A Bucket List Day in Skagit Valley: Tulip Magic, Local Eats, and Bloom Trails

Every spring, Skagit Valley transforms into a kaleidoscope of color as millions of tulips burst into bloom across the farmlands of Mount Vernon, Washington. The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, held annually throughout the month of April, is a celebration of nature’s artistry, drawing visitors from around the world to stroll through vibrant fields, snap unforgettable photos, and soak up the beauty of the Pacific Northwest in full bloom. 

This year, I made my way to RoozenGaarde, one of the most iconic stops on the tulip trail, where perfectly manicured rows of petals stretched toward snow-capped mountains in the distance. From wandering the display gardens to savoring fresh, local flavors in the nearby town of La Conner, the day was a beautiful blend of color, community, and small-town charm—an experience that felt like stepping into a postcard.

While I spent most of my time at RoozenGaarde, there is so much more to explore throughout the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Each garden offers something a little different—from wide open fields and curated display beds to food trucks, live music, and local shops. Whether you are drawn to the peaceful beauty of tulip-lined trails or the lively buzz of a garden with entertainment, there is truly a setting for every kind of spring daydream. No matter your pace or preferences, there is a bloom-filled backdrop waiting to match your ideal spring day.

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Exploring the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

If you have ever dreamed of walking through fields of flowers that stretch into the horizon, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is your chance to make it a reality. Held annually from April 1 through April 30, this vibrant celebration of spring is one of Washington’s most iconic seasonal events. What sets it apart is not just the scale of color, but the unique charm and variety found across the region’s participating tulip farms, each offering its take on the bloom-filled magic. Chasing the perfect photo, picking your bouquet, or simply taking it all in with a coffee in hand—each of these farms offers something unique, and together, they create the full Skagit Valley tulip experience.

Here is a closer look at the five main farms you can explore during the festival:

RoozenGaarde

If you only have time to visit one tulip farm, RoozenGaarde is the crown jewel of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Established by the Roozen family, whose Dutch bulb-growing traditions span generations, RoozenGaarde has been a cornerstone of the festival since 1985. It is operated by Washington Bulb Co., the largest grower of tulip, daffodil, and iris bulbs in North America.

As the largest and most iconic display garden in the valley, RoozenGaarde showcases 50 acres of vibrant tulip fields and more than 200 varieties of tulips and daffodils. Its 5-acre display garden is thoughtfully designed with intricate planting patterns and bold color combinations, creating an unforgettable backdrop for iconic spring photos. The attention to detail here is unmatched—each bed feels like a living piece of art set against the dramatic beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Location: 15867 Beaver Marsh Rd, Mount Vernon, WA 98273

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Tulip Town

Tulip Town offers a whimsical, family-friendly experience with trolley rides through the fields, a cozy beer and wine garden, and over 50 varieties of tulips blooming across 5 acres. Its welcoming atmosphere makes it extra special— Tulip Town also allows leashed pets, making it a favorite for those traveling with furry friends. From hands-on experiences to casual lounging with a local brew in hand, it is a laid-back and joyful way to enjoy the season’s splendor.

Location: 15002 Bradshaw Rd, Mount Vernon, WA 98273

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Tulip Valley Farms

Looking for something a little more interactive? Tulip Valley Farms brings a fresh and immersive twist to the festival. This 20-acre farm invites guests to pick their own tulips from a sea of 140 vibrant varieties. In addition to daytime visits, they also host special events like the Night Bloom, where tulips are illuminated under soft, magical lighting—perfect for golden hour or evening photography. It is an experience that blends floral beauty with a sense of wonder.

Location: 15245 Bradshaw Rd, Mount Vernon, WA 98273

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Garden Rosalyn

Tucked away with a creative spirit all its own, Garden Rosalyn spans 13 acres and is known for its artistic tulip arrangements. The flowers here are planted in imaginative patterns—from stars and hearts to animal shapes—making it a favorite among photographers and creative souls. Every corner feels like it was designed with visual storytelling in mind, offering a more intimate and inspired take on tulip season.

Location: 16648 Jungquist Rd, Mount Vernon, WA 98273

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Skagit Acres

The newest addition to the festival scene, Skagit Acres, brings together blooming beauty and lively energy. Though more compact with 3 acres of tulip fields and 18 colorful varieties, this venue shines through its welcoming atmosphere, complete with a beer and wine garden, rotating food trucks, and live music. We stopped by the field to check out the garden area and shop, and it was the perfect spot to relax, sip something local, and enjoy the tulips in a more social setting.

