Overview
As the grey days of January stretch into February, you can look forward to spring finally coming into view. One of the brightest spots in Washington will draw you to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. April is not far away, so it’s time to start making plans to head across Snoqualmie Pass and reservations on the west side of the state to enjoy the largest festival to attend in Washington State.
With a four-hour drive, you can be one of the thousands of visitors to the 2022 Skagit Valley Tulip Festival where you will see the beautiful flowering bulbs (tulips, daffodils, and irises) in all their glory from April 1 to April 30. Because the fields are so vast, you will need to get a festival map to make your way around the various flower fields. Because the acres are planted on a rotational basis, each year brings new variety. You can find the maps at the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Office in Mount Vernon, WA. at 311 W. Kincaid St.
History
The history behind this festival has its roots in…you guessed it…Holland. In 1955, a Dutchman, William Roozen, arrived in the Skagit Valley and started his own tulip business in 1955. Through the Roozen’s business, with sales from other nearby businesses, Washington State is now the largest producer of tulip bulbs! And his company is also a leading grower of iris and daffodil bulbs in North America. The Roozengarde is one of the two main farms you will see on your visit and can be found at 15867 Beaver Marsh Rd., Mount Vernon, WA. The DeGoede family left Holland, and via Canada, moved to Mount Vernon in 1957. They are responsible for the beauty of Tulip Town, another neighboring farm designed for viewing and learning about the flowers. With tickets, you can park at 15002 Bradshaw Rd., Mount Vernon, WA.
Tours
The tour through the flowers is designed to be completed via car, but you can also bike through the roads for a more intimate experience. This coming season, you will be able to buy your tickets online. You can purchase the various packages at visitskagitvalley.com and link to “Purchase tickets here”. General admission is $15.00 for ages 12 and older, $5.00 for ages 6-11, and free for kids 5 years old and younger. This includes parking. There are more expensive packages that include access at special times to take pictures and packages that show you how to pick and keep a beautiful bouquet of flowers. If you prefer to drive-by and no purchase any tickets that offer a more comprehensive experience, you can see the tulip fields between La Conner and Mount Vernon. The fields are too beautiful and colorful to hide!
Lodging & Accommodations
Because the region has so much to offer, you will want to stay nearby, and accommodations are limited. The nearest towns are Anacortes, Burlington, La Conner, and Mount Vernon. Quaint lodgings are best at La Conner, where art, seafood, and water views thrive. There are a few Inns and the La Conner Channel Lodge, all moderately priced if reservations are made early. La Conner is located on the Salish Sea and is close to the port of Anacortes.
Final Thoughts
The bulbs are warming underground and getting ready to spring their beautiful petals for your upcoming visit to one of the most beautiful views that nature has to offer.
