Unless you live in Whatcom County, you might not even be aware that Washington has a darling little town with a huge Dutch population. Lynden is located about 15 miles north of Bellingham near the Canadian border, and it’s absolutely delightful. Since you can see all of its top attractions in just a few hours, it’s a perfect destination for a quick day trip.

The town of Lynden dates all the way back to 1874, when it was established by Holden and Phoebe Judson.

Wikipedia Phoebe, who founded the school that would eventually become Western Washington University, named the town after a poem by Thomas Campbell with the line ‘On Linden, when the sun was low, All bloodless lay the untrodden snow…’

Lynden’s Dutch roots can be traced to the early 1900s, when an abundance of immigrants came to the area.

Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr These days, Lynden pays homage to some of its Dutch heritage through Dutch-themed businesses and buildings (and a windmill, of course).

Despite its small size and squeaky clean image, Lynden is not without its controversies.

Dennis Cairns / Flickr Lynden has made headlines for its rather old-fashioned law prohibiting drinking alcohol and dancing in the same establishment. Also, in 2005, the infamous Lynden Drug Tunnel was discovered. The tunnel was built by a band of Canadian drug smugglers in the basement of a home near Lynden on the Canadian border.

Luckily, there’s no law stopping you from eating authentic Dutch pastries until you’re too full to move!

Sandy Weaver / Flickr A stop at Lynden Dutch Bakery is a must… in fact, it might eve be the highlight of your trip.

This bakery serves traditional Dutch treats, classic pastries, and tasty lunch items.

Lynden Dutch Bakery Facebook Their award-winning fresh scones are out of this world. Lynden Dutch Bakery Address: 421 Front Street, Lynden, WA, 98264

While you’re there, check out the Lynden Pioneer Museum to learn more about local history.

Asatkins / TripAdvisor The museum is well-organized, and there’s a lot to learn – prepare to see more exhibits than you thought possible for such a small town. The museum is open Monday - Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Address: 217 Front Street, Lynden, WA, 98264

If you have little ones, treat them to an afternoon at City Park.

Heidi S / TripAdvisor This place is also known as Million Smiles Playground Park, and it’s easy to see why – the playground is epic. Address: 8460 Depot Road, Lynden, WA, 98264

If you live within a few hours of this charming town, make it your next day trip destination.

Wikipedia Some of Washington’s border towns are highly underrated, and this happens to be one of them.

Have you ever been to Lynden? There’s still time to take a few more 2019 day trips.

Wikipedia

Phoebe, who founded the school that would eventually become Western Washington University, named the town after a poem by Thomas Campbell with the line ‘On Linden, when the sun was low, All bloodless lay the untrodden snow…’

Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr

These days, Lynden pays homage to some of its Dutch heritage through Dutch-themed businesses and buildings (and a windmill, of course).

Dennis Cairns / Flickr

Lynden has made headlines for its rather old-fashioned law prohibiting drinking alcohol and dancing in the same establishment. Also, in 2005, the infamous Lynden Drug Tunnel was discovered. The tunnel was built by a band of Canadian drug smugglers in the basement of a home near Lynden on the Canadian border.

Sandy Weaver / Flickr

A stop at Lynden Dutch Bakery is a must… in fact, it might eve be the highlight of your trip.

Lynden Dutch Bakery Facebook

Their award-winning fresh scones are out of this world. Lynden Dutch Bakery Address: 421 Front Street, Lynden, WA, 98264

Asatkins / TripAdvisor

The museum is well-organized, and there’s a lot to learn – prepare to see more exhibits than you thought possible for such a small town. The museum is open Monday - Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Address: 217 Front Street, Lynden, WA, 98264

Heidi S / TripAdvisor

This place is also known as Million Smiles Playground Park, and it’s easy to see why – the playground is epic. Address: 8460 Depot Road, Lynden, WA, 98264

Some of Washington’s border towns are highly underrated, and this happens to be one of them.

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Address: Lynden, WA 98264, USA