The store is also full of cute goods —ideal for souvenirs or adding a floral touch to your home—while the garden center offers fresh plants, herbs, seeds, and even potted tulips to take a little piece of spring with you.

Location: 18923 Johnson Rd Suite B, Mount Vernon, WA 98273

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The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is not just a scenic drive—it is a region-wide celebration of spring, bursting with color, creativity, and community. From the display gardens to the pick-your-own fields, each stop offers its own charm and a fresh perspective on the season.

If you are wondering when to go, tulips typically begin blooming in early April, though the exact timing can vary depending on the weather, sometimes arriving as early as late March or stretching into mid-April. To catch the flowers at their peak, check the Bloom Status tracker on the official festival website before your visit. Keep in mind that these are not greenhouse-grown tulips—they follow nature’s pace, and that brief bloom window is what makes a visit so magical. The fleeting beauty of the season is exactly what makes the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival worth the trip!

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Why RoozenGaarde Is a Must-See During the Tulip Festival

Even with just one stop on my tulip trail this year, RoozenGaarde delivered a full, unforgettable experience. Whether a first-time visitor or a returning one like me, you will find that RoozenGaarde beautifully captures the spirit—and the colors—of Skagit Valley in full bloom.

During my visit to Mount Vernon, I only had time to explore one tulip farm, so I chose to return to RoozenGaarde—a place I had visited years ago and never forgot. This time around, the experience was even more magical than I remembered. Endless fields of tulips greeted me the moment I stepped onto the grounds—each row was a ribbon of color stretching toward the horizon, set against the stunning backdrop of the Cascade Mountains. It felt like spring itself had come to life.

The 5-acre display garden was a highlight, each one thoughtfully designed with winding paths, charming white fences, and carefully curated color stories that made every corner feel like a postcard. From traditional reds and sunny yellows to rare, ruffled, and variegated varieties, the blooms were a feast for the eyes and a dream for photographers.

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From Tulips to Daffodils: The Golden Transition at RoozenGaarde

Beyond the tulips, RoozenGaarde is also home to expansive daffodil fields that add a radiant golden glow to the landscape in early spring. Spanning over 10 acres, these cheerful blooms typically arrive just before the tulips, signaling the official start of the season. Walking between the bright, yellow and white daffodil rows and the vibrant tulip fields feels like stepping into two seasons of spring beauty all in one visit. With more than 300,000 daffodils planted at RoozenGaarde, it is no surprise that these early blooms draw visitors from all over, eager to experience the first signs of spring in their full, golden glory.

Even with just one stop on my tulip trail this year, RoozenGaarde delivered a rich, unforgettable experience that felt like the heart of the festival. From the vibrant fields to the meticulously designed display gardens, every detail was a celebration of spring’s beauty. It is the kind of place that lingers in your memory long after you have left—whether you are seeing it for the first time or returning, like I did, for another round of magic.

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RoozenGaarde Visitor Information

RoozenGaarde is open year-round, but during the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival (April 1–30), its hours are extended to accommodate the influx of visitors. From Monday to Friday, the gardens are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on weekends (Saturday and Sunday), they open earlier at 8 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Admission prices during the festival are $16 on weekdays (Monday-Thursday) and $20 on weekends (Friday-Sunday) for visitors aged 3 and older, with children 2 and under admitted free. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the gate. ​

The ticket includes access to over 50 acres of vibrant tulip and daffodil fields, as well as a meticulously designed 5-acre display garden featuring over 200 varieties of flowers. Free parking is available on-site, making it convenient for visitors. Please note that pets and drones are not permitted within the RoozenGaarde premises. ​

For those interested in multiple visits, RoozenGaarde offers a season pass for $55, allowing unlimited entry throughout the festival period.

*Note: While the festival always runs from April 1-30, the open and close times and ticket prices are subject to change. Always check the official website for more information when planning your trip.

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Helpful Tips for Visiting the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

Buy Tickets Online
Save time and skip the lines by purchasing your tickets in advance at TulipFestival.org. You can also buy tickets directly at each of the participating gardens, including RoozenGaarde, Tulip Town, Tulip Valley Farms, and more.

