USS Constitution Museum

Visiting the USS Constitution and Museum in Boston was hands-down one of the highlights of our trip. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for something unique to do, this place delivers in a big way. We started at the museum, which is full of interactive exhibits that are clearly geared toward kids — but we’re two full-grown adults and still had a blast! From hoisting a (replica) sail to trying your hand at loading a cannon, the hands-on displays make the Revolutionary War-era naval history come alive. It's educational without ever feeling dry. We learned so much — like the fact that "Old Ironsides" earned her nickname not because her hull was made of iron, but because cannonballs literally bounced off her thick, layered oak walls during battle. We also didn't realize she’s the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world, still manned by active-duty Navy personnel. But the real wow factor came when we stepped aboard the actual USS Constitution. Walking the deck of a real ship launched in 1797 was surreal — the creaking wood, the ropes, the cannons, the narrow bunks — it’s all beautifully preserved and incredibly powerful to see up close. It gave us a whole new appreciation for what life at sea must have been like over 200 years ago. The staff and Navy sailors on site were friendly, informative, and clearly passionate about the ship's history. You can really feel the pride and care that goes into maintaining this national treasure. Highly recommended — even if you’re only in Boston for a day, make time for this stop. It's free (donations welcome), full of fascinating history, and an unforgettable piece of early American heritage.

My son and I flew up for the day and this was a must stop for us. Been wanting to go since we didn’t get a chance the last time we were in Boston. Was definitely worth the wait. Great museum and the ship was fantastic. Like stepping back in time. The seamen on site were very helpful and answered my son’s questions. There is a security checkpoint so make sure to have your IDs ready.

Fantastic Maritime Museum! We really likes this as it is in fact a REAL boat you go into. You can see how low the ceilings are for sailors and experience first hand life on the boat. A lot of history and memorabilia in this museum. Really enjoyed it!

Great Museum, pay what you can type style. This summer, I'm not sure if they do it every summer, they have free Mini golf 10-4 pm. If you're in the area and want to entertain kids, this is perfect. The USS ship is close by, and there's so much to see as you walk along. Close to a pier, restaurants and hotels. Just about a 15-20 minute walk away from. North Station, TD Garden, and the North End, also known as Little Italy. That whole area is full of nightlife, and things to do and lots of choices for food.

Cute little museum and appreciate that it is pay what you can. We were a family of 5 so we paid $10/person and not the suggested donation of $15/ person. We felt that very fair for the size and content of the museum. It was very interactive and did a great job telling a story that kept the kids engaged. My husband and I have been to the ship yard a few times, but this was our first time going in the museum. Would definitely recommend it for families.

They Navy sailors were awesome very knowledgeable and showed great professionalism. I travel with a large group from NATO countries and we all enjoyed the tour, what a great part of American history!

The ship was really cool. Was on a class trip as a chaperone so it we didn't have a lot of time but it was still a great experience. Will be back when I can spend more time

The museum and ship are free to visit, however, they do take donations. I really enjoyed the ship museum the most! The ship is still docked in the water and she does a cannon fire every morning at 8am and evening at sunset. We took a sunset harbor cruise where we saw the cannon fire. Super cool and highly recommend! There is a WW2 ship also on the harbor that is open for tours.

