Summer, It's Time for The Locks, that's the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks

100 years ago, The Locks and Ship Canal were built by Seattle and the Corps of Engineers as a commercial navigation route. 

  

Today the Hiram M. Chittenden (aka Ballard) Locks are the Nation's busiest with nearly 50,000 vessels/yr. "locking through". Boats can lock thru 24 hours/day, except during maintenance.

No fees are charged for visitors, commercial ships or private boats.  Even guided tours and summer concerts are free.

Next year is the Centennial year, so it's time to replace some 100 year old parts.