WT Preston

The WT Preston is a work vessel designed to clear debris and obstacles from Puget Sound waterways, fitted with a stern wheel and specialized lifting equipment. The ship displays all the mechanical systems needed for snag removal, from the main engines to the winches and booms.

Built in 1929, the vessel served the United States Army Corps of Engineers until 1981, keeping navigation channels safe across the Puget Sound region. It was the last of its kind, marking the end of an era when such work was essential to river commerce.

The vessel reveals how local communities depended on clear waterways for commerce and daily life in the Pacific Northwest. Walking through it, you can see the practical relationship between the river workers and the region's growth.

The museum is open from April through October, with daily access during the warmer months. Look for informational signs throughout the deck that explain the working areas and machinery to help you understand how the vessel operated.

During its working years, the vessel pulled up unexpected items along with logs and debris, including airplane wreckage and automobiles from the bottom. These discoveries show how much accumulated in the waterway and why the cleanup work mattered so much.