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Bellingham Whatcom County Parks
Bellingham Travel Tip
Information below from Bellingham/Whatcom County Visitors Bureau
IN FERNDALE ...(www.ferndale-chamber.com)
Ferndale: Small community located in the northwest corner of Washington State. Take Exit 262 off Interstate 5.
Hovander Homestead Park: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, 60-acre Hovander Homestead Park is a striking example of carefully preserved history. The turn-of-the century farmhouse, big red barn, outbuildings and two-mile long riverbank evoke a simpler time from the county's past The Hovander House, restored to its original elegance is surrounded by flower and vegetable gardens and a fruit orchard. In and around the mammoth barn, one of the largest in the county, is a collection of traditional farm animals: horses, cows, pigs and sheep. Visitors have access to the various farm buildings and can enjoy displays of antique farm implements and equipment. The view of Mt. Baker from the observation tower is well worth the climb and there are also trails for hiking and biking.
Tennant Lake Interpretive Center/Fragrance Garden: The Nielson Farm, located adjacent to Hovander Homestead Park, has been adapted as an interpretive center for the environment in and around Tenant Lake. This riverside farm has walking trails and features and elevated boardwalk that meanders through marsh surrounding Tennant Lake, ending at an observation deck where visitors can enjoy an otherwise inaccessible view into a unique wildlife habitat.
Fragrance Garden: Another feature of the Hovander/Tennant Lake Complex is the award winning Fragrance Garden. The garden is located beside the Nielson House at the Tennant Lake Interpretive Center. Designed with the non-sighted in mind, the garden features Braille signage and raised beds for easy wheelchair access. Visitors are encouraged to delight their senses by touching and smelling the 200 varieties of flowers and herbs.
Directions/info to the above: Take the Ferndale turnoff (Exit 262) off I-5, go west to the railroad underpass and immediately turn left. Turn right on the Nielsen Road and follow signs to park. For further info, (360) 592-5161, (360) 733-2900 or www.whatcom.wa.us/parks.
Pioneer Park: Nestled within the City of Ferndale is an irreplaceable treasure called Pioneer Park. The Park, established in 1901, represents one of the finest collections of original pioneer log cabins and contents in the Northwest. These eleven log cabins, built by the early pioneers of Whatcom County, sat alone in the early forests and rough clearings. Left to deteriorate they had an opportunity for a new life at Pioneer Park. To save them from destruction they were moved from various locations over the course of several decades to this site next to the Nooksack River. Other may be added in the future.
The public may view and tour these historic buildings in a village setting, very much like the environment in which they were originally built. Cabins over 100 years old illustrate vividly the strength and determination of the pioneer settlers who pushed back huge towering forests and fashioned dwellings from these enormous trees.
Pioneer Park provides a rare opportunity for an excursion into by-gone days, showing in tangible and inspiring ways the remarkable lives of Whatcom county's Pioneer ancestors. 360-384-6461 or www.nas.com/~signett/pioneer for more info.
IN BLAINE...(www.ci.blaine.wa.us)
(Blaine is located in the northwest corner of Whatcom County directly south of the Vancouver, B.C. metropolitan area. Canada lies on the northern city limit of Blaine, while the western edge of the city limit is in Puget Sound. Exit 274-276 off of I-5)
Semiahmoo Park: This 1.5 mile long sandspit at Semiahmoo, aside from being a striking landform with breathtaking views, has long been associated with the fishing industry both on Puget Sound and in Alaska as the last port of call for the legendary Alaska Packers Association sailing fleet. Within the park, over 300 acres of tidelands offer an abundance of recreational opportunities. Beachcombing, bicycling, birdwatching and picnicking may be enjoyed year-round.
Directions to Semiahmoo Park: Take 1-5 Exit 270, just south of Blaine, go west and follow the signs. It is seven-ten miles from I-5.
IN BIRCH BAY... (www.birchbay.net)
Birch Bay located just south of the Canadian border reached off exit 270 or exit 266 off 1-5.
Peace Arch Equestrian Center: Located on 18 acres off of exit 270. Horse Rides, Pony Rides, Trail Rides and Day Camps. Petting Zoo & Horse Drawn Wagon Rides. There are 2 arenas for riding, including a 110'x220' outdoor and a 66'x150' indoor for inclement weather. A 1500 sq. ft. heated indoor viewing area provides room for group functions. There are 70 acres of riding trails through meadows, creeks, and beautifully wooded countrysides where wildlife abounds. Fun for the whole family!
(360) 366-4049 or www.peacearchequestrian.net for more info.
Birch Bay State Park: Activities include- fishing, picnicking, hiking, bird watching, water skiing, crabbing, beachcombing, camping, scuba diving, windsurfing, kite flying and photography. Terrell Creek Marsh- One of the few remaining saltwater/ freshwater estuaries in northern Puget Sound. The north end of the park, on the beach, is a natural game sanctuary acquired through the Nature Conservancy under the condition that no development would occur there. Its inhabitants, which include smaller birds, migratory waterfowl, American bald eagles and the Great Blue Heron, can be observed feeding along the banks of Terrell Creek. www.parks.wa.gov/birchbay for more info.
Directions: Can take I-5 Exit 270 or Exit 266.
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