My 12 year old lovedddd this museum. Be mindful cause the museum and the actual shop are not curated by the same people so they have different hours. Smaller museum, we were here about an hour. USS Constitution: The world's oldest commissioned warship afloat 1794-1797: Congress authorizes construction of 6 frigates to help protect American merchant fleets from attacks by Algerian pirates and harassment by British/French forces. They are designed by Joshua Humphreys and built at 6 different sites. The contract for the CONSTITUTION is given to Edmond Harrt's Shipyard in Boston. Made from more than 1,500 trees (from Maine to Georgia), armed with cannons cast in Rhode Island, and copper fastenings provided by Paul Revere, the vessel is truly a national ship. 1798: After Congress votes it fit for sea, it cruises in West Indies protecting U.S. shipping from French privateers. 1803-1806: President Thomas Jefferson sent her to the Mediterranean to protect American ships from the Barbary pirates. With Captain Edward Preble in command, CONSTITUTION and other ships of the squadron bombarded Tripoli. She hosted the signing of a peace treaty between the US and Tripoli. 1812-1815: War with Great Britain. The war was hardly a month old when CONSTITUTION, on the way from Chesapeake Bay to New York, met a squadron of 5 British ships. Her escape is now legendary; a 3-day, slow-speed chase. Its crew kept her ahead of the English by rowing (known to Sailors as the "white ash breeze"), by attempting to tow her with the ship's boats. Then Lt. Charles Morris suggested "kedging," in which an anchor is carried out ahead of the ship, dropped, and the ship drawn up to it. Aug 19 1812: The fight with HMS GUERRIÈRE took place 600 miles east of Boston. The 2 settled down to a short-range slugfest. At some point, someone is said to have seen British shot bouncing off CONSTITUTION's side, and shouted, "Huzzah! Her sides are made of iron' And so was born the nickname "Old Ironsides." The GUERRIÈRE was so badly damaged, she had to be sunk. Congress awarded Captain Isaac Hull a gold medal. Dec 29, 1812: 30 miles off Brazil. She began a fight with the faster HMS JAVA. American Commodore William Bainbridge was wounded twice, and the ship's wheel was shot away, but for more than 2 hours he fought until, Like GUERRIÈRE, JAVA was too badly damaged to bring home, but before sinking her, Bainbridge had her wheel removed to replace the one she shot away. Commodore Bainbridge also received a gold medal. Feb 20, 1815: 180 miles from Madeira Island. Captain Charles Stewart came upon the British men-of-war CYANE and LEVANT and overpowered them. He hoped to bring his captures home, but ran into a British squadron that retook LEVANT while CONSTITUTION and CYANE returned safely to New York. Captain Stewart received a gold medal from Congress. 1828-1830: Laid up at Boston. During this time the Navy requested the Navy Yard Commanders conduct surveys on all ships to determine how much work would need to be done to bring the ships into commission. This information reached a local publication and it was misreported that the Navy wanted to scrap 'Old Ironsides'. Immediately after that a poem by Oliver Wendell Holmes, called Old Ironsides, was written to generate public support. The Navy paid to refurbish CONSTITUTION.

Visiting Boston and as a former sailor, I couldn't NOT visit the museum and the ship* that we learned about in boot camp. A small museum that actually runs on donations but don't let its small size fool you. This place is jammed packed with history! To see wood, copper, and other artifacts that are 200+ years old and which makes up a huge part of the foundation of the United States is an awesome experience. Lots of interactions for kids and lots of history for adults. Definitely a solid stop on our tour! *note: the museum is NEAR the actual ship and is a separate experience and worth going to visit.

This museum delivers! It's hands on. It's educational about the war of 1812. The teenagers and adults all found things to do. It was fantastic!

This museum was fine just a little underwhelming. People who are interested in military stuff will probably find the most value in this museum.

Wonderful museum of maritime items from the ship. Interesting is information about the various woods that the ship is made of, and the tools used. A large scale replica of the ship is in a glass case. A beautiful painting of the ship sailing away from the British is stunning. Donations are requested, tho the museum is free otherwise. Outside is a dry dock. The USS Constitution or "Old Ironsides" was the first ship to use the system for repairs. The actual ship is located nearby and has four decks. It's worth walking over to. The ship is not handicapped accessible.

It costs $10 to get into the museum. The ship is free. The USS Constitution ship is fabulous! We go to hear stories from a Navy crewman that was almost like he was there! You can walk all over the ship. I'd recommend skipping the museum. It wasn't nearly as good as the ship. And there is building where you go through security for the ship that has exhibits as well.

Unless you are 8 or are bringing someone who is 8, you can safely skip this museum. It's fully aimed at children and the material that isn't is sprinkled. 200 feet away is the Navy/National Park Service museum -- AND THE BOAT ITSELF -- which explains the history of the former surrounding shipyard and the USS Constitution.

