The Center for Wooden Boats at South Lake Union is a hub of hands-on learning year-round. Boat rentals, classes and workshops, field trips, lectures, and opportunities for direct experience on the water and at the docks are just a few of the things you’ll find when you visit.
Admission to The Center for Wooden Boats is always free! Some programs, such as boat rentals, have associated fees, and others have suggested donations. Walking the docks, exploring the boats and browsing the exhibits is always free of charge. We look forward to seeing you here soon!
MAP & DIRECTIONS
The Center for Wooden Boats at South Lake Union is just one mile from downtown Seattle and easily accessed by foot, by public transportation, and by car. Ongoing construction of surrounding roads and highways may effect your trip. We encourage you to explore area parking options and check construction updates before heading our way.
BY BUS
South Lake Union is serviced by the following Metro bus lines: 40, 62, 70, 83, and C Line.
BY STREETCAR
Seattle Streetcar offers quick, convenient transport between Downtown Seattle and South Lake Union.
ADA PARKING AND ACCESSIBILITY
ADA Accessible spaces are available for vehicles with disability permits or for visitors requiring drop-off in both the South parking lot and the North parking lot, next to MOHAI. Follow the directions at the gate for access to this lot.
Our docks are wheelchair accessible. Please exercise caution, as our docks can be uneven or slippery depending on the weather.
RESTROOMS
The Center for Wooden Boats has two gender-neutral family restrooms located in the Boathouse as well as gendered restrooms in the Wagner Education Center. Additional restrooms are open to the public at the MOHAI café during their open hours.
SLU WIND POLICY
The Livery (boat rentals) is closed when the wind is steady at 12 knots or more, or gusting to 15 knots and above. Sailboats are asked to reef their sails, if possible, starting at about 8 knots. When the Livery is closed due to high winds, the closure will be re-evaluated on the half hour by measuring wind speed. Depending on conditions, sailing lessons may continue even if the Livery is closed for rentals. This is at the discretion of the Livery Manager.
The vessels at the Center for Wooden Boats are museum pieces, and our conservative wind policy reflects the desire to preserve our fleet, not the quality of our sailors.
In the event that lightning is visible from anywhere on the lake, all boats must return to the dock. Boats will not be rented until no lightning has been seen for fifteen minutes.
