The following list is of a few of the interesting places in the Seattle area that you might like to check out during your stay in the area. However, visits to these places are not a part of the agenda for the WOSA 2012 Reunion.
Check out the tour guide to the Seattle area: http://www.seattle.gov/html/visitor/tourism.htm
or http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/seattle-us-wa-s.htm
or use the SPU website at http://www.spu.edu/depts/conf-svcs/thingstodo.html
For bus information, call Metro Transit at 206-553-3000, or consult Metro’s list of buses, complete with timetables and route maps. Alternatively you may choose to use a taxi (http://seattletravel.com/transportation/seattle-taxis.html or call 206-622-6500).
Distances listed here are relative to the middle of SPU campus (3307 – 3rd Ave W). The following entries are ordered by distance from SPU.
1) Burke-Gilman Trail
1.0 mile from SPU
On the north (other) side of Ship Canal
No fees; no hours; phone 206-684-7583
http://www.ci.seattle.wa.us/parks/BurkeGilman/bgtrail.htm
The Burke-Gilman Trail is a popular recreational trail for walkers, runners, cyclists, skaters, and commuters. This is a part of the US Rails-to-Trails program.
2) Fremont Troll (an intriguing statue under a bridge)
1.2 miles from SPU
Under the Aurora Bridge on 36th St and Troll Ave N
No fee (unless you want to cross the bridge, of course!)
http://www.fremont.com/fremonttroll.html
3) Northwest Outdoor Center on Lake Union
1.3 miles from SPU
2100 Westlake North, Seattle
Open Mon-Fri 10am-8pm; weekends 9am-6pm; phone 206-281-9694
Seattle kayak and SUP lessons, rentals, and sales.
4) Gas Works Park
1.7 miles from SPU
2101 N Northlake Way, Seattle
No entry fee; open daily 6am to 10pm
http://www.seattle.gov/parks/park_detail.asp?ID=293
This is an urban park with a grand view of Seattle across Lake Union.
5) Woodland Park Zoo
2.0 miles from SPU
5500 Phinney Ave N or 750 N 50th St, Seattle
$8.50 to $11.50; open daily 9:30am to 6pm; phone 206-684-4800
Escape to the wide open areas of the zoo designed to recreate the animals’ natural habitat. This is a multi-award winning zoological park and botanical garden.
6) Green Lake (a lovely, heavily-used metropolitan park surrounding a lake)
2.1 miles from SPU
North of 50th; east of Aurora Ave, Seattle
No fee; no hours
http://www.seattle.gov/TOUR/greenlake.htm
The inner path around Green Lake is 2.8 miles long; the outer perimeter path is 3.2 miles.
Greenlake Boat Rentals (rent a rowboat, paddleboat, or sailboard)
7201 E Green Lake Dr. N, Seattle; phone 206-527-0171
7) Ballard Locks and Ship Canal (an avenue for boats and fish)
2.7 miles from SPU
3015 NW 54th St, Seattle; phone 206-783-7059
No fee except $2 for parking; grounds at the Locks are open daily from 7am to 9pm.
http://www.seattle.gov/tour/locks.htm
http://www.nws.usace.army.mil/PublicMenu/Menu.cfm?sitename=lwsc&pagename=mainpage
The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks are located on the west end of Lake Washington Ship Canal. Completed in 1916, the Locks are used by pleasure boaters and commercial vessels going between saltwater Puget Sound and freshwater Lake Union and Lake Washington. The present Salmon Ladder was built in 1976 to facilitate the salmon migration back to freshwater spawning groups. The visitor’s center is located on the north side and has interesting displays and a narrated slide show. Snack carts and restaurants are located nearby and the Carl S. English, Jr. ornamental gardens the terraces of the north side are perfect for taking in the action or relaxing with a picnic lunch. Free tours are offered at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily from June 1 to September 30. Tours last approximately 1 hour and begin at the visitor’s center.
8) Olympic Sculpture Park
2.7 miles from SPU
2901 Western Ave, Seattle
Free to the public; opens 30 minutes prior to sunrise; closes 30 minutes after sunset
Phone 206-654-3100 or 206-441-4261
http://www.seattleartmuseum.org/visit/osp/
9) Moss Bay Rowing and Kayaking Center
2.8 miles from SPU
1001 Fairview Avenue North #1900
Open daily 10am-7pm; phone 206-682-2031
Rowing, kayaking and sailing for children and adults at south Lake Union. An unblemished 15-year safety record!