Such a great, fun, interactive museum. As a person who adults most days, I had a blast going through this museum and playing with the interactive displays. I can see why it was voted as a Family Friendly in 2022.

GREAT MUSEUM ABOUT THE USS CONSTITUTION ======================================== My husband and I visited in January and this museum is very nice. The whole thing centers around the USS Constitution of course. We were bummed out that we couldn't tour the actual ship, but it was closed the day we were there. Check the dates and times for the museum and ship and visit both. It is very interesting as far as a historical perspective goes.

Not a bad museum to contextualize the USS Constitution. Not a ton of content and a lot of it feels dated, but it is informative. The suggested donation feels quite high for quality and amount of content. I would not go out of my way but interesting if in area.

The USS Constitution Museum is located in a large grey-colored building that is across from the ship. Anyone can enter here and a donation amount is up to you. The inside has information about what type of wood the ship was built in, the people on the ship, what the sailors use to eat every day, how much stuff is packed inside the boat, and much more! I felt like I learned so much information about the sailors and also how life ass on the ship! I think this place should be visited by everyone and after that go on the ship! Had a wonderful time in the museum and I'm sure you'll also learn something here!

The USS Constitution Museum, which is part of the Freedom Trail (towards the end of it), is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard, which is part of the Boston National Historical Park in Boston. The museum is across from the USS Constitution Ship. The museum is in a restored shipyard building at the foot of Pier 2. The museum, which is free but has a suggested donation of $10-$15 for adults and $5-$10 for children (it's up to you how much you wish to donate) has plenty of items from the boat and in history. There are also interactive exhibits that help to tell the story of the USS Constitution, the sailors and the people who helped to design and build the ship. This museum is two stories and found the floor upstairs to be the most interesting and probably most fun for children (than compared to the 1stfloor) as you get to read about different sailors that sailed the USS Constitution. But it does seem a bit too elementary and so I can see adults losing interest. I liked that you get to know more about some of the sailors and their lives. I think the museum is very informative and you can probably spend an hour reading everything. Then afterwards, check out the USS Constitution (which is free to visit).

Set some time aside while walking the Freedom Trail to really explore the USS Constitution Museum! We went into the museum first before actually visiting the boat and this ended up being so beneficial as we got to see multiple things from the museum out on the boat. It is entry by donation only (they recommend $10-15 a person) and well worth any money spent. There are so many exhibits and all of it is hands on. They have activities for all ages including a Lego room to build your own ship, hammocks to swing like the sailors did, puzzles, and information games to play along the way. They had a projector showing the history of the USS Constitution in one room, multiple wooden models of parts of the ship, and artifacts from the history of it. We thought this would be a quick stop, but we ended up spending more than an hour and a half inside this two story museum. They also have a nice gift shop inside where you can buy pens and other objects actually made from the wood of the USS Constitution. The bathrooms were nice and well kept and they had water fountains to fill up your bottles at. This was the most fun and hands-on educational stop along the Freedom Trail. I would highly recommend checking out this museum before heading out to explore the boat itself!

Look, the entire Freedom Trail is way longer than Google will tell you. Google will also not tell you that every sight wants to charge you $20 to go sit on a bench George Washington might have sat on. Its all a great time and very historical, but also a scam. This is one of the very few FREE stops, and I'd say it's also the coolest. By far. The museum is so informative and extremely interactive. It's built for kids and adults to walk through, learn and have fun. I can say that this museum genuinely got me thinking about so many things with ships. I'm not even that into ships. But I'm into this ship. Loved all the staff and the boat building simulator. When we went, they had an exhibit on model ships and it honestly blew my mind. I wish we had had more time in here

Easily my kids favorite stop on the Freedom Tour especially if you do both. We ran out of time at the museum part, he coulda stayed a lot longer. The ship is really cool to explore, kind of what you'd imagine, only super updated and a lot bigger than I expected. The museum is geared towards kids, but not in a normal children's museum. The games are thoughtful and educational and the kid wanted to play every single one. He also couldn't get enough of the interactive displays. Free, so if you don't like it, don't pay on your way out.

