Seniors Find Ferndale Enjoyable

 Ferndale is a city in the northwest corner of Whatcom County, Washington with a population of around 12,700. Any ideas, seniors, on why it might be called Ferndale? Well, you guessed it. First settled in 1872, Ferndale was given its name because of the ferns that once grew around the original school house.

Ferndale was originally called Jam as the town was located next to a huge log jam on the Nooksack River. The original schoolteacher decided it needed the more picturesque name, Ferndale. Ferndale was officially incorporated on March 19, 1907.

Originally, Ferndale’s economy was based on timber, and shortly after, agriculture of the surrounding land. Dairy processing was a significant employer for the town. The construction of the Ferndale Refinery west of town in the 1950s caused a population boom. The Cherry Point Refinery was constructed to the northwest in the 1970s.

Seniors Enjoy Area Around Ferndale

Senior travelers will find Ferndale on the Interstate 5 corridor, approximately 6 miles north of Bellingham and 13 miles south of the Canadian Border. There are many nearby attractions including Mount Baker, the San Juan Islands, numerous lakes, and the Nooksack River. Ferndale also enjoys a close proximity to Vancouver, British Columbia.

I know that my daughter, a veterinarian, and also a federally licensed rehabilitator would enjoy paying a visit to the Sardis Raptor Center.

TripAdvisor not only provides a map for you but also has ten things to see and do that visitors can enjoy. The Silver Reef Casino is a popular choice of many seniors. Nestled within the City of Ferndale is an irreplaceable treasure called Pioneer Park. The Park represents one of the finest collections of original pioneer log cabins and contents in the Northwest.

Pioneer Park Interests Seniors

These eleven log cabins, built by the early pioneers of Whatcom County, sat alone in the early forests and rough clearings. Left to deteriorate they had an opportunity for a new life at Pioneer Park. To save them from destruction they were moved from various locations over the course of several decades to this site next to the Nooksack River.

Others may be added in the future. It is a very interesting site, the buildings are labeled and are all authentic. The Park provides a rare opportunity for an excursion into by-gone days, showing senior visitors the remarkable lives of Whatcom County’s Pioneer ancestors.

Stop and visit this attractive community on your travels through Washington. -jeb