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.

Hovander Park Fees