If you are planning to visit the USS Constitution, visiting this museum is a must for you to get a deep understanding of the ship. You'll be able to learn from topics ranging from what type wood the ship was made, the names who were aboard, and all the history in between. There's no fixed admission fee but there's a suggested donation amount that you can give, I believe it's between $10-15 for adults. This is a great museum for all ages.

Well thought out museum providing context and interpreting the USS Constitution. The Museum captures the Constitution's rich history but also provides the backdrops to establish its importance. There's even a few interactive exhibits providing fun for all ages.

Free access to the U.S.S Constitution Museum with the Go City App. The museum is very fun and interactive with people their to teach you more about life on board the ship. They have the hammocks that you can physically lay in and sails you can climb on. Fun games and trivia throughout the museum. Definitely tour the actual ship if you visit. 5 stars, fun museum :).

Extremely family friendly (nice way of rewarding a bored kid for behaving on a tour of the actual ships, perhaps) but fun for adults too. Lots of interactive games and a short film or two, plus some history and a good collection of "things made from the wood of the original ship."

Well worth a visit. Strolling the deck of "Old Ironsides" (the USS Constitution) is great, but don't skip the adjacent museum. It is at least as cool as the ship itself. While you're there, definitely check out the Bunker Hill Monument and the Bunker Hill Museum across the street. Both are well worth your time.

CONSTITUTION is berthed at a pier of the former Charlestown Navy Yard. In addition to the historic ship itself, the National Park Service runs a small visitor center/museum that's dedicated to the history of the Navy Yard, and a non-profit historical foundation has a museum dedicated to the history of the ship itself. CONSTITUTION is still considered an active duty ship and is manned by a Navy crew, who maintain the ship, conduct tours, and answer questions from visitors. The ship is well-preserved, with exhibits on the ship's history, living and working spaces for the officers and crew, and typical life for a sailor on the ship. The crew was very friendly and helpful, and the exhibits were fascinating. Entry to the ship itself requires guests to pass through a security gate and a metal detector, and a bag search is done before being allowed on the pier and to walk on the ship. The easiest way to get to the ship from downtown Boston is to take a ferry from the Boston Aquarium that's run by the MBTA; there's also a T station not too far from the pier, which makes connections from the rest of the city easy. There's a small bar near the ferry pier for drinks and refreshments and a Subway in one of the historic buildings on the former base. Visiting the ship and the museums makes for a great day out.

PROS: I like the fact the ship was free to go on and the museum was very affordable. The museum had some original stuff on it which made me happy to see since the boat was restored and nothing is original from it. The staff was very nice too and the place was scrubbed clean CONS: The museum didn't really have that much of a variety of things. It was mainly just 30% original stuff from crew and 70% interactive games for children, videos, and blurbs on the wall. The ship tour just showed the gun room and thats it (but since it was free what do you expect) OVERALL: I'd come by this place again to check it out if I was with a history buff. But if History isn't your thing, don't come here

In between all the fresh seafood meals, I had to get in a bit of history while visiting Boston. The USS Constitution Museum is a solid spot, right on the water, where you can learn more about the nautical history of the US and can actually go aboard the oldest commissioned vessel. The museum is free, you just need valid ID to enter. Donations are appreciated and can be dropped off at the gift shop counter or in various dropboxes. The museum itself opens to a current feature showcasing women's efforts during the war and their involvement in the US Navy, as well as the history of the naval docks and the importance of the Boston harbor specifically. The ship itself, Old Ironsides, is the bigger focus, and it's cool to be able to experience the low ceilings and small sleeping quarters, and see the ring of cannons lining the upper deck. There are also current Navy members on board to answer questions and give tours.

The oldest commissioned vessel, the USS Constitution is a ship you should visit. Cue up in the visitor checkin and prepare to show a valid identification. There you will get your hand stamped and will proceed to go through security screening. Then off you go for an informative history of the naval docks. After boarding the USS Constituion, you can venture around and go down 2 levels. The guides are friendly and located throughout to answer any questions you may have. Overall pretty cool vessel to checkout if you're looking for something to do.

