Lake Union, Freshwater lake in Seattle, United States

Lake Union is a freshwater lake at the heart of Seattle, spanning several hundred acres and connecting Lake Washington to Puget Sound via the Lake Washington Ship Canal. The water is surrounded by residential neighborhoods, parks, and boathouses, serving as a central hub for water recreation and visitors.

The lake's basin was carved by the Vashon Glacier about 12,000 years ago. In 1854 Thomas Mercer named it Lake Union, predicting canals would join Lake Washington and Puget Sound. The Lake Washington Ship Canal later realized that idea, and Boeing began production on the lake in 1916 with its B & W Seaplane.

The Center for Wooden Boats and Museum of History & Industry preserve maritime traditions through exhibits and hands-on activities along the southern shore. These institutions show how the waterway historically shaped the city's livelihood and commerce.

You can access the water from several locations, including Lake Union Park and Gas Works Park, where kayaks and small boats can be launched. The southern shore is particularly accessible and offers easy paths to the main attractions along the water.

Lake Union's Lushootseed name, x̌ax̌čuʔ, means "small lake," a diminutive of x̌ačuʔ, the name for Lake Washington. In Chinook Jargon it was called Tenas Chuck, "small water." Thomas Mercer gave the lake its present name in 1854, predicting a future "union of waters" between Lake Washington and Puget Sound.