Fairhaven Historic District: a walking guide to Bellingham's south end

Fairhaven is a small historic district within Bellingham’s south end, centred on a business area that grew rapidly in the late nineteenth century. The town site was first platted in 1883, and Fairhaven and adjoining communities along Bellingham Bay joined the City of Bellingham in 1904.

Speculation that Fairhaven might become the transcontinental railroad’s terminus helped fuel a business-district boom in 1889 and 1890. The historic district covers three and a quarter blocks, and the city identifies 17 historic buildings within it.

For a broader outing, the South Bay Trail connects Fairhaven with Bellingham’s City Center, Fairhaven Park and the Chuckanut Mountains. Bellingham’s farmers market is another local subject to pair with a visit, though its season and location are separate from the district’s walking route.

Fairhaven’s historic streets feature brick buildings with Italianate and Richardsonian Romanesque details. Thirteen primary buildings date from the speculative boom between 1890 and the First World War.

The Mason Block, at 1200–1206 Harris Avenue, is described by the city as the district’s preeminent standing landmark. It was acquired and renovated for commercial lease in 1973. Other sites on the city’s walking-tour route include Fairhaven Library, Knights of Pythias Hall, Terminal Building and Nelson Block.

Two buildings stand apart from the district’s commercial architecture: the Carnegie Library at 1105 12th Street, in the Jacobethan Revival style, and the Kulshan Club, in the Chalet style. For another look at the city’s cultural sites, the Bellingham museums guide covers Whatcom Museum and SPARK.

Fairhaven Station sits at 401 Harris Avenue, near Marine Park and roughly 0.5 miles from most shops and restaurants in Fairhaven Village. Amtrak Cascades serves the station.

From the station, you can head toward the village’s shops and restaurants or connect your visit with the South Bay Trail. The trail links Fairhaven with Bellingham’s City Center, Fairhaven Park and the Chuckanut Mountains, making it a route for extending a walk beyond the historic blocks.

The city’s self-guided walking tour includes 20 sites, starting at the Bellingham Bay Hotel and ending at Fairhaven Village Green. Its route uses sidewalks and some alleyways, and parts have uneven ground and relatively steep slopes.

Digital versions of the tour are available through the tourism board. Printed booklets are available for a small fee at Village Books and the Whatcom Museum. Check individual businesses for their hours and closures before building your route around a particular stop.

Parking rules and rates can vary by meter, so check the official site before you go. The City of Bellingham says rates and time limits are posted on each meter; older single-space meters accept coins and PayByPhone, while newer meters also accept Visa and Mastercard.

For an overnight in town, a Bellingham room can be part of your trip planning.

How many historic buildings are in Fairhaven Historic District?

The City of Bellingham identifies 17 historic buildings in the district. Thirteen primary buildings date from the boom between 1890 and the First World War.

How long is the Fairhaven walking tour?

The city’s self-guided tour includes 20 sites across the district. It follows sidewalks and some alleyways, with uneven ground and relatively steep slopes in parts.

Where is Fairhaven Station?

Fairhaven Station is at 401 Harris Avenue in Bellingham, near Marine Park. It is roughly 0.5 miles from most shops and restaurants in Fairhaven Village.

Can you get a printed Fairhaven walking-tour booklet?

Printed booklets for the walking tours are available for a small fee at Village Books and the Whatcom Museum. Digital versions are also available through the tourism board.