Notice: Tennant Lake Boardwalk will be closed for the 2023-24 waterfowl hunting season as follows:
For more information on waterfowl hunting: https://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/migratory-waterfowl-upland-game |
Hovander Homestead Park preserves the rich history of pioneer farming and offers recreational opportunities for all ages in every season. The park encompasses nearly 350 acres, including over a mile of river frontage.
Accessible sidewalks provide access to the historic Hovander House, playground, restrooms, Group Picnic Shelter, and the Hovander River Trail.
*The boat ramp areas at the north end of the park off Baker Street (near the dog run) and at the west edge of the park on Nielsen Road are operated by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and require a Washington State Discover Pass for use.
The central parking lot and Tennant Lake parking lot are free.
From May through October Hovander hosts a variety of farm animals that become part of the authentic sights, sounds and smells of a farm. There is a milking parlor display adorned with some of the antique tools and equipment used at the time the Hovanders worked the farm.
Hovander Homestead Park offers a variety of picnic areas for rent.
Group Picnic Shelter is a large covered shelter for events with up to 250 guests.
Water Tower Picnic Area is a midsize group picnic area for up to 50 people that includes a pop up canopy.
Blue and Red picnic areas are midsize group picnic areas for around 50 people.
Individual picnic tables and built in charcoal grills located between the Hovander House and the Group Picnic Shelter are available for free on a first come/first serve basis.
The Hovander House was built of 52,000 board feet of handpicked clear Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir. Several Scandinavian design elements were used, such as large windows for light, and sculpting patterns for interior moldings and exterior gingerbread. Originally all the woodwork of this six-room, two story house, was treated inside and out with linseed oil. The overall scale and use of the ornamentation gives the Hovander House a manor-like appearance. The house was completed in 1903 and the 60-foot high barn, one of the largest wood barns in the County, was finished eight years later. The house is furnished with original pieces brought from Sweden by the family and other furniture collected by Otis Hovander.
Hovander House Historical Tours (summer only)
Hovander House tours are unavailable until further notice.
Washington State University Master Gardeners maintain the demonstration gardens around the Hovander House. Visit the Master Gardener Foundation website for more information about the Demonstration Gardens, and upcoming sales and workshops.
The shores of Tennant Lake resound at different times with the clatter of migratory birds. This 624 acre site includes a shallow lake surrounded by extensive wetlands, fields, forest and riparian zone. Meander through the lake on the elevated boardwalk or climb the 50 foot tower to view the wildlife from above.
Tennant Lake and the Fragrance Garden have a dedicated parking lot off Nielsen Road. Parking in Whatcom County Parks lots is free.
Adjacent to the Tennant Lake Interpretive Center is the award winning Fragrance Garden. Visitors are encouraged to touch, smell and enjoy the beauty of plants. The raised beds are wheelchair accessible and have a Braille system to provide plant identification for the visually impaired.
Tennant Lake and the Fragrance Garden have a dedicated parking lot off Nielsen Road. Parking in Whatcom County Parks lots is free.
Located adjacent to the animal contact area to the east of the barnyard, the play equipment is a hit with kids and parents alike. There are two distinct play areas one for toddlers and another for kids ages 5-12. In keeping with its location near the barn and animal area the playground is designed in a farm style.
The trail segment extends from the northern parking area near the boat launch to the southern end of the park near Slater Road. This easy trail for walkers and bicyclists follows the Nooksack River as it curves around the Hovander Homestead site.
Easy, 1.9 miles of trail
Take a journey through an actual marsh with an observation deck that will let you spend a little quiet time listening to the sounds of nature while taking in spectacular views of the Tennant Lake and Mount Baker. The trailhead starts at the Tennant Lake Tower behind the Fragrance Garden.
Easy, 1.4 mile loop
*Each year, the Tennant Lake Marsh Boardwalk closes during waterfowl hunting season (September-February). Closure notices will be posted on the Hovander Park webpage as well as at the park.
This trail connects the central Hovander site with Tennant Lake.
Easy, 0.5 miles
Fee Description | Shelter Capacity | Whatcom County Resident Fee | Non-Whatcom County Resident Fee | Specifics |
---|---|---|---|---|
Picnic Shelter Rental Fees | ||||
Group Picnic Shelter: | 150 Guests | $295.00 | $315.00 | Per Day +$200 for additional 100 people - 250 Max |
Red or Blue Picnic Site: | 50 Guests | $75.00 | $95.00 | Per Day +$25 for additional 50 people - 100 Max |
Water Tower Area: | 50 Guests | $80.00 | $100.00 | Per Day +$50 for *additional 50 people - 100 Max |
Orchard: | 150 Guests | $135.00 | $155.00 | Per Day (With rental of Group Picnic Shelter only) |
*Field: | $200.00 | $200.00 | Per Day (With rental of Group Picnic Shelter only) | |
Miscellaneous Fees | ||||
Reservation Fee: | $13.00 | Per Reservation / Site / Consecutive Days | ||
Alcohol Use Fee: | $60.00 | Per Picnic Shelter Reservation | ||
Waste Removal Fee: | $20.00 | Per Picnic Shelter Reservation | ||
Corn Feeder: | $0.25 | Each | ||
Volleyball Net Rental: | $10.00 | Per Net / Day | ||
*Inflatable or Bounce House Fee: | $75.00 | Per Day (call 360-778-5850 specific requirements) | ||
Tennant Lake Interpretive Center | ||||
Tennant Lake Interpretive Center | 35 Guests | $150.00 | $170.00 | Per Day |
*Prior approval from Operations Director required **All Prices Subject to Change |
Day Use Hours
Daily 8am-dusk
Gates locked nightly
Park Facts
Established 1969
338.3 acres
3.2 miles of trails
Hovander Homestead Park
5299 Nielsen Road
Ferndale, WA 98248
Directions
Phone: 360-384-3444
Email: [email protected]
Regional Parks Supervisor
Jill Jacoby
Parks & Recreation Survey