Visit the Steam Plant

The Georgetown Steam Plant is open to the public the second Saturday of every month from 10:00am to 2:00pm, with free guided tours at 11:00am and 1:00pm.

Admission is free and no reservations are required.

Open House Policies

Seattle City Light is pleased to be able to share this National Historic Landmark with the public. However, we need your help to make sure that all visitors remain safe, the building remains protected, and the Open House is an enjoyable experience for all. With that in mind, please help us by following these policies:

Safety

Safety is the number one priority at the Open House. We ask you to keep in mind that the plant is a former industrial site with some uneven and slick surfaces, low hanging pipes and equipment, and other potential hazards. All visitors must stay in designated areas and not go beyond safety barriers or touch any of the equipment. Anyone not complying with these policies will be asked to leave the premises.

Driving Directions

The Georgetown Steam Plant is located adjacent to Boeing Field/King County International Airport at 6605 13th Avenue South, Seattle. Access is from the east side of Ellis Avenue South, opposite South Warsaw Street (see map). Directions driving South on Interstate 5:
1.) Take Exit 161, Albro Place. Turn right onto S Albro Pl.
2.) S Albro Pl turns into Ellis Ave S.
3.) Turn left onto S Warsaw St.

Note: Please follow these directions. Google Maps and GPS are not accurate!

Photography

Photographers are encouraged to attend Open Houses with the following guidelines:

• Tripods are permitted, though we ask for you to be courteous of other visitors in the plant. Tripods are not allowed on the second-floor catwalk. Steam plant staff have the discretion to ask you to move a tripod if it appears to be a hazard or is impeding the experience of other visitors.


• Flash is permitted inside the building.


• A safe distance must be maintained from all machinery, equipment, and other steam plant paraphernalia.


• Portrait photography is not permitted during the Open House.


• External gear, such as reflectors, softboxes, and other studio equipment, is not permitted inside the plant during the Open House. Photographers may bring in a maximum of one tripod each.


• Props, including weapons of any kind, are not permitted at the Open House.

Groups

For groups of 15 more, please call (206) 763-2542 prior to coming to the Open House. If a group of 15 or more arrives at the Open House without proper notification, Steam Plant staff reserve the right to limit the number of people from your group allowed to join a tour or enter the plant to 15 at any one time. To schedule a private tour for your group, please call (206) 763-2542.

Parking

There is limited parking available on-site. Carpools and public transportation are encouraged. If on-site parking is full, visitors may be requested to find parking off-site, including local neighborhood streets. Seattle City Light assumes no responsibility for personal vehicles parked on- or off-site.

Bags

Bags, backpacks, purses, and packages larger than 11” x 17” x 8” are not allowed inside the Steam Plant. Hazardous materials (e.g. pepper spray) and weapons of any kind are prohibited.

Food and Drink

Alcohol may not be brought onto the premises.

Smoking

No smoking (including e-cigarettes, vaping, etc.) is permitted within 25 feet of the Steam Plant building.

Animals

Pets are not allowed on the premises. Assistive animals, such as guide dogs for the blind, are permitted.

Accessibility

The only access to the second floor of the Steam Plant is via a steep flight of stairs. If you would like to request special assistance, please speak with a Steam Plant staff person.

Restrooms

Seattle City Light provides an ADA-accessible portable toilet (aka, Honey Bucket) on the grounds. There is no plumbed restroom inside the building.