You’ve probably seen it from the Fremont Bridge. This weekend, you can go inside.
The Seattle Elks Lodge #92, that newish building perched on the Ship Canal’s south bank, visible from the Fremont Bridge, is opening its doors to the public Saturday, Feb. 21 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The free community open house at 3014 Third Ave. N. is a chance to tour the lodge, learn about membership, and meet the people behind one of Seattle’s oldest civic organizations. Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be on hand.
The Elks Lodge #92 has deep roots in Seattle. The lodge was founded on July 12, 1888, more than a year before Washington became a state. It was the first Elks Lodge in the Northwest and the 92nd chartered in the United States.
The lodge has occupied a string of Seattle addresses over 136 years, surviving the Great Seattle Fire of 1889, several relocations, and more recently, an arson fire in 2018 that gutted their Ship Canal building and forced a lengthy closure. The lodge finally reopened at its current location in February 2022 after extensive renovation.
The Elks’ charitable work is wide-ranging. The Washington State Elks Association has partnered with Seattle Children’s Hospital since 1926, contributing more than $1 million to the hospital’s uncompensated care fund. The lodge also supports veterans services, a statewide therapy program for children with developmental delays, and the Elks National Foundation’s scholarship programs.
Saturday’s Open House
Whether you’ve been Fremont-side curious about that building across the bridge or are looking for a way to get more connected to the broader neighborhood, Saturday is a low-key opportunity to check it out. Current members can also use the event to pay annual dues or reinstate their membership.
The lodge is located at 3014 Third Ave. N., across from AAA Fire Protection. Open house hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more at https://seattleelks.com/.
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