Lynden, Washington

The town lies in a broad valley along the winding path of the Nooksack River, which empties into nearby Bellingham Bay. The surrounding area is filled with dairy, raspberry, strawberry, and blueberry farms. The region saw significant Dutch immigration in the early and mid 1900's, spurring the growth of dairies. Today, Lynden pays homage to its Dutch heritage through locations such as Front street, which has been made-over with a Dutch theme, complete with its own windmill. Along that street, you'll find a Dutch bakery, Dutch restaurants and innumerable antique stores. Local supermarkets contain Dutch food sections, and Dutch is still spoken by some of the town's residents.

The town is noted for its manicured lawns, cheery gardens, Dutch architecture, and abundance of Christian Reformed Churches. A Dutch festival is held each spring complete with a parade, street sweeping, and "klompen" (wooden shoe) dances. In August, the Northwest Washington Fair lures thousands, and allows locals to display their agricultural products, art, and crafts.

Lynden has gained recent renown for its infamous Lynden Drug Tunnel, built by a band of Canadian drug-smugglers in the basement of a Lynden residence.