10) Henry Art Gallery
2.9 miles from SPU
15th Ave NE and 41st St, Seattle
On the University of Washington campus
Adults $5.00; seniors $3.50; children under 13 are free; with college/school ID free
Open Tues-Sun 11am – 5pm, Thurs 11am – 8pm
http://www.henryart.org/events
The Henry Art Gallery has a reputation for innovative programming, educational opportunities and diverse lecture series. Building on the rich academic culture of the University of Washington and the supportive and highly-involved arts culture of Seattle and the Northwest, the Henry fosters collaboration with the public, other arts institutions, and community groups, as well as with students and faculty of the University of Washington.
11) Seattle Center (a major center of cultural attractions)
3 miles from SPU
North side of downtown Seattle; phone 206-684-7200
The Seattle Center is located just ten minutes from Seattle Pacific University’s Campus. The Seattle Center features year-round entertainment and events including the Symphony, Ballet, Opera, theaters, Children’s Museum, Pacific Science Center, Space Needle, Fun Forest Amusement Park, International Fountain, and Seattle Center Monorail.
a) Experience Music Project
2.8 miles from SPU
325-5th Ave N, Seattle
$18+; open daily 10am to 5pm; phone 206-770-2700
http://www.empmuseum.org/index.asp
The $240-million Experience Music Project, spear-headed by Microsoft cofounder and multibillionaire Paul Allen, is a museum of American popular music housed in the controversial architecture of Frank Gehry near the Seattle Center and Space Needle. More than a museum, it offers a variety of hands-on music experiences for people of all ages.
b) Space Needle
3 miles from SPU
400 Broad St, Seattle
$5 to $11; phone 206-443-2100
Open Mon-Thurs 10am – 11pm, Fri-Sat 9:30am – 11:30pm, Sun 9:30am– 11pm
Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the Space Needle boasts an incredible view of the city and Puget Sound from the Observation Deck. The Space Needle features an observation deck, restaurant and cocktail bar within its “Jetsons style” top, and it still is prominent on the city’s skyline as Seattle’s most recognizable landmark.
c) Pacific Science Center
3.2 miles from SPU
200 – 2nd Ave N, Seattle
$7 to $14; open daily 10am – 5pm (or 6pm weekends); phone 206-443-2001
http://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/
The Pacific Science Center located within the Seattle Center includes such exciting adventures as Body Works, Kid Works, Science Playground, the Salt Water Tide Pool, and Sea Monster House which all await your curious and adventurous exploration. It is a place where science isn’t a subject but an experience!
d) IMAX (at the Pacific Science Center)
3.2 miles from SPU
200 – Second Ave N, Seattle
$6 to $14; phone 206-443-2001
Open daily 11am – 8pm shows every hour on the hour
http://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/IMAX-Theaters/Shows/imax
Home of the ultimate IMAX experience on Seattle’s biggest screen.
e) The Children’s Museum
2.8 miles from SPU
305 Harrison St, Seattle
Fare $6 to $7.50; open daily 10am – 5pm and to 6pm weekends
Phone 206-441-1768
http://thechildrensmuseum.org/
A kid-sized world of wonder.
f) Monorail
3 to 3.3 miles from SPU
Runs from Seattle Center to Westlake Center Mall (5th and Pine St)
$1.00 to $2.25; open Mon-Fri 7:30am – 11pm, Sat-Sun 9am – 11pm
Phone 206-441-6038
http://www.seattlemonorail.com/
The Monorail, also built for the 1962 World’s Fair, shuttles between downtown Seattle and the Seattle Center. It departs every 15 minutes from the Center House next to the Space Needle or from the Monorail station on the third floor of the Westlake Center in downtown Seattle. It takes 90 seconds to travel from Seattle Center to downtown Seattle.
12) Discovery Park (a large metropolitan park on the shores of Puget Sound)
3.5 miles from SPU
3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle
No entry fee; open Tues-Sun 6am to 11pm
http://www.seattle.gov/parks/Environment/discovparkindex.htm
Discovery Park provides walking and jogging trails through forest and along wild, windswept grassy meadows. See the lighthouse and steep sea cliffs with beach access. This is reputedly Seattle’s best birding spot. Native American cultural activities and art exhibits are at the park’s Daybreak Star Arts Center. The 535 acre park is Seattle’s largest, and is also home to the Fort Lawton Military Reservation.
13) University of Washington Water Activities Center
3.6 miles from SPU
3900 Montlake Blvd NE, Seattle
Cost: $8.50 to $10/hr; open daily 10am- 9pm; phone 206-543-9433
http://depts.washington.edu/ima/IMA_wac.php
Rent canoes and rowboats for an enjoyable time on Lake Washington.
