Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
17 expert reviews
“The two locks here link Puget Sound with the Lake Washington Ship Canal, which connects to both Lake Union and Lake Washington.”
– Frommer's
Fodor's
"There's no doubt—there's something intriguing and eerie about seeing two bodies of water, right next to each, at different levels."
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Lonely Planet
Top Choice
"Seattle shimmers like an impressionist painting on sunny days at the Hiram M Chittenden Locks."
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Travel + Leisure
"Traversing the Lake Washington Ship Canal on a series of platforms lets you watch ships being raised up from the salt water of Puget Sound to the fresh water of the canals."
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Frommer's
"Seattleites love boats—even when they’re not theirs."
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Not For Tourists
"Industrial-age marvel; watch the local salmon populations dwindle before your very eyes!"
Lonely Planet
Top Choice
"In Carl English Jr Botanical Gardens on the north side of Hiram M Chittenden Locks is this visitor center containing a small museum documenting the history of the locks."
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Travel + Leisure
"This mechanical wonder is best known as the Ballard Locks; it sits on the channel that links Elliott Bay to Seattle's Lake Union and Lake Washington."
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Michelin Guide
2 Stars
"Called the Ballard Locks by locals."
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i
The Botanical Garden takes in seven acres of walking paths beneath shade trees and past plantings of shrubs and flowers.
Condé Nast Traveler
"The Ballard Locks are a mechanical marvel that makes nerdy engineers of even the most casual observer."
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National Geographic
"“The best free attraction in Seattle”—Eric Lucas."
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