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Seattle, Washington / Museums

Center for Wooden Boats (CWB)

A living museum on South Lake Union dedicated to preserving Pacific Northwest maritime history through hands-on experiences with classic wooden boats.

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Center for Wooden Boats (CWB)
www.cwb.org, og_image_www.cwb.org

What is the Center for Wooden Boats (CWB) known for?

It is a living museum dedicated to preserving and documenting the maritime history of the Pacific Northwest. It is a hands-on classic wooden boat museum where visitors can explore exhibits and ride or rent boats.

Is it free to visit?

Yes, admission is free. It is always free to view exhibits, explore the Wagner Education Center, and walk the docks.

What are the hours?

The center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 12:30 PM to 8:00 PM, with the last boat departing at 6:30 PM.

How much does it cost to rent a boat?

Hourly rental rates vary, starting at $35 per hour for kayaks and canoes.

Are there any free boat rides available?

Yes, free rowboat rides are available at South Lake Union. Additionally, the Public Sail program offers free volunteer-led boat rides once per month from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, with registration beginning at 1:00 PM.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Center for Wooden Boats is a living museum and a City of Seattle Landmark, situated on the southern shore of Lake Union. Founded by Dick Wagner in the 1970s, the center is dedicated to preserving and documenting the maritime history of the Pacific Northwest. Its headquarters is a boatshed-like structure that provides the community with an exceptional level of water access. Visitors can explore the docks and the Wagner Education Center for free, allowing them to view exhibits and learn about maritime traditions. The museum is unique because its exhibits are not just for viewing; they are designed to be ridden, rented, and explored. This hands-on approach ensures that the maritime heritage of the region is experienced firsthand rather than just observed from a distance. For those seeking adventure, the center offers boat rentals, including canoes and kayaks, with hourly rates starting at $35. The center also hosts a long-standing speaker series and specialized boatbuilding and sailing programs for youth and women. These programs emphasize the community-focused nature of the museum, which serves a diverse set of patrons through family-oriented programming. One of the most cherished Seattle traditions is the Public Sail, which has spanned more than 28 years. Once per month, volunteer skippers and crew take passengers on free, short voyages on Lake Union. This program provides a unique opportunity for the public to experience the classic wooden boats in action, maintaining the living museum concept of the center.

Visitor tips

  • Arrive early for Public Sail registration, which begins at 1:00 PM on designated monthly dates.
  • Check the summer hours of 12:30 PM to 8:00 PM (Wednesday through Sunday) before visiting.
  • If you are a local, consider volunteering for three hours to earn one hour of free boat use.
  • Visit the Wagner Education Center to view free exhibits.

Nearby context

The Center for Wooden Boats is located in South Lake Union Park, adjacent to the Museum of History and Industry and the Historic Ships Wharf, making it a maritime-focused cluster of attractions.

Sources

Evidence and links