Discover the Hidden Gem of the Pacific Northwest: Arlington, Washington!

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Arlington, WA—a cozy riverside haven where the Cascade Mountains meet the sparkling Stillaguamish River. Tucked in Snohomish County just 50 miles north of Seattle, this welcoming town blends small-town charm with big outdoor thrills. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or just chasing quirky vibes, Arlington delivers unforgettable experiences. Let's dive in!

Quick Stats: A Thriving CommunityArlington is home to approximately 22,000 residents (as of 2025 estimates), a vibrant mix of families, outdoor enthusiasts, and artists who've watched the population grow steadily thanks to its prime location along Interstate 5.

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It's the perfect size—not too crowded, but buzzing with energy from local events and a strong sense of community.

Must-See Points of Interest: We've curated our top picks for your itinerary. From adrenaline-pumping air shows to serene trails, Arlington has it all:

  • Arlington Municipal Airport & Annual Fly-In: Catch the third-largest fly-in air show in the U.S. every summer, drawing over 50,000 visitors and 1,600 aircraft for jaw-dropping aerial displays. Stroll the 6-mile unpaved trail or peek at electric plane prototypes being built here—innovation meets aviation history!
  • Centennial Trail & Whitehorse Trail: Pedal or hike these interconnected paths totaling over 50 miles, winding through forests, farms, and river views. The Centennial Trail alone stretches 29 miles from Snohomish to the Skagit border—ideal for a full-day adventure.
  • Stillaguamish Valley Pioneer Museum: Step back in time with exhibits on logging tools, vintage vehicles, and a mini model railroad. It's a treasure trove of local lore, housed in a historic schoolhouse.
  • Outback Kangaroo Farm: Yes, you read that right—feed and cuddle kangaroos, wallabies, and emus on this 10-acre wildlife sanctuary. It's a wildly unexpected Aussie outpost in the Evergreen State, perfect for family photos.
  • Historic Downtown Arlington & Olympic Avenue: Wander tree-lined streets with early 1900s brick buildings, boutique shops, and farm-to-table eateries. Don't miss the Sculpture Walk, featuring 30 rotating public art pieces and vibrant murals.
  • Portage Creek Wildlife Reserve & Haller Park: Explore 157 acres of restored wetlands teeming with birds and wildlife, or picnic by the river at Haller Park (named after a rival "ghost town" from Arlington's founding days). Kayak the Stillaguamish for a peaceful float.
  • Angel of the Winds Casino Resort: For a splash of excitement, try your luck at slots, catch live entertainment, or unwind at the spa—right in the heart of town.

Pro tip: Time your visit for summer festivals like the July Street Fair, October Viking Fest (complete with mead and medieval fun), or the August Stillaguamish Tribe Powwow for cultural immersion.

Quirky & Unique Vibes That Make Arlington Unforgettable

What sets Arlington apart? It's the little "wow" moments that turn a trip into a story:

  • Shingle Capital Legacy: Once dubbed the "Shingle Capital of the World" for its red cedar mills that roofed homes nationwide—though locals whisper it was more hype than fact. Today, echoes of this timber boom linger in the architecture and museum artifacts.
  • A Tale of Two Towns: Arlington started as a heated rivalry between "Arlington" and "Haller City" in the 1880s, both vying for a railway stop. Haller lost, got absorbed, and now lives on as a peaceful park—talk about a plot twist!
  • Wolf Territory & Electric Dreams: The Stillaguamish people's Lushootseed name for the area? Stiqayuʔ, meaning "wolf." Fitting for a spot now pioneering green tech, like assembling the world's first all-electric passenger plane at the airport.
  • Depression-Era Outhouses?: During the Great Depression, WPA workers built hundreds of sturdy outhouses for local farms—practical, peculiar, and a quirky footnote in the town's resilient history.

Services we provide for Arlington homes and businesses: