What voyage awaits us at the Explorer Voyage Sculpture? Here at Shilshole Bay Marina, a silent sentinel watches the horizon. The Explorer Voyage Sculpture depicts Leif Erikson, the Viking explorer believed to have landed in North America around 1000 CE. This imposing 16-foot steel figure, created by Paul Sorey, stands as a testament to exploration and the spirit of discovery. The Explorer Voyage Sculpture wasn’t always destined for Shilshole Bay. Originally intended for Seattle Center, it was gifted to the city by the Leif Erikson League in 1962. The League, comprised of Seattle residents of Scandinavian descent, wanted to honor their heritage and the legacy of Scandinavian immigrants. The cost of the statue was over $40,000 in 1962, a significant sum raised through community efforts and even personal loans. Shilshole Bay, with its ties to Ballard’s Nordic fishing community, proved a fitting alternative. In 2007, the Explorer Voyage Sculpture underwent a relocation within the marina. A seemingly simple task turned complex when it was discovered that 3,000 pounds of cement had been added to the statue’s right leg for stability. The Explorer Voyage Sculpture now stands proudly on a plaza designed in the shape of a Viking longship. Surrounding it are 14 basalt stones, each bearing Norse carvings and plaques commemorating over 2,300 Scandinavian immigrants. The Explorer Voyage Sculpture is more than just a statue. It’s a navigational landmark, saluted by passing Norwegian ships. It’s a symbol of cultural heritage, commemorating the contributions of Scandinavian immigrants. The Explorer Voyage Sculpture stands as a reminder of the voyages we all take – journeys of exploration, migration, and self-discovery.
Queen Anne Boulevard
“A scenic loop,” they called it. Queen Anne Boulevard gracefully winds around the crest of Queen Anne Hill. It offers