The One Washington Town Everyone Should Visit At Least Once
Amid the Swinomish Channel in northwest Washington, La Conner operates on less than half a square mile while managing to serve as a fishing village, artist community, and regional farming center. Because it has fewer than 1,000 people, the town has remained highly walkable, making it easy for visitors to get around to its historic buildings, restaurants, museums, and attractions. Located in Skagit County, La Conner provides access to tidal waters, agricultural lands, and other nearby municipalities. In short, this is one town in Washington you need to see at least once.
Historic Foundation
La Conner was founded in 1867, when a trading post was acquired by a merchant named J.S. Conner. He named the settlement after his wife, and the name “La Conner” is derived from the first and second initials of his wife’s name, Louisa Ann Conner. La Conner was the county seat of Skagit County for only a single year after growing in size, but the seat was later moved to Mount Vernon when it was decided to keep the railroad from passing through the settlement.
In 1974, La Conner's central business district was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The historic district contains commercial structures from the end of the 19th century into the early 20th century, made of wood and brick, and the modern businesses serving the town continue to show these original architectural facades.
The town's reputation as an arts hub began with the arrival of artist Morris Graves in 1937. He brought along other artists who identified with the Northwest School of Art, including Guy Anderson and Richard Gilkey. The presence of a large number of working artists culminated in a cultural identity that remains a defining trait of the town today.
History On Display
The Museum of Northwest Art, established in 1981 and later moved to South First Street, shows just how La Conner became so synonymous with art. This museum has a permanent collection of works by local artists. In addition, it rotates exhibits in an examination of the history of Northwest art. It operates Tuesday through Sunday.
Above the downtown area is the Skagit County Historical Museum. The museum preserves the history of the region from native communities through the settlement period and maritime trade to agricultural development. The museum is situated on a hilltop and offers scenic views of Mount Baker in the distance, the Cascade Range, Skagit Bay, and the surrounding farmland. The museum is open from Wednesday through Sunday, and it is about four blocks up from First Street.
Independent Commerce and Dining
La Conner has a strong economy that relies on independent businesses. Calico Cupboard Cafe and Bakery has been in La Conner since 1981 and is situated in an ideal location on First Street, with views of the Swinomish Channel. The restaurant serves everything from unique breakfast options like eggs Benedict and Brussels sprouts hash to hearty lunch options. Additionally, the cafe and bakery offer cinnamon rolls, pie, and cookies. The cafe is open every day for breakfast and lunch, and waits can form at times, depending on the season.
The Nell Thorn Waterfront Bistro and Bar is a restaurant that opened in 2001 and prides itself on sourcing its menu ingredients from local farms and industries. This might include farms such as Bow Hill Blueberries and Samish Bay Cheese, as well as seafood from the Salish Sea. The restaurant is located on First Street and also has a deck that hangs out over the channel.
Handmade La Conner, founded in 2009 by owner Robyn Bradley, offers handmade body and household products incorporating natural ingredients and essential oils. The First Street location operates as a manufacturing site, allowing visitors to observe the work of around a dozen craftspeople. The company has been certified as a Leaping Bunny, meaning it meets the criteria for cruelty-free status.
The Choice for Accommodation
The Wild Iris Inn is a boutique hotel with 18 suites, located on Maple Avenue within walking distance of downtown. It has individually designed suites with luxurious bedding, modern bathrooms, and amenities ranging from fireplaces and whirlpool tubs to private balconies. Facilities include a garden and a hot tub. Breakfast consists of two courses served from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m., with pastries baked fresh in-house. Note for those considering a stay here, it is not for a family. The Wild Iris Inn caters exclusively to adults.
Access to Nature
The Swinomish Channel is La Conner's eastern boundary and a nine-mile waterway linking Skagit Bay to Padilla Bay. The channel is used for commercial fishing and recreational kayaking and canoeing. Kayak and canoe rental and guide services are available at places like La Conner Paddles. The waterfront walking path along First Street offers views of vessels traveling on the channel and, possibly, wildlife.
Kukutali Preserve sits on 83 acres of an island in the channel and has the unique honor of being the first state park in the United States to be co-managed by a tribe. The preserve is reached by a tombolo walkway from Fidalgo Island. Some trails run from the coast to the beach through the forests. Visitors should check tide times before coming, as the sandbar is underwater at certain times of day. The warmer months will see a surge in wildlife and fauna activity.
Surrounding Communities
Mount Vernon is roughly 9 miles east of La Conner and is the county seat of Skagit County, with over 35,000 residents. The city offers community services, including hospitals, large shopping centers, and restaurants. The city's central business district has been restored with restaurants, breweries, and individual businesses housed in restored buildings from earlier times. Mount Vernon boasts an annual Street Fair during the peak Tulip Festival weekend.
Anacortes, which appears about fifteen miles northwest of Mount Vernon via Route 20, lies at the northern tip of Fidalgo Island. Home to about 17,000 inhabitants, this ferry terminal hub offers the primary ferry connection to the San Juan Islands. Commercial Avenue provides amenities such as restaurants, breweries, and stores.
Whidbey Island stretches south from Deception Pass and can be reached by Route 20. The island is home to several attractions and communities, including Coupeville, which has retained much of its 19th-century architecture and is among the oldest in Washington state. Fort Casey Historical State Park is also on the island, and visitors here can appreciate artillery batteries and fortifications dating back to 1890.
Plan Your Visit to Memorable La Conner
La Conner is a tiny town that you might not find on every map, shaped by fishing, farming, and historic artistic endeavors. The preserved historic downtown, independently owned businesses, and proximity to bodies of water and agricultural areas create an atmosphere that reflects community values more in line with sustainability than with modern development and construction. A visitor with time to thoroughly explore the town will find a wealth of history, culture, and gorgeous vistas, especially when the tulips of Skagit County are in bloom.
