Lynnwood convention Center, Lynnwood, WA

5 Things That Make Lynnwood, Washington Awesome

Lynnwood, Washington, at first glance, isn’t much different from any other “bedroom” community in the Seattle area. However, once you look a bit deeper, you’ll find that Lynnwood isn’t quite the sleepy little suburb that it might first appear to be. Lynwood, like most every other city, has its hidden gems and things that make it unique. Let’s explore 5 of these, in no particular order, shall we?

  • Public Artworks

From custom artwork on benches in a park, to a fused glass window in the Public Library, to artglass windows in a firehouse, Lynnwood is a treasure trove of public artworks. There’s a bit of something for everyone, too, be they art enthusiast or a young Visit the “Gentle Encounter” statue in Heritage Park with the kids. Or take a walking tour of public art works ranging from sculptures to a blown glass vessel, arrayed along 44th Avenue between 188th and 194th Streets. Lynnwood has a somewhat unique commitment to public artworks, with 1% of every new construction project’s budget going to the Lynnwood Arts Commission for the production or acquisition of new pieces.

  • Public Spaces

Much of the public artwork on display in Lynnwood is located in the city’s public parks. Lynwood has over 350 acres of dedicated public parkland. Over 230 acres are in developed park spaces – playgrounds, sports courts, picnic areas, athletic fields, spray parks, a skate park and more. There are over 100 acres of undeveloped open spaces – green spaces for walking, sun worshiping, and family recreations. Then there’s 20 acres of undeveloped park land, allowing a bit for Mother Nature to take over, and for birders and other wildlife enthusiasts to enjoy. Lastly, there are over 14 miles of public walking/biking trails within the city limits. There’s no excuse to stay stuck inside when living or visiting Lynwood.

  • Heritage Park

Many “modern” cities seem to always be looking forward to the future, and not paying much attention to their past. After all, for most “modern” cities, there isn’t much past there to remember. Lynnwood, however, hasn’t forgotten its past, or how different things were from how things are. From the era of WWI, to the 20’s when the area was the nation’s second-largest egg-producer, to 1959 when Lynnwood was finally incorporated as a city, Heritage Park will take you on an informative trip down the city’s Memory Lane. Come visit the original mercantile, the water tower, a pre-depression era Interurban railway car, and much more.

  • House of Clocks

You wouldn’t think a clock and watch shop would be anything special, but the House of Clocks in Lynnwood is just that. The building was originally a highway-side service station, built in an A-frame style in 1929. The owner and his family lived behind the station, on a small farm, growing strawberries. In 1963, the Nofziger family bought the service station and transformed it into a clock store and repair shop. The Nofziger family still owns and operates the House of Clocks to this day. Isn’t it “time” you visited this not-so-hidden gem?

  • Something for Everyone

From the preschool programs at the library, to the Teen Alliance group, to the many volunteer opportunities for adults, and the excellent programs and center for seniors, Lynnwood has something to offer every member of the family and society. Lynnwood is a rather racially diverse community, too, with Asians, African-Americans, and Hispanics offering their unique cultural interpretations. Everyone has the potential to find something to take part in, belong to, and enjoy, in Lynwood.

While not the largest of Seattle’s suburbs, Lynnwood makes up for its lack of size with a surplus of style and dash of quaintness. Come and experience all 5 of the above, as well as all of Lynnwood’s other offerings.