A lot of walking and exploring and things to see here at the Constitution. It's a big stop on the Freedom Trail and it will likely tire the kids out pretty well. The museum at the start is a good look at shipbuilding history and the Boston Naval Yard. Interesting artifacts that show how important this place was to the war effort and why. Then the ship. Much to climb on, climb down in to, see, touch, explore and listen to. A handful of sailors are here not just as security but also as living history and tour guides to point out things and answer questions. They seem quite happy to be here. And then the gift shop at the end has all sorts of trinkets and things to purchase to remember your time with the USS Constitution. Entrance to the gift shop is free and there is a small fee (and security) to access the museum and the ship.

Without a doubt this is a MUST see in Boston. Located on the north leg of the freedom trail and quite a hike from downtown. A friendly tip, take the Boston Harbor Ferry from the long wharf over to the museum. The ferry is only $3.50 and well worth it, unless you need lots of steps this is the way to get there. This is an active military place so you will go through security. You pretty have free reign once you get in. The ship is very well kept and has many interesting areas. We spent a little over an hour. We were lucky to see several new navy recruits being commissioned on the ship.

Make sure to pay the suggested admission fee as this museum deserves every penny of it! I didn't have high expectations going in, but this is a really cool location & perfect for people of all ages and especially kids. It would also be interesting for the history buffs, veterans, and those interested in being sailors or marines. There were plenty of interactive and educational board games/activities/video showings within the museum that could keep groups occupied for up to several hours in here. I found the USS constitution very unique and highly impressive. A must visit for if you're in Boston!

It's a nice clean museum and pretty quick to get through. Like the donation aspect for entry but wish there was more ship stuff, sizes, weights, daily routine, meals etc. Some on construction and different years where she traveled but lacking ship details. Large gift shop. Well lit and easy to get around

Very disappointed with the rude gift shop staff. The students on our school trip with 3 chaperones and 14 students were scolded and forced out of the store immediately after their purchases. These teenagers are at the top of their class and deserve to be treated with respect. All our students were excited to learn more about our nation's history and should be encouraged in their pursuit of knowledge. Please remember that you are serving our future when you are engaged with teenagers. Very disappointing.

For our final tour in Boston, this is where we came. My father in law and husband both served in the Navy. This was a must see for both of them and they were both really happy seeing the USS Constitution. The museum itself is very, very well done with interactive exhibits and loads of easy to digest information. We went to the USS Constitution next and it was incredible to be walking on a ship that is still active but served in the War of 1812. We also went to the WWII destroyer which was fascinating as well. In short, I would recommend this as a must do when in Boston.

The USS Constitution Museum was a lot of fun. We were able to board Old Iron Sides and they actually have current US sailors giving narratives throughout the ship. It was very interesting to see a ship from more than 200 years ago being kept alive. There is a nice museum and also a visitors center. Best yet, the USS Constitution is free of charge. The site is pretty close to the North End and the bus and trolley tours all stop there.

Named after the highest law of our land, the USS Constitution represents all that this country holds sacred: Strength in our defense, fortitude in our endeavors and endurance in our resolve. Constitution embodies the history of the United States within her oak timbers, fought in the early days of our independence and has remained in service for over 200 years. Paul Revere forged her copper hardware and George Washington, himself chose her name. But it wasn't until the War of 1812 that she earned her nickname, "Old Ironsides", when cannonballs bounced off her thick oak hull. As a fully commissioned ship in the US Navy, she is fully manned (& womanned) by a crew of trained sailors. It is her crew that bring the ship to life. They're trained in the operation of a sailing vessel and their duties include the upkeep of the ship. They are also well versed in the history of the ship to answer all questions when visitors come on board. Every sailor we spoke to said that it is a singular honor to serve aboard and fun to boot. Currently, Constitution calls the historic Charlestown Naval Shipyard her home as she undergoes a thorough 2 year makeover to get her ready to sail once again. I can't wait to see her afloat under full sail heading out of Boston harbor. Though her fighting days are long past and her cannon long silenced, Constitution will be remembered as the only current active USN ship to have sunk an enemy vessel in anger over 200 years ago.

