A Day at Ballard Locks

For those who have never been to the Ballard (Hiram M. Chittenden) Locks, there’s plenty to see and do. The locks, now over 100 years old and still working, are a testament to engineering excellence. Nerds (including me) and non-nerds alike appreciate all that the Locks and the Carl S. English Jr. Gardens have to offer.

Let's meet near the entrance to the visitors' center, to the left on the way to the locks. We'll wait there until 11:00 before starting out. There's pay parking, street parking and a bus stop near the main entrance.

Be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and water. Let's plan on having lunch together, homemade or purchased. The gardens have a nice lawn for sitting, and the park has a few benches as well.

Admission is free. Can't beat that.