations, a community art center with music and art classes, an espresso cafe, and an excellent gift shop featuring local artists. It's a wonderful rainy-day stop and the kind of cultural gem you'd expect to find in a much bigger city.
Pro Tip: Check the calendar for art lessons and live performances by local musicians and student groups.
WHERE: 321 Front St, Lynden, WA 98264 | WHO: (360) 354-3600
7 | Edaleen Dairy | Edaleen Dairy is a family-owned farm that has been in operation for over 75 years, and its ice cream is so fresh you can practically see the cows from the counter — because, at the Guide Meridian location near the Canadian border, you literally can.
This is not a soft-serve-from-a-machine situation. Edaleen makes real, creamy dairy ice cream in a rotating array of flavors, and it's become a landmark stop for everyone traveling through Whatcom County. They also sell local milk, cheese, and deli items.
Pro Tip: The Guide Meridian location has the big red barns right next door, which is a huge hit for kids and animal lovers. The downtown Grover Street location is more convenient if you're already exploring Front Street.
WHERE: 9593 WA-539, Lynden, WA 98264 | WHO: (360) 354-5342
8 | Berthusen Park | Once the homestead of Hans and Lida Berthusen, this 236-acre park was gifted to the city of Lynden upon the couple's deaths in the 1940s.
Today, it's a gorgeous forested oasis with trails winding through old-growth Douglas fir and western red cedar, plus picnic areas, group shelters, a playground, an antique historic barn, and even an old farmhouse to explore.
It's quieter than the in-town parks and perfect for families who want a peaceful walk in the woods without driving to the mountains.
Pro Tip: Dogs are welcome on a leash, so bring the whole family!
WHERE: 8837 Berthusen Rd, Lynden, WA 98264 | WHO: (360) 354-6717
9 | The Newsroom Pub | If you want a meal that's equal parts delicious and interesting, The Newsroom Pub is your spot.
Set in the original building where the Lynden Tribune printed newspapers for 41 years, the pub leans into the newspaper theme with vintage photos, press memorabilia, and a "Lynden Tribune Wall" honoring the paper's founder.
The food is excellent, serving up fresh burgers, sandwiches, and salads made with locally sourced ingredients from Whatcom County farms.
Pro Tip: It has craft beers, wines, and ciders on tap for the grown-ups and The Daily Scoop ice cream shop for the kiddos.
WHERE: 608 Front St, Lynden, WA 98264 | WHO: (360) 656-5010
10 | Jim Kaemingk Sr. Trail | This three-mile paved trail winds through Lynden in the most picturesque way possible, connecting Lynden City Park with Bender Fields.
Along the way, you'll cross little bridges over Fishtrap Creek and pass through open green space. It's one of those trails you'll find yourself doing twice.
Pro Tip: It's easy enough for strollers and young kids on bikes, and it's dog-friendly.
WHERE: Bender Rd, Lynden, WA 98264 | WHO: N/A
11 | Northwest Washington Fair | Held every August at the Lynden fairgrounds, the Northwest Washington Fair has been running since 1909.
It's a proper old-school agricultural fair in the best possible sense: carnival rides, grandstand entertainment, rodeo action, 4H livestock shows featuring cows, horses, goats, pigs, rabbits, and chickens, plus every variety of fair food you can imagine.
For families with kids, this is an absolute highlight of summer in Lynden. The fair runs for a full 10 days, and the live music lineup is worth checking in advance.
Pro Tip: Buy tickets for the concert series early, as top acts tend to sell out.
WHERE: 1775 Front St, Lynden, WA 98264 | WHO: (360) 354-4111
12 | Go Berry Picking | Here's a fun fact: Whatcom County produces the largest crop of red raspberries per capita in the entire world.
That means Lynden sits in the middle of one of the most extraordinary berry-growing regions on the planet, and in summer, you can get out into the fields and pick your own. Strawberries kick off in June, raspberries hit in July, and blueberries and blackberries come in August.
Pro Tip: Bring a cooler. You will pick way more than you planned to!
WHERE: 577 E Pole Rd, Lynden, WA 98264 | WHO: (360) 815-1344
13 | Bender Fields | Bender Fields is a massive 56-acre community sports complex that's surprisingly fun even for non-sports people.
Along with baseball, softball, soccer, and lacrosse fields, the park features four full-size basketball courts, four pickleball courts, a beach volleyball court, a life-sized chessboard, a dirt pump bike track, large climbing rocks, a bocce ball court, a fenced off-leash dog park, and a big playground.
Pro Tip: It connects directly to the Jim Kaemingk Sr. Trail, making it easy to combine a sports session or a playground afternoon with a scenic walk.
WHERE: 8770 Bender Rd, Lynden, WA 98264 | WHO: (360) 354-6717
14 | Hovander Homestead Park | The park centers on a beautifully preserved 1903 Victorian farmhouse, surrounded by a working demonstration farm where kids can see and interact with chickens, goats, pigs, and other animals up close.
Beyond the farmhouse, the park has nature trails along the Nooksack River, open fields perfect for running and frisbee, a playground, picnic areas, a water tower you can climb, and a historic barn.
Admission is free to walk the grounds, and it feels genuinely different from a standard park visit.
ProTip: The farm animals are the star of the show for little kids. Visit in the morning when the animals are most active. Bring bread or produce scraps, and the goats will make you their new best friend.
WHERE: 5299 Nielsen Ave, Ferndale, WA 98248 | WHO: (360) 384-3444
15 | Eucatastrophe Coffee and Used Books | This cozy, Front Street gem is the perfect place to stop in on a rainy Pacific Northwest morning.
