Things To Do
Hovander Homestead Park
Selah's favorite park from childhood as well as the special spot where Marcus proposed! This historic site has much to offer! A huge barn with antique farming tools to view, the original Hovander House to tour, farm animals to feed, play grounds, picnic areas, a water tower, hiking trails, and more! Check out the website to find tour times for the Hovander House and other details about the park.
Tennant Lake Park
Just a stone's throw from Hovander Park, this beautiful board walk through the marshy wetlands of Ferndale is the perfect immersive experience to witness the local wildlife. This park also offers a beautiful fragrance garden where you can see, smell, and feel your way around as you enjoy being introduced to new plants and herbs from all around the world.
Pioneer Village
With Selah being a member of the Ferndale Heritage Society, we could not help but highlight and highly recommend this hidden gem! This park features a beautiful collection of original log cabins that have been gathered from all over Whatcom county dating back to the 1800s. These are the cabins that were built by hand and then housed the original pioneers and settlers. Tours are available from late spring to early fall each year hosted by the Ferndale Heritage Society. Check out the website to find details and hours for tours.
Sardis Raptor Center
The Pacific Northwest is famous for its Bald Eagle sightings! This rehabilitation center for birds of prey offers free tours to the public on Saturdays from 11am-4pm. It's a rare experience to learn about these fascinating creatures and see local predators of nature up close. This facility features Bald Eagles, Hawks, Falcons, Owls, Vultures and more! The volunteers and staff there are very passionate about the animals. This is a great place to get informed and familiar with the local wildlife here in Northwest Washington and see these gorgeous birds up close.
Peace Arch Historical State Park
This park straddles the international boundary between the two countries at the extreme western end of the main contiguous section of the two countries' land border. This Arch structure was built to represent the brotherhood between the two countries. This park can be visited by both Canadian and American citizens without needing a passport. It's neutral ground where many families and friends gather to see one another without the hassle of crossing the border.
Whatcom Museum
Also known as the "Lightcatcher Museum" due to it's impressive curved wall made of glass. This museum displays the history of the settlement of Whatcom County as well as the historic origins and culture of the Lummi and Nooksack tribes who are native to this land. Along with historic artifacts, both art and photo archives can be appreciated here at this facility as well as interactive opportunities for kids. For info on tour times and admission fees, visit their website.
Grace Harbor Farms
Ever wanted to see how a local, small, family-owned dairy farm runs? Here's your chance! Give Grace Harbor Farms a call to set up your own tour! They will show you ever step of their production process for a whole assortment of dairy products all made from cow or goat milk. Their non-homogenized milks and yogurts are what makes them unique with a lovely layer of cream at the top that you mix in yourself. They also have a delicious non-dairy raspberry smoothie that is one of our faves! AND this farm produces less than 1% waste! Incredible! If you're lucky, you may even get to play with a baby goat or two during your visit.
Appel Farms Cheese
Appel Farms is a local, family owned business, carrying on their artisan cheese-making legacy. Their store location features a wide variety of their cheeses as well as other local goodies for sale. You can even grab a bite to eat! They make delicious sandwiches and have other options like soup and coffee to enjoy. And make sure to ask the cashier for some free goat treats and fish food! There is a beautiful Koi pond out back as well as some goats you can feed first hand. If you walk back past the goats pen you can see their cheese making facility. The building has large windows you can look in and see the employees making cheese if you happen to visit during their hours of operation. If you’d like to learn about the cheese making process, they offer scheduled tours. You can contact them via their website.
Boxx Berry Farm
Box Berry Farms is just down the road from Appel Farms. U-pick is a Pacific Northwest tradition. Just about every local has experienced this special childhood memory. Berries always taste best when they’re hand picked!