Buffalo Naval Park | Buffalo

The Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park is the largest inland naval museum in the United States, located at Canalside, along the Buffalo River in downtown Buffalo, New York. It serves as a tribute to the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, featuring historic naval vessels, military artifacts, and immersive exhibits.

1. Overview

Opened: 1979

Location: 1 Naval Park Cove, Buffalo, NY 14202

Size: 4 acres along the waterfront

Purpose: To educate the public about the history and contributions of the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps

2. Historic Naval Vessels on Display

USS The Sullivans (DD-537)

Type: Fletcher-class destroyer

Launched: 1943

Named After: The five Sullivan brothers who died together aboard the USS Juneau in WWII

Significance: A memorial to family sacrifice and naval service

Features: Deck guns, radar equipment, living quarters, and command centers

USS Little Rock (CLG-4)

Type: Cleveland-class light cruiser converted into a guided missile cruiser

Launched: 1945

Notable: Only guided missile cruiser preserved in the U.S.

Tour Highlights: Captain’s bridge, missile deck, mess halls, and Admiral’s quarters

USS Croaker (SSK-246)

Type: Gato-class submarine

Launched: 1943

Combat Record: Completed six war patrols in the Pacific during WWII

Later Use: Converted for anti-submarine warfare during the Cold War

Tour Experience: Narrow walkways, torpedo rooms, and control stations

PTF-17

Type: Fast Patrol Torpedo boat

Era: Vietnam War

Use: High-speed special operations

Condition: Display only, not open for internal tours

3. Museum & Exhibits

Inside the Main Building

Aircraft on Display:

P-39 Airacobra suspended from the ceiling – a WWII fighter known for its rear engine placement

Artifacts:

Military uniforms, medals, maps, personal letters, communications gear

Equipment from all branches of the U.S. military, spanning from the Revolutionary War to modern conflicts

Temporary & Thematic Exhibits:

“Battery Mates” – Baseball players who served in the military

Women in the military, Buffalo’s wartime industries, POW memorabilia

Monuments Garden

Outdoor space with over 15 memorials honoring:

Gold Star families

Buffalo veterans

Medal of Honor recipients

Victims of 9/11 and the War on Terror

4. Visitor Experience

Tours

Self-Guided: Walk at your own pace through the ships and museum

Docent-Led Tours: Guided by veterans or trained historians

Curator Tours: Access to restricted areas and in-depth commentary

Winter “Blue Nose” Tours: Limited-access tours during off-season months

Educational Programs

School field trips, scout overnights aboard the ships, veteran meet-and-greets, history talks

STEM-focused content integrated with naval technology

Gift Shop

Located in the main building, offering souvenirs, books, clothing, and military memorabilia

5. Hours & Admission (as of 2025)

Season: Open late March to early November

March–April: Wed–Sun, 10 AM–5 PM

May–Sept: Daily, 10 AM–5 PM

Oct: Daily, 10 AM–4 PM

Nov: Weekends and Veterans Day, 10 AM–4 PM

Admission Fees

Adults: $23

Seniors (65+): $18

Youth (5–17): $15

Veterans: $16

Under 5: Free

Active duty military & families: Free with ID

6. Accessibility & Amenities

Most museum areas and the USS Little Rock are wheelchair accessible

Ships have steep ladders and narrow passages; caution is advised

Nearby parking garages and limited on-site parking

Accessible by NFTA Metro Rail (Canalside Station)

7. Events and Special Programs

Memorial Day & Veterans Day Ceremonies

Shipboard sleepovers for scouts and youth groups

Living History Weekends with reenactors

Veterans Voices Series – recorded and live presentations from military veterans

8. Importance

The Buffalo Naval Park is both a museum and a memorial. It serves as a place of education, remembrance, and appreciation for those who have served. Its unique inland location and historic fleet make it a must-visit for history enthusiasts, families, and veterans.

The combination of authentic naval vessels, powerful stories, and immersive exhibits creates a moving and educational experience that captures over a century of U.S. military history.