Center for Wooden Boats, Seattle and Camano Island

The Center for Wooden Boats (CWB) is a non-profit organization that celebrates the rich and varied watercraft heritage that is a vital part of the Puget Sound region. At this hands-on maritime museum, the exhibits are on the water and the public is encouraged to use them.

CWB is dedicated to preserving maritime heritage for future generations.  The Center shares watercrafts and the time-tested maritime skills of paddling, sailing, boatbuilding, and watercraft maintenance.

The organization is made up of many different people: local folks and tourists, young people participating in job skills programs, adults and families who share a passion or interest in boating, maritime skills, or just a love of the water.

About the Center for Wooden Boats

The Center for Wooden Boats has two locations: in the heart of Seattle on Lake Union and at Cama Beach State Park on Camano Island, about 65 miles north of Seattle. Each CWB location is a hub of hands-on learning year-round. Get more information about each location in the sections below.

All CWB programs and events are designed to provide public benefit. Boat rentals, classes and workshops, field trips, lectures, and opportunities for experience on the docks and in the water are just a few of the things you’ll find when you visit.

• Free activities include strolling the docks (Seattle) or beach (Cama), looking at displays, learning from interpretive materials, and free boat rides in Seattle on South Lake Union.
• Paid activities include workshops and boat rentals.
• Adult volunteers can earn free boat use by volunteering their time. 
• Youth scholarships are available for every youth program.

Center for Wooden Boats south Lake Union (white building on right is the back of MOHAI) photo by Joe Mabel (CC3)

Visiting CWB in Seattle

The Center for Wooden Boats in Seattle is located on south Lake Union, next to the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI). CWB Seattle consists of the Wagner Education Center, and the floating Boathouse and Boatshop.

• Location: Located inside Lake Union Park, 1010 Valley St, Seattle, WA 98109.
• Parking: Pay lots are available on the south end of the Park off Valley Street and across the Footbridge in the Westlake Avenue area. The Pay by Phone parking lot in front of the Wagner Education Center tends to fill up fast. Meter street parking can be found along Eastlake Ave E. and Westlake Ave. N or South of Valley St & Mercer St. Parking garages are on Boren Ave and 9th Ave N. 
• Other ways to get to Lake Union Park: by streetcar from downtown Seattle, by kayak on the water (moor at the kayak float), by bicycle (bike racks are available throughout the park), or by seaplane. 
• Hours: Open year-round Wednesday-Sunday, except for a 3-week winter holiday closure. Hours are seasonal. check their website for details.
• Regular admission: always free! Some programs, such as boat rentals and workshops, have associated fees or suggested donation.

Free programs at CWB at Lake Union

CWB believes everyone should have access to maritime heritage. Here are some of the free and low cost activities on Lake Union.

• Last Sunday Public Sail from April-October, weather permitting.
• 3rd Friday Speaker Series where a speaker of wit and experience shares their special knowledge.
• Free one-hour peapod rowboat rental Wednesday-Sunday. These boats hold up to 4 adults and are perfect for rowers of all experiences. Reserve online.
• More info: Free Programs — The Center for Wooden Boats (cwb.org)

Check the CWB website for more details on these programs or check our event calendar list below.

Website: CWB at Seattle (cwb.org)

Boathouse at the historic Cama Beach Resort photo by Joe Mabel (CC3)

Visiting CWB at Cama Beach

The Center for Wooden Boats at Cama Beach Historical State Park is located on Camano Island, about 65 miles north of Seattle. CWB Cama Beach is set in a spectacular, 433-acre waterfront park against a forested backdrop. It is connected by a mile-long trail to Camano Island State Park, a 134-acre camping park. CWB Members enjoy exclusive access to the Boatman’s Cabin, a deluxe waterfront cabin that sleeps five.

Note: CWB at Camma Beach is closed 2024 for state park maintenance.

• Location: Located inside Cama Beach State Park, 1880 W Camano Dr, Camano, WA 98282
• Parking: A Washington State Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to state parks for day use. You can purchase a day-pass or annual-pass, which pays for itself in three visits.
• Hours: The state park is open year-round from 8AM to dusk. CWB boat rentals and programs are available seasonally. Check their website for details.
• Regular admission: always free! Some programs, such as boat rentals and workshops, have associated fees or suggested donation.

Free things to do at CWB at Cama Beach

• Walking the beach, exploring the boats. and browsing the exhibits is always free of charge.
• Saturday for Toy Boat Building is available year-round from 10am – 2pm. Suggested donation.
• Check the CWB website for more details on these programs or check our event calendar list below.

Website: CWB at Cama Beach (cwb.org)

But wait, there’s more!

• Find more boating & water sports.
• Find the latest free and cheap things to do this weekend.
• And here’s a list of 101+ always free things to do for fun.
• Find free and cheap things to do every day on the Greater Seattle on the Cheap calendar.
• Visit the Greater Seattle on the Cheap home page and choose from a menu of free and cheap activities in the Puget Sound region.

Our calendar of free and cheap things to do

Listed below are all free and affordable events on our calendar for the next 30 days.