Lynden is the second largest city (population 10,820) in Whatcom County. Named and established in 1874 on the site of the Nooksack Indian village Squahalish (Nooksack: Sqwehálich), the town of Lynden began as a pioneer settlement headed by Holden and Phoebe Judson and is today home to one of the largest Dutch American communities in the nation. The town lies in a broad valley along the winding path of the Nooksack River, which empties into nearby Bellingham Baa. The surrounding area is filled with dairy, raspberry, strawberry, and blueberry farms. The region saw significant Dutch immigration in the early and mid 1900s, 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 numerous antiques 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 reformed churches. In August, the Northwest Washington Fair lures thousands, and allows locals to display their agricultural products, art, and crafts. – History of Lynden

Student Perspectives:

“I made strong relationships in this community not only with the patients I saw in follow ups but also being out with community members. I would happily return to Lynden and work as a family medicine physician.”

– Past Lynden WRITE Student