FAQ

What days are you open?

The park is open every day of the year. Activities and events vary, so check out our online events calendar.

Where are the restrooms?

The restrooms are located in the Naval Reserve Armory, the big white building in the park. There are also restroom in The Center for Wooden Boats Boathouse just east of the park. All restrooms are ADA accessible.

Can I get to the park by kayak?

Yes! There is a kayak storage float at the south end of The Center for Wooden Boats. More kayak racks and a launch for hand carried boats are coming soon!

Can I rent this facility for my wedding/meeting/Cub Scouts?

Yes, there are several facilities for rent at Lake Union Park.

  • The tugboat Arthur Foss has cabins available for overnight visitors. Contact Northwest Seaport for more information.
  • The Center for Wooden Boats gallery is available for weddings and other events. Contact The Center for Wooden Boats for more information.

What’s a good place to eat around here?

There are several restaurants in the area. Next door is Daniel’s Broiler, and just down the street at Chandler’s Cove is a cluster of restaurants. At the front desk we have a more complete list of the local options.

Is this salt water? Is there a tide?

Lake Union is a fresh water lake, connected to Lake Washington and Puget Sound by the ship canal and the Ballard Locks. Because the locks control the water level, Lake Union is not affected by ocean tides. We are part of the Cedar River watershed.

What is the big white building?

Right now the Armory belongs to Seattle Parks and Recreation. Seattle Parks and several non-profit organizations have offices in the building. The facility is available for rent for special events.

Where’s the water taxi?

The Lake Union Water Taxi will stop on our docks at the water taxi pavilion. They can either pick you up or drop you off here if you call them. They do not currently run on a regular schedule, but may in the future. Their phone number is 223-7476.

Can I get to the houseboats from here?

Yes! There are houseboats on both the east and west sides of the lake. The easiest way to see the houseboats is to rent a rowboat.

Where is the Sleepless in Seattle houseboat?

The Sleepless in Seattle houseboat is only visible from the water. It is on the west side of the lake, about 2/3 of the way up. It is beige with green and purple trim. They usually have flowers out.

What is happening with the big boat?

The big green boat is the historic schooner Wawona, built in 1897 in Fairhaven, California. She measures 165' on the deck and sailed three bald-headed, gaff-rigged masts. She was built to haul lumber to California and elsewhere but became a fishing vessel in 1914. She sailed to the Bering Sea to seek codfish and was the most successful sail-powered fishing vessel during her 29 seasons in Alaska. During WWII, she was commandeered by the Army and was used as a barge to haul lumber to the Boeing Airplane Company, where it was used to make military aircraft. The Wawona became a museum ship in 1964 and was the first vessel to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, in 1970.

 

© 2008 At Lake Union Park