Mount Vernon is a historic agricultural community that has been able to maintain its small-town character in the midst of rapid growth and development. This quaint city is surrounded by the Cascade Mountains, the winding Skagit River, and the seasonally changing farmlands. As visitors drive through the streets of Mount Vernon, they may notice some of its ever-present landmarks, including the tulip smokestack, historic granary, water tower, and, if visiting in March or April, visitors may stumble upon the vibrant daffodil and tulip fields.
Mount Vernon is currently the largest city in beautiful Skagit County with a bustling old downtown, annual Tulip Festival, Skagit County Fair, the Skagit Valley Highland Games and Celtic Arts Festival, Skagit River Salmon Festival, historic Lincoln Theatre, McIntyre Hall, and other family-friendly experiences that can be enjoyed year-round.
Outdoor enthusiasts are sure to find many opportunities for adventure within the borders of Mount Vernon’s foothills. This city has 19 public parks including the 517-acre Little Mountain Park that tops the list as the largest and most impressive. It is home to Eagle Rock Challenge Course, archery, mountain bike trails, walking trails, and a covered viewing area that is a perfect place to watch an infamous Skagit Valley sunset over the San Juan Islands, Olympic Mountains, and valley farmland. Several parks grant public access to the river which allows community members and their four-legged friends a refreshing reprieve on a hot summer’s day. It is not uncommon to see cars parked in precarious turnouts along the dike in Mount Vernon as eager fishermen hunt for the perfect fishing hole in the Skagit River.
Mount Vernon has also experienced rapid growth in the past few years. It has become home to Skagit Station, which was built in 2004, to accommodate Amtrak, Greyhound, Skagit Transit, and taxi services in our community. This town is becoming well-known for its state-of-the-art medical services including the newly-remodeled, award-winning Skagit Valley Hospital. It provides a full continuum of care to this community including its newest expansions featuring all private patient rooms, a new Emergency/Trauma unit, a new Family Birth Center, and expanded space for surgical and critical care.
Schools
The Mount Vernon School District has over 100 years of rich history and is the largest district in Skagit Valley. This district serves over 5,700 students in nine schools. It is a growing and diverse district that offers a wide range of educational opportunities and high-quality instructional programs. In fact, Mount Vernon High School has become a sophisticated blend of historical and modern buildings that house some of the finest educators, course offerings, and students. Athletes from all over the state travel here to compete and showcase their talent in the legendary Mount Vernon High School gym which was ranked as one of the best gyms in Washington State. Mount Vernon is also home to Skagit Valley College; a two-year community college that grants academic transfer degrees, technical degrees and certificates. Its campus has experienced rapid expansion, remodeling, and new construction to meet the educational needs and desires of this area. Two private schools are also within Mount Vernon; Immaculate Conception Regional School offers K through 8th grade education and Mount Vernon Christian School is a K through 12th grade school with a new high school facility.
Tulip Festival Street Fair
The streets of downtown Mount Vernon host a variety of artisans, entertainment, and food booths each April.
Skagit Valley Highland Games and Celtic Festival
Enjoy Scottish films, dancing competitions, concert, champion bagpipe bands, and Highland athletic competitions each July.
Skagit River Salmon Festival
Free family event at Edgewater Park in September celebrating our amazing Skagit River, its rich history and inspiring conservation of its resources. www.skagitriverfest.org.
Skagit County Fair
The fair features local music, carnival, hypnotist, magician, farm animals, eating contests, kid’s zone events, food, car show, and much more each.