 Contact: Craig Lykins, Chittenden Locks (206) 789-2622, ext. 211
The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks in Ballard is one of the most popular visitor attractions in Seattle. In fact, more than 1.5 million people visit the Locks each year. Many come to watch the boats, others to admire the Carl S. English Garden’s 500 plant species, some hope to see migrating salmon, and some find the history fascinating.
Strange as it seems, more visitors come to the Locks on sunny days than on rainy ones, even though the same things happen on rainy days. Boats move through the locks, flowers and trees bloom, fish find their way into or out of Puget Sound. And there is one thing many visitors overlook — an educational and inviting Visitor Center.
The Visitor Center features exhibits that are informative and fun! For example, play the “marble maze” game, pretending you are a salmon trying to survive all the obstacles they face, or see how much energy you can produce and compare it to the energy created by Chief Joseph Dam. Adults and children can enjoy operating as lockmaster to move a boat through a model of the locks.
As you move around the large second floor, exhibits explain how many artifacts were used at the Locks. You learn about Hiram M. Chittenden’s career with the Corps, and what the Corps does in the Northwest and worldwide. For visitors and Seattleites alike, there is a good hour or two of fun, information, and enjoyment in the displays. For those who want to learn even more about Seattle District’s accomplishments over the past 100 years, a 22-minute video can be viewed in a small gallery on the second floor. If you have the time to watch this, you will certainly be impressed how the Seattle District has been there for the people of the great Northwest.
The Visitor Center contains a bookstore operated by Northwest Interpretive Association. The bookstore offers videos, audiocassettes, souvenirs, books, T-shirts, posters, and more.
The Chittenden Locks is open to visitors daily, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Boats can lock through 24 hours a day.
From Sept. 16 through May 14, the Visitor Center is open Thursday through Monday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Schools, groups and organization can schedule a guided tour by calling the Visitor Center during business hours at (206) 783-7059.
When you plan your next visit to the Locks, schedule in some extra time to take in all its wonders.
Check out the Locks web site at: http://www.nws.usace.army.mil/opdiv/lwsc/ — it’s long, so add it to your favorites list.
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