Beat the Crowds
For a quieter, more serene experience, plan your visit on a weekday or go early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Peak bloom weekends can get busy, especially if the weather is nice!

Respect the Tulips
Stay on designated paths and do not walk between the rows of flowers. The tulip fields are also working farms, and preserving the integrity of the blooms ensures their beauty for years to come.

Rain or Shine
The festival runs through the entire month of April, and in some years, extends into early May, like in 2025, when several farms extended through May 4 due to lingering blooms. Be prepared for unpredictable spring weather by dressing in layers, especially wearing waterproof shoes, and bringing a jacket for breezy days. Mud is part of the experience—embrace it!

Order Now, Plant Later: Tulip Bulbs as Keepsakes
You can purchase tulip and daffodil bulbs from RoozenGaarde during your spring visit or order them online. Bulbs will be shipped to you in the fall, just in time for planting season. RoozenGaarde even plants its own gardens with the same bulbs they ship—so you can trust you are bringing home a bit of Skagit Valley’s finest. It is a beautiful, meaningful souvenir that will bloom perennially, especially in cooler climates where tulips thrive.

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Local Eats in Skagit Valley

After a full morning surrounded by tulips, I made my way to the quaint waterfront town of La Conner—just a short drive from the fields—for a late lunch at the beloved Calico Cupboard Café & Bakery. There are two Calico Cupboard locations near the festival: one in Mount Vernon and one in La Conner, but we opted for the La Conner spot for its charming, small-town atmosphere and picturesque views.

The café offers a cozy, vintage atmosphere with rustic décor, and the scent of fresh-baked bread and pastries greets you the moment you walk in. We grabbed one of the last tables before the kitchen closed, which gave me the perfect chance to snap a few photos of the beautifully clean and empty dining room, capturing the inviting charm of the space without the usual midday crowd.

Their menu showcases hearty, homestyle breakfast and lunch selections made with locally sourced ingredients. I ordered the Old Town Lunch (choice of 1/2 sandwich, a cup of soup, or crisp garden salad), and my dad ordered the West Coast Salmon Salad. We also ordered a slice of the lemon sour cream pie – not pictured because we ate it too fast! Every bite was delicious—wholesome, filling, and the perfect way to recharge after hours spent exploring the tulip fields.

Snow Goose Produce

To top it all off, we made a quick stop at Snow Goose Produce, a seasonal farm stand that is as much a local icon as the tulips themselves. We passed it on our way to Calico Cupboard Café & Bakery, and as we drove by, I noticed a line stretching outside. Curiosity got the best of us, so we turned around to check it out. When we reached the area where the crowd had gathered, we discovered the line was for ice cream—towering scoops served in waffle cones. With Calico closing soon and the ice cream stand open until 6 p.m., we decided to head back after lunch.

And I am so glad we did! The line was shorter later in the day, and the ice cream was some of the best I have ever had—locally made, rich in flavor, and served in freshly pressed waffle cones made right behind the counter. I went with a generous scoop of Mint Chocolate Chip, and it hit the spot. We also returned a few days later so I could try a second cone—this time with Strawberry Cheesecake added to the mint. Safe to say, Snow Goose Produce has landed in my top tier of ice creameries, and I will definitely stop by if I am ever in Skagit Valley during their open season.

In addition to their famous ice cream, Snow Goose Produce is a charming market offering fresh produce, artisan goods, and springtime favorites like herbs and potted tulips—perfect for taking home a piece of Skagit Valley. It is the kind of roadside stop where you will want to linger, browse, and stock up on local treats before heading on your way.

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An Unforgettable Spring Escape

The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is more than just a celebration of spring—it is a full-sensory experience that blends breathtaking natural beauty with small-town charm and vibrant local culture. Returning to RoozenGaarde after several years felt like stepping back into a dream—only this time, it was even more magical than I remembered. With vibrant rows of tulips set against the backdrop of the Cascade Mountains, and gardens thoughtfully designed to showcase a wide variety of blooms, it was clear just how special this place truly is.

The little things—the warm hospitality, the charming towns, the delicious food, and of course, the stunning tulip fields—make the festival feel like a true escape. It is a celebration of color, community, and the joyful return of spring—and one that leaves a lasting impression long after the petals fade.

Have you ever experienced the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival?

Or do you have a favorite springtime tradition where you live? I would love to hear about it in the comments!

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