The selection of used books is well-curated, the coffee is always fresh, and locally-made souvenirs in the gift section are the perfect way to take a little piece of Lynden home with you
Pro Tip: Check the calendar in advance for activities like interactive story time.
WHERE: 515 Front St, Lynden, WA 98264 | WHO: (360) 354-2471
16 | Mount Baker | A visit to Mt. Baker Ski Area is well worth a day trip! Sitting about 60 miles from Lynden, it’s one of the snowiest places on Earth, holding the world record for seasonal snowfall. But don’t worry, you can still have mountains of fun year-round!
The mountain offers 1,000 skiable acres, ranging from beginner to expert, and a full snowshoeing experience for non-skiers.
In summer, the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest surrounding the area transforms into a paradise for hiking, biking, fishing, and wildlife watching. The drive up the Mount Baker Scenic Byway alone is worth the trip.
Pro Tip: Don't miss Nooksack Falls! Just off the Mount Baker Highway, it's an easy stop for jaw-dropping waterfall views, great for all ages.
WHERE: Deming, WA 98244 | WHO: N/A
17 | Lynden Farmers Market | On Saturday mornings, June through September, the Lynden Farmers Market fills the downtown area with local vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, jams, handmade crafts, and more.
It's the kind of market where you actually talk to the person who grew your strawberries, and the berry selection in summer is absolutely outstanding.
Pro Tip: Whatcom County is prime berry country, so be sure to stock up!
WHERE: 319 Grover St, Lynden, WA 98264 | WHO: N/A
18 | Lynden Skateaway | This classic roller skating rink is great for families and is priced affordably.
There's a snack bar, a little toy and gear shop, and the staff consistently get high marks from visitors. It's old-school, it's fun, and it'sthe perfect family-friendly, no matter what kind of weather the Pacific Northwest throws at you.
Pro Tip: Call ahead to check session times and any special events, like family skate nights, themed evenings, etc.
WHERE: 421 Judson St, Lynden, WA 98264 | WHO: (360) 354-3851
19 | San Juan Cruises | Looking for an experience of epic proportions? Whale, look no further, because San Juan Cruises has you covered with its whale watching expeditions!
Departing from Bellingham, just 15 miles from Lynden, spend five to six hours cruising through the stunning San Juan Islands aboard the 100-foot Victoria Star 2, which has both indoor and outdoor seating on two levels.
On board, experienced naturalists narrate the journey and help you spot Orca whales, Humpback whales, Minke whales, Dall's porpoises, bald eagles, harbor seals, and sea lions.
Pro Tip: Book in advance as summer sailings sell out! If you're visiting in July or August, the Friday evening Sunset Whale Watch is a fantastic alternative with golden-hour views of the islands.
WHERE: 355 Harris Ave # 104, Bellingham, WA 98225 | WHO: (360) 738-8099
20 | Station 49 | Since its founding in 1955, Station 49 has been a top Entertainment Center in Whatcom County.
Featuring an indoor arcade, championship 18-hole, par 72 miniature golf course, go-kart track, and a miniature train ride through 10 acres of forest, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Then, once you’ve worked up an appetite, head over to The Saloon & Smokehouse for some dinner and dancing. (Don’t worry, they offer line dancing lessons!)
Pro Tip: Check The Saloon’s calendar in advance to catch fun performances, like live music and bands, comedians, and more family entertainment!
WHERE: 4620 Birch Bay Lynden Rd, Blaine, WA 98230 | WHO: (360) 371-7700
When Is the Best Time to Visit Lynden, WA?
Lynden is a year-round destination, but each season has its own appeal:
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Summer (June–September) is the most popular time to visit. The Farmers Market runs every Saturday, berry season is in full swing, Bellewood Farms is at its most vibrant, and the Northwest Washington Fair hits in August. Days are long, weather is warm, and the town is buzzing with activity.
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Fall (October–November) is arguably the prettiest time to visit. The apple harvest at Bellewood Farms kicks off U-pick season, the pumpkin patch and corn maze open up, and the surrounding countryside turns gold. Great if you want the same beauty with smaller crowds.
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Winter (December–February) is when Lynden gets festive, with the Lighted Christmas Parade in early December. Snow can fall occasionally. Mt. Baker is in full ski season and offers exceptional conditions.
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Spring (March–May) sees the town bloom with tulips and daffodils across the surrounding farmland — a stunning backdrop for a day trip up from Seattle or Bellingham.
Tips for Visiting Lynden, WA with the Family
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Get on two wheels. Lynden is wonderfully bikeable, and riding through it is a charming and practical way to cover more ground.
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Stay central. VI at Homestead is ideally located. It’s near the Homestead Golf & Country Club and close to everything Lynden has to offer, but is also close enough to Bellingham and the Canadian border make a day trip.
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Plan around the fair. If the Northwest Washington Fair is on your radar, book accommodations early! It draws big crowds from across Whatcom County and beyond.
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Bring layers. Pacific Northwest weather is famously changeable. Even in summer, a light jacket is wise for evenings.
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Bring your passport. Spend a day or two in The Great White North! Check in to Rosedale Condominiums, then check out some of the exciting things to do in Vancouver.
Get Packing for the Pacific Northwest!
Lynden has a way of exceeding expectations. Whether you're here for a day, a weekend, or longer, you'll leave with a full stomach, tired legs, and probably a list of things you want to come back for.
From the berry fields to the bike trails, the whale-watching boat out of Bellingham to the ice cream cones at Edaleen Dairy, it's a small town that earns genuine affection!
For more travel tips and destination guides across the U.S. and beyond, visit our Westgate Resorts Travel Blog.
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