Western Washington University


Founded in 1893 as a teacher training institute, WWU was redesignated as a university in 1977. The WWU Visitors Information Center can provide details of a self-guided tour of the campus' two dozen outdoor sculptures, and you can also pop into the Western Gallery to view art exhibits (note the gallery is closed during the summer recess).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Western Gallery

0.25 MILES

The collection in this Western Washington University gallery includes tapestries by Alexander Calder and several paintings by key nature-focused Northwest…

2. SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention

1.11 MILES

This museum showcases more than 2000 exhibits relating to the early days of electricity and the golden age of radio. And if you're over 18 and willing to…

3. Whatcom Museum of History & Art

1.2 MILES

This revamped museum is spread over three buildings: historic Whatcom City Hall (built in 1892), the adjacent Syre Education Center (photo archives, open…

4. Whatcom Falls Park

2.68 MILES

You might feel like you've wandered into the North Cascades when you venture into this enormous wooded park. The wild region bisects Bellingham's eastern…

5. Larrabee State Park

5.73 MILES

This coastal park holds 15 miles of trails that go up to a viewpoint or lead to a rocky stretch of Samish Bay shoreline. There's also a campground.

8. Maritime Heritage Center

16.21 MILES

The maritime museum contains the restored hulk of the WT Preston snagboat, the last sternwheeler that operated on Puget Sound between 1929 and 1981,…