Historic Ships in Baltimore turns the Inner Harbor into a living maritime museum. Its flagship is USS Constellation, launched in 1854, the last sail-only warship built by the United States Navy and the last Civil War-era naval vessel still afloat. You can walk her gun deck, look into the cramped berth deck where sailors slung their hammocks and stand at the wheel on the spar deck under towering masts. Moored nearby are USS Torsk, a Second World War submarine whose narrow passages and torpedo rooms give a vivid sense of life underwater; the lightship Chesapeake, which once served as a floating lighthouse at the mouth of the bay; and USCG Cutter 37, a Treasury-class cutter that survived the attack on Pearl Harbor. At the end of Pier 5 stands the small Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse, which keeps its own hours. Together they tell two centuries of American naval and maritime history within a few minutes’ walk of each other, and the ships are an easy add-on to the aquarium next door. This page links to the official Historic Ships in Baltimore site, where you can check hours and buy tickets.
How to visit: the ticket office and USS Constellation are at Pier 1, 301 East Pratt Street, right on the Inner Harbor and a two-minute walk from the National Aquarium. On the day checked in November 2026, the four ships were open from 11:00 to 16:30, while the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse was closed. Tickets come as a pass to all the ships or a single-ship option, and costs are modest; check the official site for the current schedule, which is shorter in winter. The museum stages living history days aboard Constellation, including one on 7 November 2026, and an annual Pearl Harbor memorial ceremony aboard Cutter 37 on 7 December.
What to expect: these are real ships, not replicas, so expect steep ladders, low beams and narrow hatches, especially on the submarine. Wear flat shoes and be prepared to duck. Lower decks are not accessible for wheelchairs, and the decks can be cold and breezy in late autumn.
Making the most of it: start with Constellation, where costumed interpreters sometimes demonstrate cannon drills, then cross to the submarine. Allow about two hours for all four vessels, and finish with a harbor cruise from the finger piers next door.
What to expect
The experience
Self-guided visits aboard four historic vessels, led by the 1854 sloop of war USS Constellation and the submarine USS Torsk.
Best time
Late morning on a dry day, before or after the aquarium next door.
How long
About two hours for all four ships, or under an hour for Constellation alone.
Tips
Wear flat shoes for the ladders, mind your head below deck, and check the winter schedule before you go.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History buffs, naval enthusiasts and families looking for something hands-on on the Inner Harbor.
- Families
- Children love the submarine’s bunks and torpedo room, but very young children need help on the steep ladders.
- Couples
- Climb aboard Constellation in the late afternoon and stay for sunset over the harbor.
- Pair with
- The National Aquarium next door and a harbor cruise from the finger piers.
- Time needed
- Two hours.
Good questions
Which ships can you visit at Historic Ships in Baltimore?+
The fleet is USS Constellation, the submarine USS Torsk, the lightship Chesapeake and USCG Cutter 37, plus the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse. The lighthouse keeps its own hours and is sometimes closed.
How old is USS Constellation?+
She was launched in 1854 and is the last sail-only warship built by the US Navy. She is also the last Civil War-era naval vessel still afloat.
What are the hours of Historic Ships in Baltimore?+
On the day checked in November 2026, the ships were open from 11:00 to 16:30. Winter schedules can be shorter, so check the official site before you go.
Is Historic Ships in Baltimore accessible?+
The upper decks of some ships are reachable, but lower decks need steep ladders and narrow hatches. The submarine is not suitable for wheelchairs.
Can I visit just USS Constellation?+
Yes, single-ship tickets are available as well as passes to all the vessels. The all-ships pass is better value if you have two hours.
