San Juan Island Spotlight – The Sculpture Park

On the north end of San Juan Island, nestled along beautiful Westcott Bay, find the 20-acre San Juan Islands Sculpture Park. Fun for the entire family, dog friendly, open year-round and free (please consider a donation to this lovely place), the place eloquently combines San Juan Island’s stunning nature and its deep love for the arts. There are over 150 sculptures on display, as well as with inspiring poems along the mile long trail system winding through woods and fields and along a natural lake often frequented by Blue Herons. Spend some time here. It is worth it!

REPRESENT

People come from all over the globe to see this art garden. Place a pin on the world map by the entrance, indicating where you are from, and carve your name on the gigantic friendship totem pole.

PLAY

The Starfish Project is an interactive starfish-shaped sandbox for kids (and kids at heart) to make their own art in the sun from found objects surrounded by whimsical, colorful sculptures.

PICNIC

Which of the artful benches will you have your picnic at? Is it the granite one with a relief of San Juan Island by the lake or the reclaimed wooden one with a stone book and coffee cup by its side under the weeping willow by the waterfall? There is also a big tent with tables and chairs in the summer.

MEANDER

Go through the door to nowhere and ring the gong. Find dragons in the woods and mermaids by the bay. Write a wish and place it in one of the gorgeous Tibetan wishing urns and arrange a flock of sheep made from fishing line however you see fit.

PAY HOMAGE

When everybody got their wiggles out, oohed and aahed and properly expressed themselves, spend some time with the more though provoking pieces, like the  wood-carved Orca sculptures of resident killer whales we loved and lost or the striking bronze statue of somebody’s favorite puppy.