This was a pretty amazing experience, I would recommend checking it out if you are in the area. We got to check out the USS Cassin Young destroydestroyer and I thought that was pretty cool, you get to walk around and take photos with the torpedos.

Great experience for free! When I was there they had cannons blast on the shore and there was a sailor telling us all about adventures on the ship. The ship is not in the water but suspended above. The museum is also available, but I didn't go. Bunker Hill is a small walk away. Bring your ID to get into the ship!

Even on a holiday weekend we followed The Freedom Trail to this site and walked right on without a wait. We were able to explore a good amount of the boat. Volunteers were aboard to answer questions and to make sure that visitors were safe on the boat. Certain areas were roped off and not open to be viewed by the public, but it didn't detract from the experience. The lower level was accessed by very steep steps. I wouldn't suggest people with mobility issues attempt navigating these steps. The views from the boat were nice and there was a museum for the USS Constitution in the same parking lot. The museum also has a gift shop for souvenirs. There wasn't a required admission to board the boat.

Visiting the USS Constitution was probably the highlight of my Freedom Trail walk. Of course, for most visitors, it is the END of the Freedom Trail walk, so that sense of accomplishment may bias your experience. The complex includes the USS Constitution and accompanying museum and visitor center and is also accessible by the harbor ferry from downtown Boston. During my visit, the ship was still undergoing massive restoration. It is in dry dock with active projects inside and outside. Hours may be limited as well requiring standing in a long line with security to access the ship. Once aboard, you can explore the ship relatively easy, although it may be a let down for those expecting a more complete experience. Fortunately, the combination of a nice air conditioned museum helps round out the overall experience. There are plenty of interactive displays and artifacts to please kids and adults. This is a nice end to your Freedom Trail walk and a great way to experience the naval history of the early United States.

This museum and the neighboring ship are excellent ways to spend a day in Boston! The museum exhibits are comprehensive and interactive and the ship is pristine. The ship has Navy staff on board to answer questions and give enticing stories about Old Ironsides. Both attractions are free, but the museum has a suggested donation amount ($10-$15) if you choose to do so.

I feel like a terrible person, being a history buff and a social studies teacher, giving anything less than a four star review to a museum. It is rare, though, and I like to give the benefit of the doubt. Upon arrival, we thought that the ship itself would be open. The automated system of this museum's phone number made us think that the ship would be, though the ship and this museum are separate entities. I wish this was clearer at the outset. It is a bit underwhelming after you walk in. There is a large hallway with cheesy cut-outs of men in period-appropriate attire. It is cool to see things like how marbles bounce on different types of wood - various types were considered for the ship - but some of it felt too kid-friendly to be meaningful to adult visitors. The main issue I had here was that everything either seemed geared toward children or way too advanced for the adults, in terms of technical jargon about ships that wasn't usually explained. For me, it was the worst of both worlds. That's not to say that I wasn't interested in any of it, of course. The upper floor contains a disappointing recreation of what parts of the ship were like. What was strange was how a very-obviously-fake stuffed goat was hanging from the ceiling, ostensibly to show how they transferred livestock and other cargo. Fine, but every minute or so, a nearby recording let out a large "BAAAAAAA." Anyway, if you're nearby, I'd check it out. I think this would be helped by a tour of the ship itself. The museum could stand to pull its weight a bit more.

A MUST in Boston. The USS Constitution is not only the oldest warship still afloat and in commission, but it is renovated every 20 years and therefore has kept its glory. This boat is HUGE and fought (most famously) in the War of 1812. It gained the nickname "Old Ironsides" after reflecting so many British bullets. This ship is absolutely stunning, although it is currently under construction. Actual Navy personnel led the tours around the ship, making the entire experience even more real. We got to see all four levels of the boat and were wowed at the largeness.

