The city of Ferndale is an inviting destination with a bustling Main Street, a substantial number of women-owned businesses, and activities for all ages. A growing city that celebrates their history and has a lively take on summer fun, Ferndale is a must for anyone driving through the northmost stretch of I-5. 

Ferndale is home to just over 16,000 people, but it is growing quickly. Named one of the fastest growing cities north of Everett, it is a hub of manufacturing, home to Superfeet, Samson Rope, Timken and the new Vicinity Motor Corporation facility that assembles electric buses.

Despite its serene appearance, Ferndale is a city of rock ‘n roll. Take a gander at Metallica Bridge; a railroad bridge that spans the Nooksack River has had the rock band Metallica’s name spraypainted on it consistently for over 30 years.

Ferndale is home to parks of all kinds. From Hovander Homestead Park to Pioneer Village to Riverwalk Park, visitors could spend a full day walking the trails, hanging out by the river and exploring Ferndale’s history.

Hovander Homestead Park is 350 acres in size with a mile of river frontage. In the summer, Hovander is home to barnyard animals and Hovander House Historical Tours. Kids will love interacting with the farm animals, playing on the playground, and dipping their toes in the river. For some fresh air, take an invigorating walk or run through the Fragrance Garden and adjacent trails.

Pioneer Village is home to the largest collection of original cedar slab cabins in the Pacific Northwest and features tours led by historically dressed docents from mid-May through September. This is the setting of the annual Old Settlers Days on July 26 and 27, 2024. Old Settlers Days is one of the longest continually operating celebrations in all of Washington. Winter visitors will be charmed by December’s annual Old-Fashioned Christmas.

Next door to Pioneer Village is Star Park, which contains the largest play structure in North Whatcom County. Finally, Vanderyacht Park is the perfect setting for energetic visitors with its disk golf course, basketball, pickleball and handball courts as well as horseshoes and playground. 

The event schedule in Ferndale is packed from summer to fall. Events include Food Truck Fridays; Music in the Park; Jam on the River; Downtown Trick or Treat; Oktoberfest; and Buckles, Brews & Que. For more information on these events, visit page 62.

Visitors will find themselves quite taken by this historical hamlet with a zeal for summer fun.