14) Burke Museum of Natural History
3.6 miles from SPU
On the Univ. of Washington campus; 17th Ave NE and NE 45th St, Seattle
$7.50 to $10; open daily 10am to 5pm; phone 206-543-5590
The Burke Museum contains nationally ranked collections in anthropology, geology, and zoology, totaling over 3 million specimens.
15) Pike Place Market (a rich and colorful market called “The Soul of Seattle”)
3.9 miles from SPU
1st and Pike in downtown Seattle
No entry fee; merchant hours 10am – 6pm; phone 206-682-7453.
http://www.pikeplacemarket.org/
The Pike Place Market has been a unique Seattle institution since it opened in 1907. It is the oldest continuously operating farmer’s market in the United States. In addition to meat, fish and produce stalls, it has arts and crafts, flower shops, bakeries, entertainers, small restaurants, a movie theatre, and many shops on the lower floor. An information booth is located on the corner of Pike Place and First Avenue near the clock. They have maps and information about the Market.
16) Seattle Waterfront (a span of parks, piers, and ship terminals)
4 miles from SPU
Downtown Seattle at the edge of Elliott Bay
No entry fee; open all hours
http://www.seattle.gov/TOUR/water.htm
A row of piers jutting out into Elliot Bay are the backbone for a mix of maritime industries, souvenir shops packed full of treasures, restaurants featuring fresh Northwest seafood, and many attractions. Ferries, freighters, tugs and even naval vessels go about their business, while the occasional seaplane or para-sailor flies above. Take in all this activity along the promenade linking the piers, or take a harbor tour, island cruise, or fishing excursion.
17) Omnidome
4 miles from SPU
Pier 59, Seattle Waterfront
Open daily 10:00am – 7pm; phone 206-622-1869
This amazing Omnimax 70mm theatres combines the world’s largest film projector and one of the largest film formats. Whether soaring through space, diving amount the sea creatures of the world’s undersea depths or feeling the power of a volcanic eruption, the Omnidome adventure is an unparalleled cinematic experience with movies running every 30 minutes.
18) Seattle Aquarium (a fun way to see, touch, and explore the underwater world)
4.1 miles from SPU
On Pier 59 along the Seattle Waterfront
Adults $8.50; seniors $7.50; youth $5.75; children $3.75; free if under 2
Open daily 9:30am to 5pm; phone 206-386-4320
http://www.seattleaquarium.org/
Waterfront Park has the distinction of resting on the doorstep of one of the richest and most diverse aquatic habitats on Earth. Visit the touch tank, underwater dome, fish ladder, mammal tank, and hundreds of exciting exhibits.
19) Seattle Art Museum (SAM)
4.2 miles from SPU
100 University Street, Seattle
Adults $7.00; seniors & students $5.00
Open Tues-Sun 10am – 5pm, Thurs 10am – 9pm; phone 206-654-3100
SAM houses a permanent exhibition of Asian, African, and Northwest Coast Native American art, as well as touring international exhibitions. Note the post-modern facade designed by Robert Venturi. Their website has information about their collection, exhibitions, member news, programs events, museum store, and general information.
20) Argosy Cruise Tours
4.2 miles from SPU
1201 Alaskan Way, Pier 55/56, Seattle
Adults $30; seniors $28; children $16 (variable according to which cruise is chosen)
http://www.argosycruises.com/publiccruises/default.cfm
For over 60 years, Argosy Cruises has been celebrating the breathtaking beauty of the Pacific Northwest as a Seattle attraction. Founded as the Spring Street Water Taxi and then through the years operating as Seattle Harbor Tours and now as Argosy Cruises, the family-owned and Seattle-operated company has become the Northwest’s premier cruise company operating from the historic downtown Seattle waterfront, South Lake Union, and Kirkland City Dock. Argosy Cruises offers must-see tourist attractions, such as the Lakes, Locks, and Harbor Cruises. Call for more tour information: 206-622-8687 or 1-888-623-1445.
21) Washington State Ferries
4.4 miles from SPU to the downtown ferry terminal
801 Alaskan Way, Pier 52, Seattle Waterfront; phone 206 464 6400
Fares have many variables; see http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/fares/
Schedules: http://www.wsdot.com/ferries/schedule/Default.aspx
The Washington State Ferry System is the largest in the nation. While riding a ferry is part of the daily commute for many Washingtonians, it is also an excellent way for visitors to get out on the water and see some of Washington’s beautiful scenery. To ride a ferry as a walk-on passenger, be at the ferry terminal 10-15 minutes before departure, buy a ticket, and walk on when the ferry is ready. Passengers pay only on the Seattle side. To go with a vehicle, allow more time (loading is first come, first serve).
