Explore the Wonders of Ballard Locks: Nature, History, and Engineering Marvels
Discover the Ballard Locks in Seattle: A perfect blend of nature, history, and stunning engineering marvels in the heart of the Pacific Northwest.
Nestled in the heart of Seattle, the Ballard Locks offers visitors a unique blend of nature, history, and engineering. This iconic tourist attraction features stunning botanical gardens, fascinating historical exhibits, and the mesmerizing sight of boats navigating the locks. Don't miss the chance to witness the fish ladder and learn about the area's rich maritime heritage.
A brief summary to Ballard (Hiram M. Chittenden) Locks
- 3015 NW 54th St, Seattle, Ballard, Washington, 98107, US
- +1206-780-2500
- Monday 7 am-9 pm
- Tuesday 7 am-9 pm
- Wednesday 7 am-9 pm
- Thursday 7 am-9 pm
- Friday 7 am-9 pm
- Saturday 7 am-9 pm
- Sunday 7 am-9 pm
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and the best lighting for photography.
- Check the schedule for boat traffic to witness the locks in action.
- Don't miss the seasonal blooms in the botanical gardens, especially in spring and summer.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy in the beautifully landscaped gardens overlooking the water.
- Explore nearby attractions like the Ballard Fish Ladder and the historic district for a complete experience.
Getting There
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Public Transit
From downtown Kirkland, walk to the nearest bus stop on Kirkland Ave & Lake St. Take the Metro Bus Line 239 towards Seattle. Ride for about 35 minutes and get off at the 'Ballard Locks' stop, which is the closest stop to the attraction. From there, walk about 5 minutes northwest to reach the Ballard (Hiram M. Chittenden) Locks located at 3015 NW 54th St.
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Walking
If you are staying near the waterfront in Kirkland, you can enjoy a scenic walk. Head west along the waterfront park path until you reach the intersection with Central Way. Turn left onto Central Way and continue walking until you reach 6th St. Turn right on 6th St and walk north until you reach 85th St. Turn left and walk straight, following the road until you reach the Ballard Locks at 3015 NW 54th St. This will take approximately 1 hour and covers about 3 miles.
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Bicycle
If you prefer biking, rent a bike from one of the local bike rental shops in Kirkland. Head west towards the waterfront and then follow the bike path along Lake Washington. Continue onto the Burke-Gilman Trail which leads you towards Ballard. This trail is scenic and safe for biking. After about 8 miles, you will arrive at the Ballard (Hiram M. Chittenden) Locks located at 3015 NW 54th St.
Discover more about Ballard (Hiram M. Chittenden) Locks
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