Painting Company in Lynden, WA

About Lynden

Lynden, Washington, is a charming small town in northern Whatcom County, just a few miles south of the Canadian border. Its history is deeply rooted in agriculture, community, and Dutch heritage. Originally home to the Nooksack Tribe, the area was known for its fertile river valley, dense forests, and rich natural resources. The first non-Indigenous settlers arrived in the 1870s, drawn by the abundance of farmland along the Nooksack River. The town’s name, “Lynden,” was chosen by Phoebe Judson — often called the “Mother of Lynden” — who, along with her husband Holden Judson, helped establish the settlement. She named it after a line in a poem by Thomas Campbell, “Lynden’s green and flowery vales.” By the early 1900s, Dutch immigrants began arriving in large numbers, bringing with them strong traditions of farming, craftsmanship, and faith that still define the town today.

Throughout the 20th century, Lynden became one of Washington’s most productive agricultural communities, known especially for dairy farming, raspberry and blueberry production, and other crops that flourish in the Nooksack Valley’s fertile soil. Its downtown area developed around Front Street, which today maintains a distinctive Dutch architectural style with windmills, brick storefronts, and tulip decorations that honor the town’s cultural heritage. Faith and family values have long been central to Lynden’s identity, reflected in its many churches and tight-knit community life. The town also celebrates its heritage through annual events such as the Northwest Washington Fair, a summer tradition showcasing livestock, local businesses, and entertainment.

Modern-day Lynden has grown while retaining its small-town charm and agricultural roots. It balances tradition and progress, with new housing developments, local shops, and family-run farms coexisting alongside historic landmarks and quiet rural roads. Surrounded by scenic farmland and views of Mount Baker, Lynden continues to embody the warmth, work ethic, and cultural pride of its early settlers — a town that honors its past while embracing a vibrant future.