I know the ship and the museum have 2 separate pages and I could review them both separately, but I can't be bothered. There isn't enough to say about one or the other to fill 2 reviews. That said, I did enjoy the history lesson, though it could have been better presented. We showed up just in time to catch the next tour of Old Ironside, which was in dry dock for repairs. For those of you who haven't read anything yet about this ship, it is the oldest active commissioned ship in the world. It obviously ain't going out in any naval battles these days, but it does sail for the Navy for special events and such. Unfortunately, in dry dock, all of the masts, sails, and cannons were removed from the ship, so we didn't get to see it in all of its glory, but it was still fascinating to see how sailors had to live and work on this ship. Certainly wouldn't have been for me. I need comfort. In fact, I need dry land. These sailors were brave and tough to live in the conditions they had to live in. I mentioned it could have been better presented - the Navy has officers giving the tours, and ours was a cook and apparently this was one of her first tours. She wasn't very good at public speaking and didn't give the best of presentations. I certainly don't mean any disrespect - she was trying her best and this clearly wasn't something she was used to. I am sure with time and practice, it'll get better. But unfortunately, we were seeing one of her first attempts, and it was a bit underwhelming, whereas we walked by another tour and their guide was energetic and enthusiastic and seemed to have her tour engaged and focused on what she was telling them. The tour starts (after going through security) on the top deck. Another problem, our guide gave the major presentation on the top deck, but there were a lot of us spread out over the deck and she walked around speaking. No bullhorn or loudspeaker, and it was windy so if her back was turned or she was at the other end of the deck, we couldn't hear a thing. They then took us 1 deck below, which was partially closed (as were the other lower decks) for repairs, and we were split between the 2 guides. After maybe a total of 30 minutes, we were told we could walk around (though again, a lot of the ship was closed off) and then we left to go into the museum. The museum is a collection of information about naval history, especially the war of 1812 and why it happened and how the USS Constitution was involved. Very fascinating stuff, though a smaller museum and you can get through it pretty quickly. Between the ship and the museum, this is maybe a 60-90 minute thing. The best part was that they had a copper plate that was going to be used in the refurbishing of the ship that they were letting people carve their names into. Naturally, we participated in that - who wouldn't want their name carved into the oldest operating naval vessel in the world? This was a fascinating part of our trip, though unlike other museums you may go to, I am not so sure this would warrant a return trip. Maybe to see it out of dry dock and fully reset with the cannons and masts and such. Anyway, worth checking out at least once.

I enjoyed such a wonderful day on, in and around the USS Constitution. As you will discover, the USS Constitution is the oldest and longest commission Naval Ship in the United States. If you have the opportunity to visit, I would recommend that you not only take a tour but also take advantage of the USS Constitution museum which is located steps away from the Naval ship.

THIS IS A NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK THAT EVERYONE IN THE WHOLE COUNTRY NEEDS TO SEE! AND IT'S FREE TO COME ABOARD! THIS IS THE OLDEST COMMISSIONED WARSHIP AFLOAT NOT JUST IN THE US BUT IN THE ENTIRE WORLD! Lots of other Free Historic Sites here too See Below. You must show a valid ID & then you are checked through security. The ship was constructed from 1794-1797 & it launched that year. It fought in many battles including The Quasi War, The Barbary War, & The War of 1812. Old Ironsides was Undefeated. But after it's reign The Constitution was retired, it faced even more battles than in wartime. It laid in disrepair for years & almost saw the wrecking ball a few times. The most recent saving was in the 1920s. It was not Adult Voters, nor the Politicians who saved her but School Kids. Children had learned about this famous ship from their history classes & Kids from EVERYWHERE banded together to save the ship. The government saw the throngs of Kids & buckled & the ship was saved. See there is Power in Numbers. Now everyone can enjoy this national historic treasure thanks to the kids of the 1920s. You can see the archival footage of the kids banding together in the short film about the ship in the museum. Old Ironsides has been beautifully 90 % Restored. About 10% of it is still in its original condition but that is on the lowest deck not open to the public. You get to see the ship & the lower deck too & beautiful views of Boston. You've learned about the ship in history class but to see it in the flesh is a whole different thing. The ship is MAGNIFICENT & to think it almost ended up in a landfill! This is a living ship which means it is still active. They take The Constitution out to Sea a few miles a couple of times a year & turn her around. While you are here, Don't forget to check out The Dry Dock, The USS Cassin Young another Historic Ship celebrating its 75th Anniversary in 2018, The Museum, The Visitor Center, The Store & the whole Charlestown Navy Yard yet another Historic site. They are all located in the same area & ALL ARE FREE except for The Museum where they ask you to make a donation whatever you can afford to help preserve the ship. It used to be, you had to have mega bucks & be really rich to have the Good Life, not anymore. The Game has changed. You've been Upgraded. Now You Can Live Like a King on a Limited Budget!

