You will want to head out early, don’t be afraid of a bit of drizzle, but you can hope for some of that glorious Northwest Sunshine.

Early will mean the least crowded days to visit the tulip fields, and you won’t spend half your day just getting there and back. Trust me, and it can be a mess getting around if you want to go to Tulip Town or RoozenGaarde, (a bit dutch). You can drive at your leisure around the fields anytime. It is just getting to those popular places that can be difficult. 

Breakfast

Start your trip with a quick breakfast from Avenue Bread or the Dutch Bakery located downtown Lynden. You can get a Breakfast sandwich to go. (you might even call ahead)

Or grab some coffee from Woods and a quick bite to go. They do have some excellent breakfast sandwiches. 

The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival runs April 1-30

Tulips bloom for about two weeks, and different varieties bloom at other times, so they are staggered throughout the month. 

With over a million tulip bulbs planted in Skagit County, you’ll have plenty to see no matter when you come!

In addition to tulips, the Washington Bulb Company is also the leading grower of daffodil and iris bulbs in North America, and daffodils are in full bloom just before the tulips open. So although there’s not a daffodil festival, come in March, and you’ll be treated to gorgeous fields of yellow, too.

RoozenGaarde 
UPDATE from RoozenGaarde’s website: Capacity restrictions will be in place, and advanced online ticket purchase will be required. Ticket sales are now live and can be purchased anytime. 

Address: 15867 Beaver Marsh Rd. Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Tulip Town

Address: 15002 Bradshaw Road, Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Can you see the tulip fields without getting out of your car?

Yes! As I mentioned above, that’s a great way to tour the tulips, especially if it’s more than drizzling, but you still want to see them. Of course, there’s no cost to drive by the acres of tulip fields, but there are some things you might want to be aware of and mindful of as you navigate around.

• Don’t block traffic! If you want to stop to take pictures, find a designated place to pull off. 

• Obey the traffic signs.

• Be respectful of private driveways. 

• You may encounter cyclists, depending on the weather. 

When leaving the Farmstead, you will go south and get on 1-5 and take it to Burlington. I like to take the back roads. You can get off at the Josh Wilson Rd and head over to Farm To Market. And head south from there. Most traffic will be coming from the South and taking the exits closer to Mt. Vernon or Highway 20. I avoid that area. 

Remember, they don’t usually have this kind of traffic to deal with the only Springtime festivities that bring so many tourists. 

Notes:

• Cash: You’ll need it to get into Tuliptown, and although RoozenGaarde takes cards, the cash line is usually shorter. Not all the food vendors inside accept cards, either.

• Shoes that can get muddy: If you’re only planning to walk through the display gardens, you won’t need mud boots. If you’re planning to walk out to the fields (and I hope you do!), expect that your shoes may get muddy, and don’t wear your favorite white sneakers.

• Umbrella: While I’m not suggesting you get out and brave a downpour, I hope you won’t let a slight drizzle derail your plans for the day. 

• Camera and accessories: Whether you’ll be using your phone or an actual camera, come prepared to take lots and lots of pictures of the Washington Tulip Festival!