I Love Skagit County

Community Profile

La Conner

Including Swinomish Indian Reservation

The town of La Conner boasts more retail businesses per square foot than any other in Skagit County. Set between the beautiful Skagit Valley and the Swinomish Channel, La Conner is a truly special place for visitors and locals alike. Victorian-era homes and old fashioned commercial buildings line Morris and 1st Streets creating a shopper’s paradise capable of being covered quickly in a day or thoroughly over a weekend. Eclectic shops line 1st street offering every gift and necessity you could be looking for or imagining. Once in the stores on the west side of the street, you will notice the Swinomish Channel and boat traffic are just steps away. Restaurants offer waterfront dining and boardwalks with benches entice you to stop and enjoy the sights and sounds.

La Conner is home to the Museum of Northwest Art, the Skagit

County Historical Museum and the Pacific Northwest Quilt and Fiber Arts Museum. These three sights alone can keep your attention captivated for days.

La Conner landmarks include the much-photographed Rainbow Bridge. Its burnt-orange color distinguishes it from any bridge in the Northwest. If you look carefully you can see it from Highway 20 driving from Burlington to Anacortes. The bridge leads to the Swinomish Indian Reservation and the private community of Shelter Bay where homeowners lease their land from the Swinomish Tribe. Quiet roads, a private marina, tennis courts, community center, and easy access to Skagit Bay are just a few of the reasons people call this quaint and peaceful part of Skagit County home.

Museum of Northwest Art

A one of a kind gallery awaits you at the Museum of Northwest Art (MoNA). The museum originally opened in 1981 under the direction of Art Hupy, a local photographer. With the help of a legion of volunteers and support from famed local artists, the Museum was moved from the 2nd floor of the Gaches Mansion to its current home on 1st Street. MoNA has been showcasing NW art to thousands of people each year with new exhibits and events around every corner. For more information, please visit www.monamuseum.org.

Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum

Located in the Gaches Mansion, the Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum is the only museum of its kind in Washington State. Established in 1997, the museum includes three stories of displays along with Victorian-era continued on next page