Gas Works Park Tours and Activities

Locals flock to Seattle’s Gas Works Park for its grassy hills and steampunk-esque former gas plant structures. Set at the northern end of Lake Union, visitors come to fly kites, picnic, watch sailboat races, and take in skyline views. This National Historic Landmark appeared in the 1999 movie 10 Things I Hate About You.

Gas Works Park isn’t usually on the docket for many tourists, but it’s a worthwhile diversion as one of Seattle’s most beautiful parks. You might spend an afternoon or evening here, taking in the sunset over Lake Union from the top of Kite Hill. Or, watch a Tuesday night Duck Dodge, the summertime sailboat races that draw scores of boats. Many visitors bring lawn chairs and a picnic, or fly a kite when the breeze off the lake is strong enough. At the very least, this is a great spot to photograph the Seattle skyline, laid out as a backdrop against sparkling Lake Union. 

Gas Works Park is located at the northern end of Lake Union, near the Fremont and Wallingford neighborhoods, off Northlake Way. It is easily accessible by car or bus numbers 31 and 32. Cyclists can reach the park using the Burke-Gilman Trail, a paved multi-use path that runs alongside the park. 

Gas Works Park is open from 6 am to 10 pm daily. It’s worth a visit any time of year, but the park shows off Seattle at its best on summer evenings. At dusk, the city’s skyline and the lake are stunning. However, this can also be the busiest time to visit. If avoiding crowds is your priority, stop by during the day, or go on a weekday.

Gas Works is especially popular on the Fourth of July. Each year, Seattle launches an incredible fireworks show from a barge in Lake Union, and the park is one of the best viewpoints in the city. Admission is free, but you can purchase reserved seating in advance. Ahead of the show, there are food vendors, live music, a beer garden, pie-eating contests, sack races, and exhibit booths.