Explore Seattle
Chittenden Locks & Carl English Botanical Gardens
Type: Attractions, Gardens, Tours and Excursions
10Best Says
Originally built in 1911, these Ballard (Seattle) locks offer a fascinating lesson in technology from days gone by. Observe ships and sailing vessels as they enter the locks and, following a series of... Read More
Originally built in 1911, these Ballard (Seattle) locks offer a fascinating lesson in technology from days gone by. Observe ships and sailing vessels as they enter the locks and, following a series of mechanical adjustments, depart into either the sound or the lake at a completely different water level. When open, you can learn all about the locks' history in the visitor center. In addition, when all areas of the site are open (check the website before arriving), visitors may look through a viewing glass to see salmon run from fresh to saltwater in season (June through October and March through April). Also, be sure not to miss the seven-acre Carl English Botanical Gardens, which present nearly 2,000 varieties of plant life.
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Hours:
- Gardens: Daily 7am-9pm
- Visitor's Center & Gift Shop (Oct - Apr): Thu-Mon 10am-4pm
- Visitor's Center & Gift Shop (May - Sep): Daily 10am-6pm
Admissions:
- Free
EXPERT TIPS BY:
Corinne Whiting
Seattle Local Expert
- Outdoor Activities: "When the locks are open to the public, don't miss seeing the salmon run the fish ladder in certain seasons (June through October and March through April). After visiting the Botanical Gardens, round out the day by visiting the beaches of nearby Golden Gardens; pick up picnic provisions from Uneeda Burger or Paseo in Fremont, or from Spice Waala and Mean Sandwich in Ballard."
- Things to Do with Kids: "Don't miss seeing the salmon run the fish ladder in certain seasons (June through October and March through April). Afterward, visit the nearby Golden Gardens beach, perhaps grabbing a takeaway meal from nearby Red Mill Burgers or the fish n' chips shop on the corner."
- Sightseeing: "Don't miss seeing the salmon run the fish ladder in certain seasons (June through October and March through April)."
- Best for Outdoor Activities Because: Built in 1911, these locks offer a fascinating lesson in technology. When all areas are open, watch boats pass through; access the botanical gardens year-round.
- Best for Things to Do with Kids Because: The Chittenden Locks captivate spectators of all ages; watch the boats rise and fall as they make their way to new bodies of water.
- Best for Sightseeing Because: The Chittenden Locks & Carl English Botanical Gardens showcase Ballard's manmade wonder. Watch boats pass through the canal.
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