Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park
Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park
Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park
Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park
4.5
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Downtown
How to get there
- Buffalo-Exchange Street Station • 7 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
415 within 3 miles
Pearl Street Grill & Brewery
1,593
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Brew Pub • Bar
716 Food & Sport
872
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Pub
Liberty Hound
400
121 ft$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Seafood
Panorama on Seven
95
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Gluten Free Options
Tim Hortons
111
0.2 mi$ • Quick Bites • American • Cafe
Pizza Plant Italian Pub
94
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • American • Bar
BRAWLER'S BACK ALLEY DELI
50
0.3 mi$ • American • Deli
Templeton Landing Restaurant & Special Events
320
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Seafood
Southern Tier Brewery Buffalo
4
0.2 mi
Roma Thai And Burmese Cuisine
2
0.2 miAsian • Thai • Burmese
Attractions
153 within 6 miles
Canalside
1,058
358 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Explore & More - The Ralph C. Wilson, JR. Children's Museum
40
0.1 miChildren's Museums
Ice Bikes Of Buffalo
1
0.1 miSki & Snowboard Areas
Buffalo Heritage Carousel
1
0.1 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
KeyBank Center
567
0.3 miArenas & Stadiums
Erie Basin Marina
107
0.2 miMarinas
Sahlen Field
307
0.4 miArenas & Stadiums
Silo City
48
0.3 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
St Joseph's Cathedral
69
0.4 miReligious Sites
Pierce-Arrow Museum
289
0.6 miSpeciality Museums • History Museums
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,006 reviews
Excellent
632
Very good
336
Average
34
Poor
3
Terrible
1
Jason P
Lansing, MI739 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
A lot to see here in three different kind of boats. Rare chance to see so many navy boats in one location without visiting a coastal city. There is a destroyer, a guided middle cruiser, and a sub all from the World War II era. The tour route connects all boats instead of touring one, getting off, and touring the next one. Didn’t actually like this method as you couldn’t take a break from touring the boats without starting all over from the beginning.
The tour starts in the destroyer and the entire destroyer boat is open to tour. The tour next moves to the cruiser, which is the largest boat but you can only tour one floor of the boat, which is disappointing. Would be nice to have the option to go to the bridge floor. Finally, you move from the cruiser to the sub, where you can see the entire submarine.
If you have small kids, moving between boats and the floors of the boats can be a little bit dangerous. The stairs on the boats are steep and not the easiest to climb up and down. Another thing that could be improved is the positioning of the docents. Docents are on board to answer questions but they all seem to be congregated on the destroyer and none on the other boats; they should be spread out more.
Admission is $16/adult and $10/youth (under five is free). Veterans receive a discount. There is limited free parking if you go past the museum and continue on the one way Marine drive. There is an entrance gate farther down the street to the parking lot. Drive back in the lot towards the museum. There are about 10-15 free parking spots for the museum.
The tour starts in the destroyer and the entire destroyer boat is open to tour. The tour next moves to the cruiser, which is the largest boat but you can only tour one floor of the boat, which is disappointing. Would be nice to have the option to go to the bridge floor. Finally, you move from the cruiser to the sub, where you can see the entire submarine.
If you have small kids, moving between boats and the floors of the boats can be a little bit dangerous. The stairs on the boats are steep and not the easiest to climb up and down. Another thing that could be improved is the positioning of the docents. Docents are on board to answer questions but they all seem to be congregated on the destroyer and none on the other boats; they should be spread out more.
Admission is $16/adult and $10/youth (under five is free). Veterans receive a discount. There is limited free parking if you go past the museum and continue on the one way Marine drive. There is an entrance gate farther down the street to the parking lot. Drive back in the lot towards the museum. There are about 10-15 free parking spots for the museum.
Written August 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
hmm-ny
1 contribution
Oct 2021 • Family
Having these ships in Buffalo is really special. My family totally enjoyed touring them, all docents were wonderful and informative. The ships themselves are such an important piece of history and I was happy to have my kids experience walking through them. One of my kids was afraid and didn't want to go on any stairs. Staff was very accommodating and helped us find alternate routes so that we could still stay together as much as possible. Don't visit Buffalo without seeing this special place.
Written November 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Brendan S
Arlington, VA1,297 contributions
Sep 2021
The Naval Park allows you to explore three ships on a tour that takes you through the decks of each of them: a WWII destroyer, a Cold War guided missile cruiser and a WWII submarine. While I had toured submarines and other warships before, the guided missile cruiser was new for me and especially interesting. There are lots of signs explaining the different ships and their history and related exhibits about naval combat and technology. It would probably take most of a day to see everything on the ships and in the park.
