Home to the largest lake in all of Snohomish County, Lake Stevens is the perfect getaway from the city — but with all the conveniences of urban living.
Originally settled as a homestead along the East shore back in the late 1800s, for years Lake Stevens was a resort community. When it was incorporated as a city in 1960, the town had only 900 residents. At that time, the development of the West side of the lake began and Lake Stevens became a growing bedroom community.
Now, with over 30,000 residents, the lake itself continues to be the heart of the Lake Stevens community. Endless Outdoor Activities It’s not hard to imagine that in a small city centered on a lake, outdoor recreation is everywhere. With over 190 acres of trails, parks and open spaces just a short walk, bike or drive away, Lake Stevens is an ideal location for those looking for a lifestyle conducive to spending as much time outside as they do inside.
Watersports, including kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding, are all highly popular, and the city maintains a one-acre boat launch on the Eastern shore of North Cove.
North Lakeshore Swimming Beach
The North Lakeshore Swimming Beach is open year round, and even if the weather isn’t right for a swim, you can still enjoy a magnificent view of both Lake Stevens and the Cascade Mountains.
On the North side of the lake is Lundeen Park, which offers a covered picnic area that can be rented for gatherings. Equipped with tables, a barbeque and electrical outlets, this is a great spot to set up a home base for the day and let everyone enjoy whatever park of the park appeals to them the most.
This trail features paved paths for walking, running, biking, hiking and even horseback riding. With over 30 miles of completed trails, it’s the perfect place to spend a weekend afternoon getting some exercise and finding a shady spot for a picnic.
Catherine Creek Park is another popular outdoor destination where you can often find multiple games of disc golf in progress thanks to the 18-hole wooded course. With eight acres of completely unpaved trails, this park offers one of the most natural, untouched environments the area has to offer.
For Little and Big Kids Alike
When it comes to a fun outing, it doesn’t matter if you’re four or fifty-four — Lake Stevens has plenty of fun waiting for you.
For the bigger kids, Boeing Future of Flight is one of the area’s premier attractions. Take a factory tour and watch 747, 767, 777, and 787s being built while learning interesting facts about what it takes to take an airplane from assembly to flight. Ride the freight elevator to the upper balconies where you can take in all the action happening in the factory. With interactive exhibits and guided tours, this is sure to be both an educational and exciting experience.
Goat yoga is an activity getting a lot of attention these days, and there’s a reason for that — it’s fun! The Wobbly Ranch is a goat sanctuary, giving the goats a place to call home, along with a chance to show off their amazing yoga moves. Enjoy a one-hour yoga class led by a certified instructor, complete with roaming goats who may climb right up on top of you. After you’ve finished your class, you can spend the next hour interacting with the goats and providing them with plenty of love and hugs.
The Imagine Children’s Museum is the ideal indoor activity, and it’s known for its vast array of hands-on exhibits that spark creativity and excitement. From arts and construction to music and nature, this museum has something to offer to all children. While you’re there, don’t miss out on the Wildlife Clinic to learn about caring for animals, or the Rise and Shine Farm so the kids can hop on a tractor, collect some eggs and enjoy life on the farm. Don’t forget to hit up the Tall Timbers Rooftop Adventure so the kids can burn out any left over energy before you head home.
Festivals and Events All Year Round
Festivals are a huge part of the activity that takes place in the Lake Stevens area, and some of these festivals are known for drawing huge crowds. Whether you’re a foodie or a patron of the arts, you’ll be able to find one (or more!) festivals to get you out and interacting with others in the community.
This festival is an annual celebration of Washington brewed craft beer on and will be celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2020. This is an unique all-ages beer festival where thousands of beer aficionados can sample more than 500 beers from 110 Washington breweries, along with wine and cider tastings, great food trucks, live music and activities for all ages.
Lake Stevens Aquafest is held each summer and offers an entire weekend of fun. With plenty of watersports including the Aquarun, a carnival and circus, a car show, and evening fireworks this is one festival you can spend all day and night at. Local food vendors will keep your appetite sated while you wander the grounds checking out the arts and crafts booths and taking in the pet show. Cap off the weekend with Sunday Family Fun Fest — an entire day devoted to family friendly fun.
October Fall Festival at Thomas Family Farm
Known best for their October Fall Festival, Thomas Family Farm has a little something for everyone. Spend some time wandering the 10-acre corn maze and then grab some seasonal gourds from the giant pumpkin patch. Those who love something spooky can check out the haunted house or try out a game of zombie paintball. Head on over to Kidland, where you can shoot apples out of cannons, or send the kids to burn some energy off on the jump pads while you enjoy a drink from the beer garden. Best of all, Thomas Family Farm isn’t only about the fall season — they offer a variety of events and activities, like outdoor movies, through the remainder of the year.
Lending a Helping Hand
Like any smaller, tight-knit community, supporting each other and ensuring everyone has the services they need is paramount. Lake Stevens is home to several organizations that offer both services as well as volunteer opportunities for those who want to give back to the place they call home.
If community service is how you like to spend your free time, some local organizations always in need of help include:
- Lake Stevens Boys & Girls Club
- Lake Stevens Community Food Bank
- Lake Stevens Education Foundation
- Lake Stevens Family Center
- Lake Stevens Historical Museum
- Lake Stevens Senior Center
No matter how you choose to spend your free time in the greater Lake Stevens area, there’s no question that activities abound. Whether you’re all about finding solo fun or meeting some new friends and being social, Lake Stevens and the surrounding communities have something to suit every mood in any season.
Westcott Homes offers modern living and smart design for today’s active families, in neighborhoods with room to grow. Our flexible floorplans, durable Pacific Northwest exteriors and luxurious interior details add up to a home you’ll delight in every day, and for years to come.
