The short version: easily accessible grounds, beautiful fields of flowers and gardens made this this trip during the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival worthwhileThe long version: Four of us went for our first time to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, and my research indicated that Roozengaarde would be our best bet for seeing these beautiful flowers. The festival had been featured on Buzzfeed lists such as "Places in America You Won't Believe Actually Exist", so we were excited. We went late in April, and late on a Saturday afternoon - hoping to bypass some of the traffic and also to take pictures during the "golden hour" (I am a budding amateur photographer).It took us about an hour to get there when we left with our friends from south Everett - there was some traffic congestion on the highway near our exit, and some more on the side roads, but overall it wasn't too terrible and nothing compared with the traffic leaving the festival. Parking was a little disorganized - lots were full, so they were pretty much waiting for people to leave to give us a spot. It wasn't that long of a wait, but people were just casually walking in the middle of the parking lot aisles, which slowed things down. It was $5/person to gain entrance to the grounds, and we started by the flower fields. There were two patches of long rows of tulips in 2 or 3 colors. It wasn't the never-ending continuous fields of tulips I was hoping for (the only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5); however, I don't know if that's due to false advertising/selective photography, or if it's because we were so late in the season and the other fields of flowers had been harvested or died.Even with just a few patches of tulip rows, the view was stunning - clear blue skies, mountains in the background, and vibrant colors coming from the flowers. Although there were signs asking people not to walk in the rows of flowers, everyone was going in at least a little bit at the edges for photo opportunities. They had guards walking through the fields and observing, so I'm assuming it was okay (we did it, too, and never saw anyone get reprimanded). It had recently rained, which meant there were puddles ripe for all of the unparented children to jump in. It also made the ground somewhat slick in places, so dress accordingly.Across the street was the display garden, where they had so many different types of flowers, and so many beautiful colors. It was truly a sight to see. The garden wasn't huge, but they packed so much into a little space that turning every corner held something new. They had each type of flower labeled. In the back they had a gift shop and a food pavilion - it seemed a little expensive to us ($9 for a concession-stand-type burger? No thanks), so we didn't buy anything. But I would recommend heading back in that area because you have an unobstructed view of the mountains, and there are photo opportunities where you have your picture taken (by yourself - there were no employed photographers) in a small circle of tulips with the Roozengaarde logo.The biggest disappointment was having all of the people in the backgrounds of my pictures, but I think that's unavoidable unless you can go during the week, and even then I'm not sure if that would completely alleviate the problem.Overall, this was a fantastic trip. We can't wait to go again next year - maybe earlier in the festival and on a weekday to see more flowers and avoid the crowds. Even if you can only go during crowded weekend times, it's worth the hassle to do at least once.
One of the most well manicured tulip display gardens in the area. The setting with the snow capped North Cascade mountains in the background is truly a photographers paradise!
This is a great place to stop and explore. You can buy tulips and bulbs to take home. They ship the bulbs. It is fun to see the many forms and colors of the tulips. Nice displays. Warm coffee on a rainy day in the fields. Their display is a nice option if you want to stay out of the mud.
When you come to visit the gardens during the Tulip Season you will be exposed to some of the greatest collection of flowers in one place on the great planet earth. It is well worth the trip!
It's been a few years since I've visited Roozengaardes' Display Garden. Oh my! The gardens are much larger and the displays are breathtaking. The huge variety of tulips, daffs & hyacinths is awesome. I took photos with the identification signs to remind me of the varieties used in the stunning color combinations. It's hard to even begin to imagine the efforts needed to produce such a masterpiece.
We flew in for the Tulip Festival and it was well worth the trip; even in the rain it was nice to just enjoy such plush outdoor flowers.The fields are just filled with tulips as far as the eye can see; the assortment of colors is breathtaking.This is a simple trip for anyone to enjoy; it is something truly unique. Suggestions:Wear bootsKeep plastic bags in the carRain coat; don't do the umbrella thing since it just ruins the view.Bring snacks.
Tulips next month. but a field or two of tulips are showing. especially a nice mauve one. Will return end of next month
We loved the fields of tulips. It is important to start early. (9:00 AM). When we returned to Mt. Vernon at about noon, there was miles of bumper to bumper traffic heading toward the fields.
Thousands of gorgeous tulips in every possible color, lovely daffodils, great combination of flowers and tones in a beautifully made garden. A trip worth it every mile! Roozen Gaarde also has several farms to visit in the near area to see the tulip cultivated lands: lines and lines of color and beauty... You will be amazed by the greatness of Creation in every petal! Perfect family day!!
As a resident of Skagit County, WA.. our visitors during the April Tulip Festival want to see 'everything!' and Roozengaarde delivers!! Last year, the photos I took there became Christmas gifts for our family in the form of greeting cards! See every variety of tulip (and Daffodils and more!) and buy bulbs of your favorites for your garden.Expertly designed displays.- Because this festival brings visitors in the hundreds of thousands, take it from a local: If you plan your visit to arrive by 10am at the latest on a weekend, you will avoid the traffic back-ups on the I-5. Or a visit anytime mid-week is perfect. There are several ways to get to the fields, so map it first. (or message me before you go in 2015.. I may have some 'locals only' cheats ;) )