Gas Works Park
7.8Friend Score / 10#9 of 12 Parks & Outdoors in Seattle
Known forgas works parkkite flyingpicnicskyline view
A one-of-a-kind park built around the rusting hulk of an old gasification plant, on the north shore of Lake Union with a knockout downtown skyline view. Free, quirky, and a favorite for picnics, kite-flying, and sunsets. The industrial ruins are fenced off, but the kite hill and view are the real draw.
Key facts
| Hours | Daily 06:00–22:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | — |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Metro route 62 to Wallingford; Burke-Gilman Trail by bike |
| Time needed | 1-2 hours |
| Best time to go | Clear evenings for skyline sunsets; breezy days for kite-flying |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Friend Score
7.8/10- Value8.5
- iconic7.5
- Freshness9.2
- Crowd level6.0
- Authenticity8.5
- Accessibility6.0
Frequently asked questions
- Can you swim in Lake Union here?
- Swimming isn't recommended; Lake Union has boat traffic and past contamination concerns from the old plant, so the park is for shoreline enjoyment, not swimming. Stick to the grass and the view.
- What's the best thing to do at Gas Works Park?
- Head up the kite-flying hill for the skyline view and the sundial, spread out a picnic, and catch the sunset over Lake Union. Kite-flying and photography are the signature activities.
- What are the hours?
- The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. It's a popular sunset spot, so evenings on clear days draw a crowd.
- Can you go inside the old gas works structures?
- Mostly no; the towering industrial machinery is fenced off for safety, though you can get close and photograph it. The former boiler house is an open play barn and the exhaust structure is a picnic shelter.
- Is it good for kids?
- Yes, there's open space to run, the play barn with painted machinery, and the big hill for kites. Just keep them clear of the fenced-off industrial areas and the water's edge.
- Is Gas Works Park free?
- Yes, it's a free public park open daily. You'll only spend on parking meters nearby or food you bring or buy in Wallingford.
- Why is there an old factory in the park?
- It's the preserved remains of a former Seattle Gas Light Company plant that turned coal and oil into gas. Rather than demolish it, the city built the park around the industrial relics, which is exactly what makes it unique.
- How do I get to Gas Works Park?
- It's on the north shore of Lake Union in Wallingford. Metro route 62 serves the area, and the Burke-Gilman Trail runs right past it, making biking a great option since parking is limited.
Nearby in Ask Seattle
- Milstead & Co.Café1.08 km · 13 min walk
- Fremont TrollLandmark1.14 km · 14 min walk
- FremontNeighborhood1.31 km · 16 min walk
- RevelRestaurant1.64 km · 21 min walk
- Dick's Drive-In (Wallingford)Restaurant1.71 km · 21 min walk
Where to stay near Gas Works Park
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