The USS Constitution, nicknamed "Old Ironsides," is the world's oldest commissioned warship still afloat — launched in 1797 and undefeated in battle, most famously during the War of 1812. She's berthed at the Charlestown Navy Yard, a stop on the Freedom Trail, and is still an active U.S. Navy vessel crewed by active-duty sailors. Boarding the ship is free (a security screening applies), and the adjacent USS Constitution Museum, supported by donations, tells her story through hands-on exhibits.
Launched in 1797, the USS Constitution is the world's oldest commissioned warship still afloat — and remarkably, still an active vessel of the United States Navy, crewed by active-duty sailors who lead visitors aboard. She earned her nickname "Old Ironsides" during the War of 1812, when British cannonballs were seen to bounce off her thick oak hull. Undefeated in battle, she's a national symbol berthed at the Charlestown Navy Yard, across the harbor from downtown and one of the final stops on the Freedom Trail.
Boarding the ship is free, though all visitors pass through a security screening (it's an active military vessel) and should bring a photo ID for adults. Sailors aboard answer questions and share the ship's history. Nearby, the USS Constitution Museum — a separate, donation-supported institution — fills in the rest of the story with engaging, hands-on exhibits about life at sea, the ship's battles, and her ongoing preservation; it's especially good for families.
Because the Charlestown Navy Yard is across the harbor, many visitors reach it by walking the full Freedom Trail, by water shuttle, or by trolley, and combine it with the nearby Bunker Hill Monument. Both the ship and the museum keep their own hours, which can shift, so it's worth checking before you go. Admission is free; this page points to the venue's site for current hours and details.
What to expect
The experience
Free, self-guided visit aboard an active U.S. Navy ship (security screening, photo ID for adults), plus the separate donation-supported USS Constitution Museum nearby.
Best time
Check current hours before going — both the ship and museum can adjust schedules. Weekday mornings are quietest.
How long
1.5-2 hours for the ship and museum together.
Tips
Bring a photo ID (adults) and expect an airport-style security screening, since it's an active military vessel. The ship is free; the adjacent museum runs on donations. It's across the harbor in Charlestown — reach it on the Freedom Trail, by water shuttle, or by trolley, and combine with the Bunker Hill Monument nearby.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History and naval enthusiasts, and Freedom Trail walkers reaching the Charlestown end.
- Families
- The hands-on USS Constitution Museum is excellent for kids; boarding a real historic warship is a thrill.
- Couples
- A meaningful, free stop with harbor views from the Navy Yard.
- Pair with
- The Bunker Hill Monument is nearby in Charlestown, and the Freedom Trail connects them. A harbor cruise passes the Navy Yard from the water.
- Time needed
- 1.5-2 hours.
Good questions
Is it free to visit?+
Boarding the USS Constitution is free (with a security screening, and photo ID for adults). The adjacent USS Constitution Museum is supported by donations rather than fixed admission.
Why is it called "Old Ironsides"?+
During the War of 1812, British cannonballs were seen bouncing off her thick oak hull, earning her the nickname "Old Ironsides." She remained undefeated in battle.
Is it really still a Navy ship?+
Yes — launched in 1797, she's the world's oldest commissioned warship still afloat and remains an active U.S. Navy vessel, crewed by active-duty sailors who guide visitors aboard.
How do I get there?+
It's at the Charlestown Navy Yard, across the harbor from downtown. Reach it by walking the Freedom Trail, by water shuttle, or by trolley, and combine it with the nearby Bunker Hill Monument.
What should I bring?+
A photo ID for adults, since it's an active military vessel with a security screening. Check current hours for both the ship and the museum before visiting, as they can change.
