Best Things to Do in Lynden

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Need suggestions on the best things to do in Lynden for a day trip or weekend getaway? Keep reading to find out what you can do in Lynden.

Lynden is a short drive from Bellingham, 2 hours from Seattle and 5 miles from Canada. Yet the moment you arrive, you’re transported to the Netherlands. As Yoda would say, “The Dutch is strong with this one.”

The Dutch influence is everywhere: from murals of people wearing Dutch traditional clothing, Dutch colonial buildings on Front Street, to Mill Inn’s 72-foot windmill. Yes, you can sleep in the windmill!

Disclosure: As is common in the travel industry, my trip was provided for review purposes.  All opinions are 100% mine.

Best Things to Do In Lynden

This quaint Dutch influenced city offers visitors more than windmills and wooden shoes. Here are our picks for the best things to do in Lynden.

1. Lynden Pioneer Museum

Curious what Lynden life was like in the 1900s? Head over to the Lynden Pioneer Museum. Even if museums bore you, the Lynden Pioneer Museum is must visit.

With over 30,000 objects throughout three floors, you’ll find something to grab your attention. Lifesize exhibits include a department store, barber shop, saloon, cafe/diner, Methodist Church, and a jail.

Pro-tip: Stop by the basement to see 50 horse-drawn buggies and wagons.

2. Jansen Art Center

The Jansen Art Center occupies what used to be the Lynden City Hall and Fire Hall. Now repurposed as an art center, it’s a place for the community to gather and learn. During my visit, I took a jewelry making class and made a copper bracelet.

Pro-tip: Free live performances every Wednesday from 12 pm to 1 pm and Thursdays from 6 pm to 8 pm.

3. Appel Farms

If you love cheese, plan a visit to Appel Farms. From making gouda for family and friends, Appel Farms has branched to out to include a cafe and drive-thru.

Appel Farms sells a variety of cheeses from gouda, cheddar curd (Squeaky cheese), parmesan, to paneer. Save room because they also make ice cream. 🙂

Pro-tip: Check the schedule if you want to see which cheese is being made and the best viewing times.

4. Jim Kaemingk Sr Trail

The Jim Kaemingk Sr Trail is a mile long trail that runs from the Lynden City Park to Bender Fields.

The paved trail is flat, acceptable for all ages, and a relaxing journey. You can walk, hike, jog, or ride a bike. Rooms at the Inn at Lynden include free bike rentals.

Pro-tip: Traveling with kiddos? Plan to end at Lynden City Park.

5. Lynden City Park Million Smiles Playground

Your kids will grin from ear to ear after playing at the Lynden City Park Millions Smiles Playground.

With over 25,000 square feet, the park includes a tot lot, a playground for older kids, rock climbing wall, tire tunnel, and a tree house.

Pro-tip: Bring a fishing pole to fish off Fishtrap Creek.

6. Twin Sisters Creamery

With Twin Sisters Creamery offers over 70 types of cheese including their housemade blue cheese (Whatcom Blue) and raw milk cheese (Whatcome White).

Encouraged by her husband, Jeff, Lindsay Slevin opened Twin Sisters Creamery (named in honor of their daughters) in 2013. They offer cheese tasting and pairing classes twice a month. Lindsay knows her cheeses and her picks are fantastic.

Pro-tip: The Beer & Cheese class was one of the highlights of my trip. Reserve early because there are only 16 spots.

7. Bellewood Acres

Home to Washington’s largest apple orchards with over 20 varieties, Bellewood Acres offers you pick apples and pumpkins. They practice sustainable and safe farming and were the first Washingtn orchard certified as Salmon Safe.

Bellewood Acres’ distillery, Bellewood Distilling, produces vodka, brandy, gin, and liqueurs. Tours offered year round, reservations required.

Pro-tip: Check their calendar for free family friend events including live music.

8. Edaleen Dairy

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream, especially if it comes from Edaleen Dairy. Where else can you get a scoop of ice cream for $1.50 and a sundae for $3?

Started by Ed and Aileen Bransma in 1975, Edaleen Dairy has expanded to six locations throughout the Whatcom area. With 40 flavors to choose from you might never leave.

You know Edaleen ice cream is good when Canadians cross the border to stock up by the 3 gallon. Mouth watering yet? Read my review of Edaleen Dairy.

Pro-tip: Closed on Sunday.

9. Overflow Taps

Looking for high-quality craft beer not found in the grocery stores in Lynden? Stop by Overflow Taps for a curated selection of craft beer, cider, and wine. This uniquely casual space has a custom designed bar, tap pulls, tables, and chairs.

Inspired by a desire to give back, Overflow Taps donates $0.25 from every pint sold to charity: water which provides clean drinking water to people around the world. To date, they’ve raised $25,376!

Pro-tip: Overflow Taps doesn’t have a kitchen but you can have food delivered or bring from food.

Conclusion

Planning a day trip or a weekend getaway and want the best things to do in Lynden? With so many things to do from visiting the Lynden Pioneer Museum, picking apples at Bellewood Farms, to having ice cream at Edaleen Dairy, you’ll find something to entertain and delight. It’s one of the few places where you can sleep in a windmill.

Be sure to have a meal at Eat Restaurant before heading home. It’s a surprisingly affordable French restaurant. If you love beer, you’ll want to check out the best breweries in Bellingham.

What are some of your best things to do in Lynden?

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