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Washington’s Big Rock Garden Park Is A Work Of Art

Big Rock Garden Bellingham is a hidden oasis featuring nature and art with over 37 sculptures, perfect for a peaceful escape.

Updated Apr 4, 2024

Written by 

Jessica Wick

Big Rock Garden Bellingham is one of the many things to love about Washington. The charming coastal city offers all kinds of amenities, and it's surrounded by wild, natural spaces. This 2.5-acre park is the perfect place for a little escape — a hidden oasis in Bellingham, nestled on a hill above Lake Whatcom. In a setting like this; what could be lovelier? Let's take a closer look at one of the best gardens near me.

Big Rock Garden Park truly is a hidden gem, and while it's located within the city limits, it isn't always easy to find.

Sign for Big Rock Garden Park surrounded by greenery and rocks.
BenLar137/TripAdvisor

The park is open from dawn to dusk year-round, and there's never a bad time to go.

A serene forest scene featuring a small gazebo surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees.
LehuaMonsoon/TripAdvisor

Spring brings lush green plants and flowers like azaleas, but the fall colors here are also phenomenal.

Nature and art come together seamlessly at one of the best gardens in Washington state, making for a perfectly peaceful experience.

A tall, abstract stone sculpture of a figure holding a bird, surrounded by lush greenery and trees.
Celeste D/Tripadvisor

Stroll along the peaceful paths and enjoy the wild native plants that surround you.

Originally named Gardens of Art, this park was founded in 1981 by George, Mary Ann, and David Drake.

A winding path through a lush green garden, featuring a tall blue sculpture amidst trees and foliage.
VisitBellingham/TripAdvisor

The City of Bellingham purchased it in 1993.

More than 37 permanent and inspiring sculptures are located here crafted by local and international artists.

A large metallic sculpture featuring a square frame with a circular cutout, surrounded by lush greenery.
ElissaClaire/TripAdvisor

Every May the Friends of Big Rock Garden Park and the Bellingham Parks & Recreation Department host a Mother’s Day Celebration that focuses on the opening of a new seasonal sculpture show.

You can easily explore the park in an hour or less, but you'll want to linger as long as you can.

A wooden deck surrounded by lush greenery and trees, with a blue spiral slide in the background.
novacamp/TripAdvisor

Slow down, relax, and have a picnic with your family. This is one of our favorite parts of the garden offering shade from the tall trees.

Big Rock Garden Park has restrooms, a drinking fountain, walking trails, and plenty of parking.

A serene garden scene with sand, rocks, and trees, creating a peaceful, natural atmosphere.
VisitBellingham/TripAdvisor

Check out this enchanting spot the next time you're in Whatcom County.

Big Rock Garden Bellingham offers more information on the web page. Have you ever been to this interesting space? If so, please share your experience in the comments below. If you're interested in transforming your garden into a beautiful space, read the book "Small Space Garden Ideas."

While you're there, discover more things to do in this charming college town in Washington.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/washington/charming-college-town-wa/

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