Fairhaven Historic District Walking Tour, Bellingham

Fairhaven Historic District Walking Tour (Self Guided), Bellingham

Initially one of four pioneer settlements surrounding Bellingham Bay, Fairhaven traces its origins back to 1853. It later evolved into a town under the leadership of Daniel J Harris, famously known as Dirty Dan Harris, in 1883. Experiencing rapid growth in subsequent years, Fairhaven eventually merged with Bellingham in 1903.

Because of its waterfront location, Fairhaven thrived as a hub for various manufacturing activities, notably in salmon, lumber, and coal production. In 1977, Fairhaven earned recognition as a historic district, preserving 17 important buildings that bear witness to its storied past.

At the heart of Fairhaven stands the Nelson Block, a historic edifice that serves as a focal point for the community. Nearby, the Black Cat restaurant is a popular eatery offering delectable cuisine and a cozy ambiance. On the other side, the Morgan Block houses Good Earth Pottery, a haven for artisans and pottery enthusiasts alike.

Just a stone's throw away, nestled among the quaint streets, you'll find the Fairhaven Stones Throw Brewery, where locals and visitors gather to enjoy handcrafted beers and lively conversation.

Continuing your exploration, you'll come across the Schering Block, another architectural gem that adds to the district's charm. Standing proudly in the vicinity, Pythias Hall is now home to the Colophon Cafe, where delicious meals and a welcoming atmosphere await.

No visit to Fairhaven would be complete without a stop at Village Books and Paper Dreams, a lovely bookstore and gift shop that delights visitors of all ages. And for those seeking a tranquil escape, the Taylor Dock Boardwalk and Boulevard Park offer breathtaking views of Bellingham Bay, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a moment of reflection.

In Fairhaven District, history meets modernity, creating a unique tapestry of culture and community. This self-guided walk is an invitation for you to visit and discover the allure of one of Bellingham's most beloved neighborhoods. So why wait? Come and see for yourself what makes this area truly special.

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Joe Mabel.

How it works: Download the app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store to your mobile phone or tablet. The app turns your mobile device into a personal tour guide and its built-in GPS navigation functions guide you from one tour stop to next. The app works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

Create Your Own Self-Guided Walks in Bellingham

Map Instructions: (1) Click the "Nearby Sights" button to view the nearby attractions; (2) click a map pin to see sight information.

Guide Name: Fairhaven Historic District Walking Tour
Guide Location: USA » Bellingham (See other walking tours in Bellingham)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles

Sights Featured in This Walk

WalkBuilder (customize this walk)

Use the WalkBuilder tool below to customize this walk to suit your interests. Instructions: click

at the upper right corner in the map above to view other sights in the city. To learn more about a sight, click a map pin. Click the “+” or “–” to add or remove a sight from the walk. To reorder the selected sights, simply drag and move them up or down the list in the left column.

Click here to view route map

Enter a name for your custom walk, along with your email address, in the fields below. You will receive the instructions for retrieving your custom walk in the GPSmyCity app by email. The GPSmyCity app offers turn-by-turn travel directions to guide you from one attraction to the next.
Walk Name*:
Email*:

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I access my walking tour in Bellingham?
Save your walking tour on the website. Then download the GPSmyCity app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and sign in to your GPSmyCity account. Next, download “Bellingham Map and Walking Tours” within the app. Your walk will appear on the Walks screen.

2. How do I view other attractions in Bellingham?
At the upper-right corner of the map above, click the “Nearby Sights” button to show or hide other sights in the city. Click a map pin to view details about a sight. To add a sight to your walk, find it in the right column of the WalkBuilder tool above and click the “+” button next to it.

3. How do I re-arrange the sight order?
In the left column of the WalkBuilder tool, drag a sight to move it up or down the list. Then click “Click here to view route map”. Repeat this process until the route meets your needs.

4. Can I add my hotel to a walking tour?
Yes. You can add your hotel as the starting point, the ending point, or both (creating a loop route). This feature is currently available only in the GPSmyCity app.

5. Can I add my own sights to a walking tour?
Yes. You can add sightss that are not in our database and include them in your walk. To do so, sign in to your GPSmyCity account on the website or use the GPSmyCity app.

6. How many sights can be included in a walking tour?
For technical reasons, the number of sights in a walking tour is currently capped at 20. This limit may be increased over time.

Walking Tours in Bellingham, Washington

Create Your Own Walk in Bellingham

Creating your own self-guided walk in Bellingham is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Bellingham Introduction Walking Tour

Set along the shores of Bellingham Bay against the majestic backdrop of Mount Baker, Bellingham is the last major city before the Washington coastline meets the Canadian border. The city finds itself at the center of a uniquely picturesque area, the ancestral home of several Coast Salish peoples. The Indigenous communities of Lummi, Nooksack, Samish, and Nuwaha have inhabited this territory for... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles