Bellingham, Washington, is known to most as a beloved college town. Located just below the Canadian and United States border, this delightful community is your gateway to wilderness adventure, artistic innovation, and cultural exchange. While the town might be affectionately nicknamed the “City of Subdued Excitement,” it’s anything but! Packed with evocative history and exciting attractions, you’re sure to find your new favorite things to do in Bellingham.
The waters of Bellingham Bay have been the lifeblood of the region's economy for thousands of years.
Before the first Europeans arrived in 1852, Coast Salish tribes sustained their thriving communities from the area's rich resources. These nations, particularly the Lummi, remain significant influences on local culture today.
You can learn more about Bellingham's history at the Whatcom Museum. The complex houses a collection of over 30,000 objects.
Surrounded by over 100,000 acres of farmland, agricultural production in the Bellingham area consistently ranks in the country's top three percent. Over 100 vendors celebrate these local products at the Bellingham Farmers Market.
While Whatcom County grows the largest per capita crop of red raspberries in the country, Bellingham is only a thirty-minute drive from Skagit Valley, which has risen to online fame for its annual Tulip Festival.
Like many towns with a strong university presence, Bellingham has a thriving arts scene. Some events occur once a year, like the North Cascades Bluegrass Festival scheduled for the beginning of September, but the community also manages to weave its appreciation for local arts into daily life.
The First Friday Arts Walk is a monthly exhibition of Bellingham's creative talent. Restaurants, galleries, and boutiques all participate in promoting local artists.
For lovers of the outdoors, Whatcom Falls Park is less than ten minutes away.
Elsewhere in the park, the Memorial Healing Totem Pole honors a Whatcom County tragedy. In 1999, a gasoline spill resulted in a deadly explosion. The Lummi House of Tears erected the totem in 2006 to memorialize the victims of the tragedy and help the community heal.
Bellingham is more than just a college town. It’s a vibrant meeting place of people, culture, and nature. As a lifelong Washington resident, I always find something new to appreciate about this dynamic community. I recommend staying the night and timing your visit to coincide with one of the city’s many local events. You’re sure to discover your new favorite things to do in Bellingham!
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