22) Underground Tour
4.6 miles from SPU
610 First Ave, Seattle
Adults $8; seniors $7; students $7; children (7-12) $4; under 7 are free.
Open daily 10am to 7pm; phone 206-682-4646
http://www.undergroundtour.com/
Experience some of the most entertaining historic moments of your life as you stroll above and below ground in Seattle’s old Pioneer Square district. Hear about the colorful people and events that shaped a city which literally rebuilt itself atop its own ruins. Call for reservations and specific tour times. Tour is 90 minutes.
23) Frye Art Museum
4.6 miles from SPU
704 Terry Ave, Seattle
Free admission; free parking; phone 206-622-9250
Open Tues-Sat 10am – 5pm, Thurs 10am – 9pm, Sun 12pm – 5pm, closed Mondays
Gifted in perpetuity to the people of Seattle, Charles and Emma Frye’s collection has become the Founding Collection of the Frye Art Museum, which opened on February 8, 1952.
24) Pioneer Square (home to art galleries, internet companies, cafes, sports bars, etc.)
4.7 miles from SPU
100 Yesler Way, downtown Seattle
No fee; no hours.
http://www.seattle.gov/TOUR/pioneer.htm
Pioneer Square, at the south end of the city, is “old Seattle” where Seattle grew and flourished in the late 1800′s. Saved from the wrecking ball by popular outcry, Seattle’s oldest neighborhood is a 17-square-block National Historic District. Its charming, red-brick buildings have been revived and now hold many art galleries, boutiques, antique shops, theatres, bookstores, and restaurants. The broad, tree-lined sidewalks make browsing along the shops delightful. There are also small parks and sidewalk cafes to enjoy in good weather. Brochures for self-guided walking tours are available at shops in the area.
25) Safeco Field
4.9 miles from SPU
1250-1st Ave S, Seattle
Phone 206-346-4001
http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/sea/ballpark/index.jsp
Safeco Field, completed in 1999, is located on 1st Avenue on the south side of Pioneer Square. Home of the Seattle Mariners (baseball), Safeco Field features an 11-ton retractable roof which rolls closed in less than twenty minutes. Tours are offered on days that the Mariners are playing (home or away). Call 206-346-4000 to arrange for group tours.
26) Klondike Gold Rush Seattle Unit (National Park Service)
5 miles from SPU
319-2nd Ave South, Seattle
No fee; open daily 9am to 5pm
http://www.nps.gov/klse/index.htm
Gold! Read the headlines in July of 1897. After years of struggling through a depression, the people of the nation were intrigued by the possibility of riches. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park preserves the story of the 1897-98 stampede to the Yukon gold fields and Seattle’s role in this event. The park offers a glimpse at the stories of adventure and hardship of the gold rush.
27) Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI)
5.2 miles from SPU
2700-24th Ave E, Seattle
Adults $8; seniors $7; youth $6
Open daily 10am – 5pm; phone 206-324-1126
http://www.seattlehistory.org/
MOHAI has grown to become the largest private heritage organization in the State of Washington, attracting more than 60,000 visitors annually from the Northwest and beyond, including thousands of school children. MOHAI collects, preserves, and presents the rich history of the Pacific Northwest. Its engaging exhibits and programs, its collection of nearly 4 million historic artifacts, archives and photographs, and its award-winning educational programs have created an appreciation for the Northwest’s diverse cultural, social, and economic history.
28) Washington Park Arboretum
5.8 miles from SPU
2300 Arboretum Drive E, Seattle
No fee; open daily dawn to dusk
http://depts.washington.edu/uwbg/gardens/wpa.shtml
The Arboretum is a hidden gem on the shores of Lake Washington. Jointly managed by UW and the City of Seattle, its 230 acres are a dynamic assortment of plants found nowhere else. The Graham Visitors Center contains an information desk and a gift shop managed by the Arboretum Foundation. The Japanese Garden, located at the south end of the Arboretum has an entrance fee and is managed by the City of Seattle.
29) Museum of Flight
12.9 miles from SPU
Boeing Airfield, 9400 E. Marginal Way S, Seattle
Adults $9.50; seniors $8.50; youth (5-17) $5.00
Open daily 10am – 5pm; Thurs 10am – 9pm; phone 206-764-5720
http://www.museumofflight.org/
Experience aviation history at the Museum of Flight. Look in the cockpit of the first US mail plane, walk right up to a Blue Angels jet, or examine the rivets on a B-47 bomber. This is features the largest air and space museum on the west coast. It includes exhibits of 54 airplanes, authentic and in mint condition. In the steel and glass Great Gallery, dozens of full-size aircraft are seen flying in formation six stories above.