Discover the challenges in building this amazing engineering marvel and what it takes to keep a century old facility working.
Custom Private Group Tours
Custom private group tours include in depth information on history, engineering and salmon conservation tailored to your specific interests. Tours can be scheduled to fit your time schedule but are subject to the availability of a custom tour guide.
A fee/donation of $250/tour is suggested. All donations are used to provide educational programs and facilities at the Locks. Note that your donation is fully refundable if, for any reason, the tour does not take place.
Tour groups are limited to 15 people and last about 1 ½ hours. Each tour will begin in the visitor center theater with a short presentation on some amazing history of Seattle and the Locks
The very popular 'inside the Chamber' tours are available during the winter when the lock chamber is emptied for maintenance. ...learn more.
Send us an email to determine availability of a custom tour for your group. Donations can be made after your group is confirmed.
Tour inside the historic administration building, not normally open to the public. Depending on timing, tours will include Q&A with Army Corps Engineers who manage and maintain the Locks.
Also depending on boat traffice, you may visit the Lockmaster control tower to learn how the Locks are controlled for water levels and salmon passage.
