Lynden is home to Washington State’s largest Dutch settlement and is the heart of the region’s farmland. Upon reaching the four-block span of Front Street, known as Old Dutch Town, visitors are greeted by a 72-foot tall working windmill.  The Mill features the best meats and cheeses, plus a full bar offering craft cocktails and wines are chosen to pair with menu items. Another addition to downtown is the recent renovation of the Historic Waples Building. 

Nearby, the Lynden Pioneer Museum gives a glimpse of the “simpler” life in the earlier days of this farming community. The museum features one of the largest collections of antique buggies in the U.S. plus a two-story replica of Lynden at the turn of the last century.

This is also a town that loves to celebrate life’s simpler things. Throughout the year the community celebrates a variety of festivals and events that showcases their heritage, like the Northwest Raspberry Festival, the Farmers Day Parade, Christmas Lighted Parade, plus a number of other events held throughout the year.   The biggest celebration of them all is the Northwest Washington Fair each of which hosts a number of Events and is rated one of the cleanest fairs in the state.  Each August the Fair runs for 6 days with entertainment, animals, vendors, and the carnival.

The Phoebe Judson Heritage Tree (black walnut), was planted in 1882 in what was once Phoebe Judson’s front yard (now home to the Chamber of Commerce). Phoebe and her husband, Holden Judson, were among the first non-indians to settle here and establish a settlement. Named by Phoebe, Lynden was incorporated in 1891. Phoebe was a midwife and educator who was instrumental in founding the Northwest Normal School, the forerunner of Western Washington University. In 2017, a sculpture of Phoebe Judson was added to a corner of downtown.

Waples Mercantile Building was built in 1914, and was the site of the Lynden Department Store and the “hub of the town.” The store’s founder, Billy Waples, was successful in providing the town with a centrally-located emporium of goods including clothing, dishware, groceries, farm equipment, grain and horse buggies. On the front of the building is a U.S. Geological Survey elevation marker. A fire gutted the building in 2008. Restored in 2015, using reclaimed wood and timber beams not damaged in the fire, and exposing brick and concrete throughout, it is now the home to Village Books, Bellingham Baby Company, Avenue Bread, Cheeks and Overflow Taps

Everywhere you turn, you’ll get the feeling that this quaint city truly appreciates your visit to Lynden’s Historic Downtown.

You can find more on Our Local Guide.

Lynden is also the winner of the Main Street America Contest and Lynden holds the world record for the Longest Strawberry Shortcake.

For more information on Lynden, check out our Local Guide, and be sure to enjoy your day before you head back to your cozy getaway at the Oostema Farmstead.  We will keep the lights on for you.