Cornwall Park

Nestled among the cozy neighborhoods of Bellingham lies the picturesque Cornwall Park—a true green gem of Washington State. This significant space, covering about 26 hectares, is a favorite holiday destination for both locals and guests traveling through the USA.

Founded back in 1909, the park was the result of a noble gesture by Bruce Cornwall and Bertha James Cornwall Fischer. They donated this land to the city in memory of their father, Pierre Barlow Cornwall, laying the foundation for one of the most atmospheric urban oases in the region.

Today, this place is a harmonious blend of wild nature and well-maintained recreation areas. Cornwall Park is deservedly considered an important cultural and natural site, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the forest without leaving the city limits.

If you need to clarify event details or picnic shelter reservation rules, you can use the following contact information:

Visitors to this park will find a wide range of opportunities for active and peaceful outdoor recreation. You can go for a hike along the winding paths that lead through thickets, or organize a cozy picnic at one of the specially equipped areas under the shade of the trees.

Interestingly, in a historical perspective, this place was once a mecca for auto tourists—in the 1920s, it hosted popular camping grounds. Although the format of recreation has changed over time, the spirit of adventure and closeness to nature is fully preserved here.

Thanks to its convenient location, a visit to the park can easily be combined with shopping, as the major Bellis Fair Mall is located nearby. This makes Cornwall Park an ideal spot to take a break from a busy tourist schedule and simply enjoy the silence and the singing of birds.

Getting to this picturesque spot is easy, as it is located at 3424 Meridian St. For those traveling by car, landmarks like the Bellis Fair Mall or Park Bowl bowling center can serve as guides—the drive from them takes only about five minutes. If you are staying at the Bellis Inn, the park will be right at your doorstep.

Residents and visitors can also use public transportation: bus routes running along Meridian St regularly stop near the main entrances to the recreation area. You can also always order a taxi from the city center for maximum comfort and speed.

It is worth noting that the city is conveniently located in Washington State, very close to the Canadian border. This makes the park a popular destination not only for American tourists but also for travelers from the neighboring country exploring the shores of the Strait of Georgia.

The history of this green expanse began in 1909 when Bruce Cornwall and Bertha James Cornwall Fischer donated 65 acres of land to the city. This generous gesture was made in memory of their father, Pierre Barlow Cornwall, whose name the park bears to this day.

In the early 1920s, with the dawn of the automobile era, the location became incredibly popular among road trippers. Archive records show that in July 1925 alone, 806 cars with tourists camped here, turning the park into a major hub for road adventure enthusiasts of that time.

The city itself was officially founded on November 4, 1903, following the consolidation of four small settlements. The development of the park area went hand-in-hand with the growth of the settlement, which in those years was an important industrial hub known for its coal mining. Today, the park serves as a living reminder of the times when the city was just beginning to form its unique character.

For a quick tour of the main alleys and a look at the memorial sites, 1–2 hours will be quite enough. This is plenty of time to enjoy the fresh air and take some beautiful photos against the backdrop of nature.

However, if you plan to have a full picnic or leisurely walk through all the trails, it is better to set aside half a day. The peaceful atmosphere of the park encourages long stays away from the city bustle, allowing you to fully recharge surrounded by greenery.

The park is open daily, allowing guests to plan their visit on both weekdays and weekends. The doors to this green zone are open from early morning until late evening: from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

This schedule is convenient for morning joggers as well as those who prefer evening strolls in the rays of the setting sun.

Exploring the surroundings after a walk in the shade of ancient trees can significantly enrich your trip. Nearby, you will find interesting historical buildings, natural sites, and local art objects that reveal the character of this region from different perspectives.

Many of these places are within a short drive or even a pleasant walk away, allowing you to create a full one-day itinerary.