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New experiences make life more exciting. There’s nothing wrong with having a cozy stay-at-home weekend, but going out to explore every now and then is what keeps us lively, curious, and full of that child-like wonder we all miss so much! There’s even some evidence that having new experiences and getting a change of scenery helps improve learning, memory, and cognition.
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The point is, you should take some time to have fun, get outside, and explore. And when you live in a place as beautiful and fun-filled as the Stanwood and Camano Island area, there’s no excuse not to! Keep reading to learn about seven places worth exploring right by home.
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Cama Beach State Park
This state park on the southwest shore of Camano Island combines historical discovery with awe-worthy views. Cama Beach was originally the location of a resort commonly used as a vacation destination in the mid-1900s. Transformed into a state park in the 2000s, you can still rent out a cabin for a night away or have a blast with daytime recreation.
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Like you might expect from a park on the water, there’s boating, fishing, hiking, camping, and swimming in the summer. Visit this historic destination to brush up on your knowledge while enjoying the raw beauty and pastimes of the PNW.
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Matzke Sculpture Park and Gallery
Stanwood and Camano Island are home to some of the PNW’s best artists, so if you live in the area, it’s well worth it to check out their work! One of the best places to do so on Camano Island is at Matzke Sculpture Park and Gallery, owned by artist Karla Matzke. With both an outside nature park set up for displaying sculptures and an inside gallery, this is a great adventure option for any weather.
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Bonhoeffer Botanical Gardens
This native botanical garden northeast of Stanwood is a breathtaking slice of natural beauty and a great source of environmental education. Go to Bonhoeffer Botanical Gardens to take a boardwalk path through the indigenous flowers, trees, ivy, and shrubs, mosy around ponds, learn about different flora in the gardens, and get a breath of fresh air amid the curated beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
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Iverson Spit Preserve and Trail
This Camano Island beach-side trail certainly fulfills the “outside” part of “get outside and explore.” Get stunning views not only of Camano Island’s shoreline but of Port Susan Bay and the Cascade Mountains as well.
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These views aren’t the only reason you should keep your eyes peeled on this preserved nature loop; be sure to watch out for the numerous bird species and aquatic/semi-aquatic wildlife native to the PNW and Camano Island. If you’re a fan of fauna, we advise you to take a camera with you on your adventure to the Iverson Spit Preserve, just in case!
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D.O. Pearson House Museum
If you’re a real history buff that wants to know more about the neighborhood, consider stopping by the D.O. Pearson House Museum in downtown Stanwood on Wednesdays from 1 – 4 pm or Saturdays from 10 am – 1 pm. This historical house-turned museum from 1890 showcases artifacts and exhibits about interactions between settlers and the local tribes of Skagit and Stillaguamish.
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Be sure to check out the Stanwood Area Historical Society’s hours of availability or contact them for questions, as hours may vary due to weather or local regulations.
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Kristoferson Farm
From canopy tours to crafting workshops, Kristoferson Farm has something for the whole family to enjoy. The canopy tour offers an unforgettable experience of what the PNW has to offer as you go through the forest by way of off-road vehicles, zip lines, log bridges, and more. Known for their lavender, you can also join summer workshops to craft your own lavender-based products at the farm.
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Arrowhead Ranch
Last on this list, but certainly not least, is Arrowhead Ranch located on north Camano Island. Their newest attraction is ax throwing, which is a surefire way to get some adrenaline pumping.
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In addition to throwing axes, Arrowhead Ranch offers craftsman and workshop classes, so you can learn how to make masterful charcuterie boards for your inlaws or create a cozy birdhouse for your local avian friends.
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Wrap Up
The fresh air and fun activities of Stanwood and Camano Island are calling your name. There’s always a corner of the world you haven’t explored yet, and many of those corners are closer than you think. Help support the community and feed your curiosity—get outside and start exploring!
