Make sure to bring your camera to the photogenic town of La Conner. You will want to take shots of its historic harbour, mountainous backdrop and fields blooming with multicolored tulips. The rural port town is not only rich with history and culture, but is also located on one of the most scenic stretches of Washington’s northwestern coast.
La Conner is a trading town that was established in the second half of the 19th century. The town was named after Louisa Conner, the wife of the town’s founder John Conner. Learn about these American pioneers in the Skagit County Historical Museum, which tells the story of the early settlers in the region.
Pick up a map of the historic barns that are dotted throughout the county at the museum and drive out to visit them. Explore the La Conner Quilt and Textile Museum, housed in an elegant mansion, to learn about a different facet of the town’s history.
Admire paintings and sculptures by established local artists in the Museum of Northwestern Art. The museum represents the diverse cultures of the Pacific Northwest in spacious and stylish galleries.
Come to La Conner in April to take part in the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Fields all around the town burst into colour as rows of tulips come into bloom. Enjoy events at the tulip farms and take tours of these vibrant fields.
Hike through the wilderness that surrounds La Conner. Deception Pass State Park, at the tip of Whidbey Island, is less than 30 minutes away and offers miles of walking trails and tranquil beaches. Hop in a kayak at the town’s marina to get out on the water and see the landscape from a different perspective.
La Conner is a 20-minute drive west of Mount Vernon, next to the waters of Skagit Bay. Drive here from Seattle or Vancouver, Canada then rent a bike to explore the colourful surrounding countryside. One of the best times of the year to visit is in spring, when the tulip fields are in full bloom.
