Visiting This Peaceful Woodland Garden In Washington Is Like Stepping Into A Fairytale

Whidbey Island is one of Washington's finest gems, and visiting is always a pleasure. But Whidbey's attractions go beyond beach parks, historical sites, and delicious restaurants. There's also an enchanting woodland garden that's open year-round and will make you feel as though you've stepped straight into a fairy tale. If you've never experienced the magic of Meerkerk Gardens, it's time you visited this enchanting escape in Washington.

You'll find Meerkerk Gardens in Greenbank, a small community right in the middle of Whidbey Island.

This peaceful woodland garden is a hidden gem, and it's definitely one worth finding.

The gardens were founded by Ann and Max Meerkerk, who brought their dreams of creating a secluded secret garden to life.

The gardens were founded in the early 1960s on 13 acres, but have expanded over the years. Ann Meerkerk left the gardens to the Seattle Rhododendron Society before she passed away in 1979.

Here, you'll find over 1,500 varieties of rhododendron species and hybrids, a testament to Ann and Max's love of rhododendrons (and inspired by the Rothchild’s Exbury Garden in England).

They start to bloom in late April, flourishing throughout the summer.

But spring isn't the only time you can enjoy these gorgeous grounds -- Meerkerk Gardens is open all year, and it's beautiful all year!

There's never a bad time to visit.

The gardens are surrounded by 43 acres of second growth forest, so you'll have access to plenty of hiking trails.

But there's no need to leave the property for that -- you can always go for a nice nature walk here.

Occasionally, there are classes, concerts, and other events held at the beautiful gazebo.

The gazebo was constructed from trees that fell in a windstorm in the late 1990s.

Meerkerk Gardens is open daily from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Admission is a small $5 donation, so it's an affordable attraction, too.

Have you ever been to Meerkerk Gardens in Washington? Learn more about this enchanting little oasis at the Meerkerk Gardens website.