Ballard Locks
Seattle, WA 98107
Phone: (206) 783-7059
Ratings & Reviews Summary for Ballard Locks
What Users are Saying:
- Convenient hours
- Short lines
- Group discounts
- Ample parking
- Friendly staff
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User Reviews for Ballard Locks
07/20/2008 Posted by gakester8
I recently went there with my parents and we enjoyed watching the locks open/close, fill/empty and see the seagulls in action, eating. Be prepared for the stench when you walk over from the locks to the salmon ladder. We did see salmon in one ladder, but never saw one switch from one ladder to the next. The free visitor's center has a small amount of interesting exhibits (the hands-on ones all seemed broken), a small gift shop, and a short film.They offer free, guided tours, but we did not take one. If you park on the Ballard side of the locks you have to walk partially through the Botanical Gardens/park to get to the locks. The park was not crowded and it would be a good spot to have a picnic.
Pros: lots of different things to see (locks, ladder, park, visitor's center)
Cons: not easy for people who have a hard time walking far.
11/19/2006 Posted by kee22
I have to admit, I was pretty skeptical before I went...it just sounded like some dumb locks that salmon jump...but it is worth the trip. It is a lot more interesting than what I thought. The visiting center is nice...and the area is beautiful. It's definately worth the trip..especially if you are a tourist.
Pros: Great tourist spot, better than expected
07/19/2004 Posted by gonefishingagain
Bring a picnic and dont forget to stop by the visitors center and the rose garden. You might just see someone famous going through the locks. Plan to spend hours here, you will be amazed at how fast the time goes by.
Pros: free, free, free
01/29/2004 Posted by cjmg85
I have lived near the locks all my life, and have always been fasinated with it. It is so much fun to just go and spend a relaxing day there watching boat traffic and the fish go through the latter, and the occassional train rolling over the nearby trainbridge. Discovery Park (Magnolia Side) and Golden Gardens Beach (Ballard Side) are very close as well. Hit up all of these places to make your day perfect.
Pros: fun, interesting, free
09/25/2003 Posted by pauleywog
This is a great, inexpensive way to spend an afternoon. Take a break and stop in The Lockspot Cafe for great food and service at good prices. Make sure check out the fish ladder with underwater viewing windows and watch the salmon migrate. Drive less than a mile past the locks and you are at beautiful Golden Gardens State Park and Shilshole Marina.
Pros: Inexpensive, Educational, Art/Gardens
Cons: Not for rainy day
01/12/2003 Posted by desian
My parents live in Florida + come to visit about once a year. This is the one place they refuse to miss every time they come. Make sure to go when the salmon are running, they are the best part of the trip.
Pros: salmon ladder, peaceful, inexpensive
10/26/2002 Posted by dolphinhealer
I have never managed to enjoy the Ballard Locks, except when kayaking once through them.
Pros: food nearby, salmon spawning
Cons: crowded, bad parking
08/20/2002 Posted by kristenmjohnson
Amazing when the salmon are jumping!! A great place to take out of town guests to enjoy the beauty of Seattle.
08/19/2002 Posted by jarmiolowski
The locks are a must see to explain the constant water level of the lakes versus the tide action of the oceans. The locks are the gateway to Seattle!
