Curator’s statement
Every April, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival near Mount Vernon, Washington turns the valley into a living rainbow. This year, I finally made it out on a partly sunny spring day—and even with all the photos and reels out there, the real thing is on another level. You step out of the car and catch that faint, earthy sweetness of the blooming bulbs. Then it hits you: acres of tulips—fiery reds, sunny yellows, soft pinks, deep purples, and striking bi-colors—spreading out like painted carpets with the Cascades in the distance (often still snowcapped). Mid-April is the sweet spot, when early, mid-, and late-bloomers overlap and the color shifts with every change in light—even in the misty, moody weather April is known for.
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Things to do in Mt. Vernon
Roozengaarde Tulip Garden
The festival runs all April, celebrating the region’s Dutch heritage (many farms trace roots to Holland) with open gardens and working fields. It’s Washington’s largest tulip display—one of the biggest in North America—and it’s hard not to leave in a better mood than you arrived.
Must-visit farms in the Mt. Vernon area:
The festival spans the valley, but Mount Vernon is the easiest home base. These are my top stops for the classic tulip experience.
RoozenGaarde: A third-generation Dutch family farm with sweeping fields and a beautifully designed display garden (over a million bulbs).
Tulip Town: A compact, family- and dog-friendly stop with trolley rides, a cozy beer garden, and fun photo ops—easy, relaxed, and charming.
Tulip Valley Farms: The only U-pick option in the lineup, plus select Saturday night events (illuminated fields, music, and a totally different vibe). Take home your own bouquet for the win.
Other spots (like Garden Rosalyn) are worth adding if you have time, but the above three deliver the can’t-miss Mt. Vernon tulip day.
Places to eat & drink in Mt. Vernon
Beyond the blooms:
Head to La Conner for waterfront dining, a strollable main street, and local shops.
Stop in Anacortes for fresh seafood, coastal views, and a quick dose of local art.
If you want to stretch the trip, connect by ferry to the San Juan Islands and turn your tulip day into a full weekend.
For a great meal, drive about 20 minutes to the charming community of Bow-Edison and eat at Tweets Café (or one of the other local establishments).
Need to know
Planning your April adventure: Tips from a travel advisor
Timing matters. While the festival officially runs April 1–30 (sometimes earlier or later depending on weather), mid-April is usually your best bet for wide-open color.
Pro Tip: For real-time bloom updates, check tulipfestival.org before you go.
Tickets & access: Many gardens use timed entry ($15–25 for adults, less for kids—U-pick extras vary). Book ahead—weekends can sell out. Midweek is calmer.
What to wear/bring: Expect cool temps, occasional rain, and mud. Waterproof boots help, dress in layers with a rain jacket. Bring snacks—or plan on on-site vendors.
Getting there: About an hour north of Seattle via I-5. You’ll see roadside fields along the drive, but the ticketed gardens are the main event.
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Lisa Oelsner
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