Things to Do at Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park

Complete Guide to Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park in Buffalo

About Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park

The Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park stands as America's largest inland naval park, offering visitors an immersive journey through military history on the shores of Lake Erie. This remarkable attraction features three decommissioned naval vessels - the USS The Sullivans destroyer, USS Croaker submarine, and USS Littlerock cruiser - alongside extensive exhibits showcasing the region's rich military heritage. The park serves as both a memorial to those who served and an educational center that brings naval history to life. Established in 1979, the park has become one of Buffalo's premier tourist destinations, welcoming over 100,000 visitors annually. The facility combines outdoor ship exploration with indoor museums, creating a complete experience that appeals to history enthusiasts, families, and maritime lovers alike. The park's unique location in Buffalo's Canalside district makes it an integral part of the city's waterfront revitalization and cultural landscape.

What to See & Do

USS The Sullivans (DD-537)

Explore this Fletcher-class destroyer named after five brothers who died serving together in WWII, featuring restored compartments, weapons systems, and living quarters that showcase life aboard a wartime vessel

USS Croaker (SS-246)

Tour this authentic WWII submarine that completed six war patrols in the Pacific, offering visitors the chance to experience the cramped conditions and sophisticated technology of underwater warfare

USS Little Rock (CLG-4)

Walk the decks of this guided missile cruiser that served from WWII through the Cold War, featuring missile systems, command centers, and exhibits on naval aviation and communications

Museum of Naval History

Discover extensive collections of artifacts, uniforms, weapons, and interactive displays chronicling American naval history from the Revolutionary War to modern conflicts

PT-617 Patrol Torpedo Boat

View this restored WWII PT boat, one of only a few remaining examples of the fast attack craft that played crucial roles in Pacific Theater operations

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Open daily April through October, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:00 PM). November through March, open weekends only, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Closed major holidays.

Tickets & Pricing

Adults $20, Seniors (62+) $18, Children (6-16) $15, Children under 6 free. Military personnel and veterans receive discounts with valid ID. Group rates available for 15+ people.

Best Time to Visit

May through September offers the best weather for outdoor ship exploration. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. Early morning visits provide cooler temperatures and smaller crowds.

Suggested Duration

Allow 3-4 hours for a complete visit including all three ships and museum exhibits. Quick visits can be completed in 2 hours, while military history enthusiasts may want to spend a full day.

Getting There

The Naval & Military Park is located at 1 Naval Park Cove in downtown Buffalo's Canalside district, easily accessible by car with on-site parking available for $5. From downtown Buffalo, it's a short walk along the waterfront. The park is accessible via Buffalo's Metro Rail system - exit at the Erie Canal Harbor station. For visitors flying in, Buffalo Niagara International Airport is about 20 minutes away by car or taxi. The location is also within walking distance of many downtown Buffalo hotels and attractions.

Things to Do Nearby

Canalside
Buffalo's premier waterfront destination featuring seasonal events, concerts, ice skating, and recreational activities along the historic Erie Canal harbor

this destination
Art Deco masterpiece offering free observation deck tours with panoramic views of the city, Lake Erie, and Niagara River

Explore & More - The Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Children's Museum
Interactive children's museum with hands-on exhibits focusing on science, technology, and local history, perfect for families

Buffalo RiverWorks
Adventure complex housed in historic grain elevators offering zip-lining, rock climbing, ice skating, and dining with unique industrial atmosphere

Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site
Historic house where Theodore Roosevelt took the presidential oath of office in 1901, featuring period rooms and exhibits about this pivotal moment in American history

Tips & Advice

Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip as ship decks can be slippery, and bring layers as it can be windy and cooler on the water

Download the park's mobile app for self-guided audio tours that provide detailed historical context and stories about each vessel

Visit the gift shop for unique military memorabilia and books - proceeds support the park's preservation efforts

Consider purchasing the Buffalo CityPASS which includes admission to the Naval Park plus other major Buffalo attractions at a discounted rate