The old naval reserve armory building now houses the MOHAI (museum). It's a fascinating site to learn about key events in Seattle's history, such as the Great Seattle Fire of 1889, which destroyed downtown, the Nisqually Earthquake of 2001, and why Seattle is home to so many great tech businesses, such as Microsoft and Amazon.
The museum does an excellent job of illustrating how the earliest settlers carved out a new topography from Seattle's steep surroundings. At South Lake Union, it's a must-see.
The Virginia V steamboat used to be a component of Seattle's mosquito fleet, which ferried passengers and cargo around Puget Sound. When she's docked at South Lake Union, she's available for tours. Check the hours of operation.
The Virginia V steamboat is remembered fondly by many individuals. She was made from douglas-fir in Maplewood, Washington, in 1921. From 1922 through 1938, she ferried passengers from Seattle's Elliot Bay to Tacoma. The Virginia V then changed hands several times, traversing routes like as Portland-Astoria and Poulsbo-Keyport.
The Virginia V was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, and a foundation was formed in 1976 to gather funds for her costly care. She's the final steamship from Seattle's legendary Mosquito Fleet, and she's still in great shape at South Lake Union today!
While visiting South Lake Union, stop for ice cream or a sweet treat. On this 45-minute narrated tour, see the houseboat from the Sleepless in Seattle (1993) film, the Gas Works Park, and Dale Chihuly's Studio, among other attractions. Only cash or checks are accepted.
The Center for Wooden Boats, located in South Lake Union, is a functional nautical museum where visitors can hire a classic rowboat or sailboat. What a fantastic idea! You get to utilize the museum's boats instead of simply looking at them!
Begin your tour in the current facility on Valley Street in South Lake Union, where you can view historic displays and witness shipbuilders at work. These stunning boats are handcrafted, not machine-made, and have exceptional craftsmanship. Inside, there's also a gift store and facilities.
Take a boat rental from the antique livery on the river. Before taking the boat out on the water, you must sign a disclaimer, select oars, and a lifejacket, and get instructions.
Wooden rowboats, sailboats, canoes, and double kayaks are all available. Many of these antique sailboats, such as the Blanchard Junior Knockabouts, were built on South Lake Union during the 1930s and 1960s. Beetlecats, Woods Hole Sprit boats, and Sid Skiffs are also available.
South Lake Union has a nice assortment of waterfront eateries. This includes places like Duke's Seafood & Chowder, I Love Sushi, and Daniel's Broiler, which is all informal. In the summer, all restaurants have outside seating.
