All About La Conner
Highlighted by its charming waterfront, La Conner is a popular destination known for unique shops, fine dining, comfortable accommodations and a friendly atmosphere.
La Conner was established in the 1860s by the first white settlers to reach the Skagit Valley. By the time Skagit County was established in 1883, the town had grown into the area’s leading community, boasting a post office, trading post and the first federal court north of Seattle. The population peaked at more than 1,000 in about 1900 but tailed off during the Great Depression. It was at this time that La Conner began attracting artists who were inspired by the natural beauty of the area and appreciated the town’s relaxed lifestyle. By the 1960s, La Conner had begun transforming itself into the vibrant community we know today.
Attractions
Shopping — La Conner features 10 blocks of locally owned boutiques and galleries.
Dining — From gourmet fare to snack food, La Conner’s 15 or more restaurants and cafes have something to please every palate.
Lodging — Whether you prefer waterfront accommodations, a cozy bed and breakfast or something in between, La Conner offers charming choices.
Museum of Northwest Art — MONA displays paintings, sculpture, glass and works on paper by members of the famed Northwest School and by emerging Pacific Northwest artists in an elegant 12,000-square-foot gallery building on First Street. The museum store is a highlight as well. For more information, call 360-466-4446 or visit www.museumofnwart.org
La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum — A short hike up Second Street leads to the quilt museum, located in the historic Gaches Mansion. One of only 14 quilt museums in the nation and the only one in Washington, it features new quilt shows every three months. For more information, call 360-466-4288 or visit www.laconnerquilts.com
Skagit County Historical Museum — From its perch on top of the La Conner hill at 501 S. 4th Street, the historical museum features three large galleries of fascinating Skagit Valley history. Its deck offers a spectacular view of Skagit farmland and the Cascade Mountains beyond. For more information, call 360-466-3365 or visit www.skagitcounty.net/museum
La Conner Sculpture Walk — Every year, the town of La Conner and its Arts Commission assemble a noteworthy collection of outdoor sculptures that are on view throughout La Conner‘s business district. Guide maps are available from the Visitor Center or Town Hall. For more information, call 360-466-3125 or visit www.laconner.net.
For more information about La Conner’s many attractions and numerous events, contact the La Conner Visitor Information Center at 360-466-4778; toll-free 888-642-9284; or visit www.LaConnerChamber.com. To see some short films about La Conner, click here.
Maple Hall
For information about event facilities available at Maple Hall in La Conner, click here.
My Life is a Postcard video
To watch an entertaining video about the many charms of La Conner, click here.
Paddle to Swinomish 2011
Located directly across the channel from downtown La Conner, the Swinomish Indian Reservation hosted the Paddle to Swinomish 2011, July 25-31. Tribes from Oregon to British Columbia paddled large traditional canoes to the landing area at newly constructed Sawdabs Park to participate in the week-long event.
Tribal Journeys began in 1989, intending to coincide with the centennial celebration for Washington State. A total of nine canoes participated in the ‘Paddle to Seattle’ that year, and in 1993 23 canoes participated in the ‘Paddle to Bella Bella.’ Since then, Tribal Journeys (also known as ‘The Paddle’) have been held on an annual basis, with various tribes serving as the host tribe.
For more information, click here to go to the Paddle to Swinomish 2011 web site.
