Bellingham Named Among America’s Most Beautiful College Towns

Bellingham, home to Western Washington University, has been named one of the most beautiful college towns in America.

House Beautiful included Bellingham among 11 of the country's most beautiful college towns, recognizing the natural setting that makes the city and Western's campus distinctive.

Situated between Mount Baker and the Salish Sea, Bellingham gives WWU students access to a vibrant college town, abundant outdoor recreation and views of Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands.

The recognition will come as little surprise to Western students and alumni, who frequently name WWU's location among their favorite parts of the Western experience.

Bellingham's 25 distinct neighborhoods include a lively downtown filled with independent restaurants, coffee shops, record stores, movie theaters, museums, galleries and live music venues.

Outdoor recreation is also part of everyday student life. Nearly 100 miles of public trails run through the city, including trails in the Sehome Hill Arboretum next to campus. Students can hike, mountain bike at Galbraith Mountain, kayak on the bay, swim in nearby lakes or ski and snowboard at Mount Baker.

WWU students also have access to Bellingham's arts and culture through concerts, festivals, theater productions and campus-community partnerships, along with performances, exhibitions and events at Western.

With mountains, forests, lakes and the Salish Sea all within reach, Bellingham offers Western students a college experience closely connected to the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Ready to see it for yourself? Plan a visit to Western Washington University and explore the campus and Bellingham.