Courier January Courier | Page 42

WEST U.S. The Spark Museum of Electrical Invention North Cascades Environmental Learning Center What’s up in Whatcom County, Washington Bellingham, Washington, provides a range of nature-based activities for travelers of all ages. Situated between the pris- tine waters of the Salish Sea and the snow-capped peak of Mount Baker, the destination is part of Whatcom County, which stretches north to the Canadian Border and east into North Cascades National Park. Annette Bagley, director of marketing for Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism, says her area in the far north- western corner of the state includes plenty of places where student groups can blend learning and fun. “Visiting student groups find a wealth of discoveries and outdoor learning opportunities in nature’s classroom here, as they observe lightning, pick an apple off the tree, haul a 12-story sail, connect with millennial landscapes or just have old-fashioned fun,” she says. Two attractions in Bellingham, Schooner Zodiac Sailing Adventure and the Spark Museum of Electrical Invention, provide unique takes on learning. On board the circa 1924 Schooner Zodiac, students learn what goes into keeping the ship mov- ing along. True to its name, the Spark Museum chronicles significant discoveries in electricity from 1600 to the 1930s. A number of tours and workshops have been created specifically for school groups, including the popular Megazapper Electrical Show that fea- tures one of the largest Tesla coil “light- ning machines” in the U.S. North of the city near Rockport, the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center is a hub of discovery. Students get hands-on education through nature- based adventures, ranger-led activities, We know Alaska is BIG and filled with incredible things to see and do. Provide guided hikes and paddles, and a variety your groups with a unique Alaska adventure, one that’s only available with the of summer camps that cover different iconic Alaska Railroad. Earn greater commissions for groups of 15 or more and areas of the national park. complimentary seating for your group leader. Bagley said additional options in Contact [email protected] or call 800.895.7245. Whatcom County include BelleWood Acres Farm in Lynden and three attrac- Become an Alaska Railroad Travel Expert at AlaskaRailroad.com/GroupTravel tions in Birch Bay: Miniature World, Birch Bay Waterslides and The C Shop. To learn more, contact Bagley at [email protected] or go to bellingham.org. YOUR TICKET To Bigger Commissions 40 January 2018 COMPASS