Amazing! 1) It is an amazing tour and free. Just fantastic. 2) There is also a museum inside before you go in for the tour on the ship. 3) The ship is amazing, and the inside was also nice.

While in Boston, being a Navy family, we made a concerted effort to go see the Constitution. My husband remembered going there in the past and being amazed and impressed with her majesty and beauty, and wanted to share that experience with me too. Sadly, she was up in dock being renovated, and we were able to see very little. What we did see, however, was impressive, detailed, and majestic, but we were only allowed on the top deck which made us both sad. The museum was fun too, they're renovating her plating about her hull, and we were able to sign the plating to make a semi-permanent mark on history. Yes, this plating will be functionally below the waterline, but the sentiment remains. I wish we had known that she was going to be in dock, with no sails and no tours, so we could be better prepared for the experience. Still beautiful, this piece of history will live on for generations. So glad they require security checks and have the area staffed with active duty navy to keep this beauty safe and secure!

If you think that touring a historical naval ship is boring, I urge you to think again.  Whether you call her the USS Constitution or Old Ironsides, you can call her one tough dame.  Launched in 1727, she has bragging rights as the oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat.  This wooden hulled, three-masted heavy frigate is still taken out on special occasions.  Since gaining accolades in The War of 1812, she has escaped the scrap heap due to the love and adoration of her adoring fans. While she has a long history of battle engagement, the USS Constitution is now a museum whose role is to educate her visitors.  She is also on the Hop-On-Hop-Off tours in Boston. If you love naval history or if you love a great story about resolve and resilience, visit the USS Constitution.  I think you'll be glad you did!

Free admission again! Thank you the Navy. Where my man uses to served for 7 years. So cool, learn so much, got to visit the museum, and the USS Cassin Young too, along with the USS Constitution. Nice volunteers and your reserved Navy work here, very attentive to all. Please donate to them so they can keep this program free for all!

This is a cool little spot for kids and adults. Admission price is what you feel the need to donate. Very informative. The gift shop prices aren't too bad either. I think anyone living in our country should tour this. Our constitution is dying, and needs revived. You can buy challenge coins on the ship for 15.00 This ship is taken out 6 times per year, and the cannons still work. Definitely worth checking out. Very unique piece of our history.

The USS Constitution Museum, and the ship itself, was amazing! The museum has a lot to show so be prepared to stay for a while if you truly want to read and enjoy everything (especially if you're a history geek like me)! The museum is paid by donations. It is great for all ages! The Museum provides a lot of information from the type of wood used for ships during that time, to the different battles the Constitution went through, to a quick bio about each commanding officer of the ship, to the daily life of a sailor and marine during those times! There's just so much to offer in this museum! There's even little games you can play. A plethora of information that a curious mind like myself took advantage of. The museum really tells about the life in all aspects during our nation's early years and it truly takes you back to that era. From the food they ate to the racks the sleep. It is simply amazing and I encourage all who visit Boston to come and view the ship and the museum!

Definitely check this one out! It's part of the Freedom Trail, but this (along with few others along the trail) really stand out on its own. The staff does a nice job entertaining and teaching patrons about the ship and its significance in history. They have clean restrooms in the visitor's center and the allow you to basically climb all over the ship and view the three decks.

Huzzah her sides are made of Iron! Old Ironsides is an amazing piece of American history, and this ship is open to the public for free. Visitors can tour 3 decks, including the top level, the gun deck, and the crew quarters. Be sure to check the ship's times and availability because sometimes they take her out to sea. Kids and adults alike will love this ship and it's history. Undefeated 33-0 record, it doesn't get better than that