Virginia V

Virginia V Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Seattle Historical Sites Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Step aboard the Virginia V, Seattle’s last operational wooden-hulled, steam-powered passenger vessel, and immerse yourself in a living piece of Pacific Northwest maritime history. Launched in 1922, this National Historic Landmark is more than a vessel—it is a vibrant symbol of Seattle’s maritime heritage and the legacy of the Puget Sound Mosquito Fleet, a network of steamships that once connected the region’s isolated communities. The Virginia V offers scenic cruises, guided tours, and special events, all with stunning views of Lake Union and the Seattle skyline.

Located at Heritage Wharf in Lake Union Park, adjacent to the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) and the Center for Wooden Boats, the Virginia V is easily accessible via public transit or car. Visitors can explore the ship’s remarkable history, from its local Douglas fir construction and original steam engine to its pivotal role in regional transportation and wartime service. Thanks to preservation efforts by the Virginia V Foundation, the vessel remains operational, providing educational cruises and community events that celebrate Seattle’s maritime identity.

This comprehensive guide details the Virginia V’s history, visiting hours, ticket information, guided tours, accessibility accommodations, visitor tips, and nearby attractions. For the latest schedules and ticketing, visit the Virginia V Foundation official website.

Experience the unique charm and enduring spirit of Seattle’s treasured steamship (source 1, source 2, source 3).

1967 Helix magazine cover featuring multiple mastheads including Ray Collins' 'Peeping Fred Lives', promotion for Love Arts Festival with photo of filmmaker P. David Horton, and local cruise on the Virginia V

Steamboat Virginia V docked at Olympia, Washington on July 4, 1996

Steamboat Virginia V on Puget Sound in June 1983

Virginia V ferry sailing in Port Townsend harbor with mountains in background

Exhibition steamboat race between Virginia V and Sightseer on May 22, 1948

Steamboat Virginia V storm damage after dock collision on Lake Union

Historical Overview of the Virginia V
Visiting the Virginia V: Hours, Tickets, and Tours
Accessibility and Visitor Tips
Onboard Experience and Amenities
Events and Special Cruises
Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Planning Your Visit
Summary of Key Historical Milestones
Sources

Historical Overview of the Virginia V

Origins and Construction

The Virginia V was built in 1922 at Lake Washington Shipyard in Houghton (now Kirkland), Washington, for the West Pass Transportation Company. Crafted using local old-growth Douglas fir, she was designed to serve the Mosquito Fleet—a vital network of steamships that connected communities across Puget Sound before the region’s bridges and highways were built (virginiav.org). The vessel measures approximately 125 feet in length and is powered by a triple-expansion steam engine originally installed in her predecessor, the Virginia IV.

Role in Regional Transportation

During the 1920s and 1930s, the Virginia V was central to daily life in the Puget Sound region. She transported passengers, mail, and freight, making scheduled stops between Seattle, Tacoma, and Vashon Island—serving as an essential link for isolated communities (museumships.us). The Virginia V became an iconic part of Seattle’s maritime landscape.

Community Traditions and Wartime Service

Beyond transportation, the Virginia V played a significant role in the region’s social life. From the 1920s to the 1970s, she ferried generations of Camp Fire Girls to Camp Sealth on Vashon Island, embedding herself in community traditions (virginiav.org). The ship also proved resilient, surviving a destructive storm in 1934 and serving as a wartime ferry for workers during World War II (u-s-history.com).

Preservation and Restoration

With the decline of the Mosquito Fleet due to automobiles and improved roads, the Virginia V transitioned to excursions in 1939. By the late 20th century, preservationists stepped in. The Steamer Virginia V Foundation, established in 1976, purchased and restored the vessel, culminating in a major $6.5 million restoration completed in 2002 (museumships.us).

Recognition and Landmark Status

The Virginia V is recognized as a Seattle City Landmark, a City of Tacoma Landmark, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1992, she was designated a National Historic Landmark (transportationhistory.org, u-s-history.com).

Visiting the Virginia V: Hours, Tickets, and Tours

Location and Access

The Virginia V is docked at Lake Union Park, 860 Terry Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109 (wedding-spot.com). The site is easily reachable by public transit, car, or on foot from downtown Seattle. Limited parking is available nearby, and the South Lake Union Streetcar stops within a short walk of the dock (visitseattlecity.com).

Visiting Hours

Operating Season: Late spring through early fall
Public Tours and Cruises: Typically Wednesday to Sunday, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Special Events: Hours may vary; check the official calendar for up-to-date information

Note: Hours are subject to change due to weather, maintenance, or special events.

