The Seattle Traveler

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Runs April 1st - 30th

by Mary Jo on March 30th, 2007

I grew up in the Skagit Valley, and sort of took all the tulip fields for granted.  At that time there wasn’t a festival, that’s only been around for 24 years, there were just farms, and dirt, and flowers.

Today, the Skagit Valley celebrates Tulips and Spring with its annual Tulip Festival, April 1st – 30th.  While those are the festival dates, the actual bloom date of the flowers is in the hands of Mother Nature.

Although there are a wide variety of events scheduled during the month, the real highlight of the festival are the fields of tulips.  Field after field, row after row of vibrantly colored tulips.  The colors are gorgeous, the fields profuse, and you’ll likely see some varieties that you’ve never seen before.

There are a variety of ways to enjoy the festival.  The easiest, in my opinion, is to jump in your car and drive to the Skagit Valley, located about 60 miles north of Seattle and about 60 miles south of British Columbia.  Choose and Exit between 221 and 236, and pick up a Tulip Brochure at any convenient business.  You can also download a brochure or request one by mail.

The festival covers approximately 15 miles, with events at many locations around the county.  You can check the list of events to plan a good time to go, or use the itinerary planner to see what will be going on during the time that you’ll be there.

A variety of tour companies offer choices on how to see the festival.  These include convenient ways to see the tulips, as well as some ideas that are a little unusual, whether you are traveling alone or with a group.  You can find a full listing on the Tulip Festival website, but some of those tour options include:  motor coach tours, limo tours, bike rides, Victoria Clipper tours, helicopter tours, float planes, and master gardener guides.  There are also lots of options for extending your stay in the Skagit Valley with side trips in the area.

Location:  Skagit Valley, exits 221 - 236

Dates:  April 1st - 30th

Admission:  Some events are free, others have admission charges. 

Photo credit:  flickr

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POSTED IN: Events, Must-See Sights, People - Interesting Local People, Scenic & Short Trips, Tours - Guided or Self-Guided