Tickets and Booking

Public Cruises: Tickets can be purchased online via the official website or at the dock, subject to availability.
Prices: Adult tickets range from $15 to $35 (depending on cruise type), with discounts for children, seniors, and veterans. Children under 6 typically ride free (parentmap.com).
Special Events: Some events, such as Steamship Sunday Cruises, may offer free first-come, first-served tickets.
Private Charters: Available for weddings, receptions, and corporate events (up to 85 guests). Advance booking required (wedding-spot.com).

Guided Tours and Interpretation

Narrated Cruises: Most public cruises include live narration by knowledgeable crew or guest speakers, sharing the history and significance of the Virginia V and the Mosquito Fleet (HistoryLink).
Educational Programs: Themed cruises and educational tours are available, including collaborations with MOHAI and local historians (Discover SLU).

Accessibility and Visitor Tips

Wheelchair Accessibility: The dock and park are accessible, but the ship’s historic design limits onboard wheelchair access. Contact the Foundation ahead to discuss needs (wedding-spot.com).
What to Bring: Dress in layers and wear comfortable, non-slip shoes. Bring a camera for photographs of the city and the ship’s historic features.
Family Friendly: Children are welcome but must be supervised, especially on stairs and open decks.
Arrival: Arrive early, especially for free or first-come, first-served cruises, to secure a spot (parentmap.com).

Onboard Experience and Amenities

Decks: The vessel features three main decks—a main deck with the engine room and restrooms, an enclosed saloon deck with panoramic windows, and an open top deck for sweeping views.
Facilities: Restrooms and a small gift shop are available. Light refreshments and beverages may be offered on select cruises.
Accessibility: Main deck is accessible via gangway; upper decks require stairs.
Food and Drink: Policies vary by event; some cruises offer snacks or allow BYO. Catering is available for private events (wedding-spot.com).

Events and Special Cruises

The Virginia V’s annual calendar features diverse events:

Steamship Sunday Cruises: Free, narrated one-hour cruises during summer months.
Blue Angels Cruises: Front-row seats for Seattle’s Seafair airshow.
Vanishing Seattle History Cruises: Focused on local history and changing neighborhoods.
Private Charters: Weddings, corporate events, and celebrations.
Seasonal Festivals: Participation in Seattle maritime events and historical reenactments.

For current events and booking, visit the Virginia V events page.

Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips

Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI): Seattle’s innovation and history exhibits (MOHAI).
Center for Wooden Boats: Interactive exhibits and boat rentals.
Lake Union Park: Green spaces and waterside walks.
South Lake Union Saturday Market: Seasonal market with local vendors (Discover SLU).

Use public transit or rideshare to ease parking concerns during busy weekends.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Virginia V visiting hours?
A: Typically Wednesday to Sunday, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM during the main season. Check the official website for updates.

Q: How do I buy Virginia V tickets?
A: Tickets are available online at the Virginia V Foundation website or at the dock, subject to availability.

Q: Is the Virginia V wheelchair accessible?
A: The dock and park are accessible; the ship has limited accessibility. Contact the Foundation in advance.

Q: Can I host a private event on the Virginia V?
A: Yes, the vessel is available for private charters, including weddings and corporate events.

Q: Are food and drinks available onboard?
A: Light refreshments are available for purchase on some cruises; private events offer catering.

Q: What should I wear?
A: Dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on decks.

Planning Your Visit

Book Early: Cruises and special events, especially during peak season, often sell out.
Arrive Early: Especially for special or free events—plan to arrive 30 minutes before boarding.
Prepare for Weather: Seattle weather can change rapidly; bring rain gear and dress accordingly.
Combine Attractions: Visit nearby MOHAI or the Center for Wooden Boats for a full day of exploration.

Download the Audiala app for guided audio tours and up-to-date event notifications. Stay connected via Virginia V’s social media for the latest updates and exclusive offers.

Summary of Key Historical Milestones

1922: Launched and began service on the West Pass route
1922–1938: Carried over eight million passengers as a commuter and freight vessel
1934: Survived a major storm and underwent repairs
1939: Transitioned to excursion service
1940s: Served as a wartime ferry for workers
1980: Purchased by the Virginia V Foundation for restoration
1996–2002: Underwent major restoration including hull and engine
2002–Present: Operates as a National Historic Landmark and educational vessel

The Virginia V preserves the legacy of the Mosquito Fleet and enriches Seattle’s cultural landscape, inviting visitors to connect with the city’s vibrant maritime past.

Sources

Virginia V Visiting Hours and Tickets: A Guide to Seattle’s Historic Steamship, 2025, Virginia V Foundation (https://virginiav.org/calendar/)
Cultural and Historical Significance of Virginia V, 2025, Virginia V Foundation (https://virginiav.org/ship/history/)
Virginia V Steamship Seattle: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Cruises, 2025, Virginia V Foundation (https://virginiav.org/)
Virginia V Seattle: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Essential Visitor Tips, 2025, Wedding Spot (https://www.wedding-spot.com/venue/3028/the-steamship-virginia-v/)