There is also a small museum on the site as well as a small enclosure with planes and tanks that has not been well-maintained.
There is also a small museum on the site as well as a small enclosure with planes and tanks that has not been well-maintained.
Written September 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JasmineS740
Johnstown, OH125 contributions
Jun 2021
There are two ships and a submarine to tour. The volunteer staff seemed to all be veterans and were eager to talk to the visitors and share insight. It happened that the Blue Angels were practicing for an air show later that week so having the jets zoom over and around the area of the Naval Museum was very exciting!
Written June 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Pens4821
Pittsburgh1,229 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
We enjoyed touring the ships and sub. Liked that it was a self guided tour. They give you a little info when you first board, tell you how to go about touring, then you’re on your own. I like that so you can either move faster or stop whenever you want. Its pretty well marked on how to get around. You just follow the yellow lines all throughout. They have little descriptions in most places to let you know what your looking at (or not if it’s obvious). A lot of good info scattered about too.
We were there about two hours. Enjoyed by everyone in our group from teenager to 60s. Adults could’ve probably spent a little more time, but the teenager didn’t stop as much. we kept going sometimes when I would have stopped and explored/read a little more. So I’d say anywhere from 1.5-3 hours would be what to plan on.
I read on their site that some areas would be closed because of COVID. We did notice some things blocked off but it was still very enjoyable.
We had a hard time finding parking at first. There is a fenced lot across the street but the entrance of it said for residents only. We circled around and couldn’t find any parking anywhere. We ended up finding a lot back beside the fenced parking area under the overpass (it was across the street and back a little from the naval park entrance). As we walked past the fenced in lot there were signs (if you enter and go all the way to the right) saying parking for Buffalo naval park. So just ignore the residents only and head far right and there are some spots there.
We were there about two hours. Enjoyed by everyone in our group from teenager to 60s. Adults could’ve probably spent a little more time, but the teenager didn’t stop as much. we kept going sometimes when I would have stopped and explored/read a little more. So I’d say anywhere from 1.5-3 hours would be what to plan on.
I read on their site that some areas would be closed because of COVID. We did notice some things blocked off but it was still very enjoyable.
We had a hard time finding parking at first. There is a fenced lot across the street but the entrance of it said for residents only. We circled around and couldn’t find any parking anywhere. We ended up finding a lot back beside the fenced parking area under the overpass (it was across the street and back a little from the naval park entrance). As we walked past the fenced in lot there were signs (if you enter and go all the way to the right) saying parking for Buffalo naval park. So just ignore the residents only and head far right and there are some spots there.
Written June 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
EFW2014
Woolwich, ME1,027 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
Wasn’t able to get into the shops or the shops as we went on a Tuesday. However you can get a close look at all the shops and other military equipment outside.
The whole park area is a wonderful attraction, parking is metered $2 hour.
The whole park area is a wonderful attraction, parking is metered $2 hour.
Written June 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JeffBreedlove
Atlanta, GA4,236 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
True American history. What a wonderful place and beautiful setting for these three American naval vessels. The two ships - the Little Rock and the Sullivan’s are both historic and have amazing backstories and the submarine Croaker is also a historic sub
Please go visit and support their efforts with the USS The Sullivan’s
Go enjoy
Please go visit and support their efforts with the USS The Sullivan’s
Go enjoy
Written October 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Explorer_IM
Cambridge, Canada325 contributions
Mar 2022
We visited this gem of a park in Mar 2022 and were impressed by the grandeur of submarine and navy ships. The war related memorabilia are a gentle reminder of sacrifices of people who have given their lives for World peace. We could not go inside the naval ships as we were running late but enjoyed them from outside and loved that.
Written April 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
123456oyet
San Mateo, CA10 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
This is an awesome experience, knowing ww history while relaxing and enjoying the scenery. Our tour guy is amazing knows a lot of things❤️ we will recommend this tour.
Please support this business 🙏😇..
Thanks for a wonderful experience
Please support this business 🙏😇..
Thanks for a wonderful experience
Written July 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ericraheem
Mount Kisco, NY165 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
Great museum with two ships, a sub and small collection of planes and tanks. Lots of history including some veterans giving talks and informal tours. Price was appropriate. Definitely worth it.
Written August 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mike R
12 contributions
My son has a degenerative eye disease, and can't see in the dark. Not at all. Are the tours inside the ships well illuminated?
Borders24U
Maple Grove MN329 contributions
My step-father is legally blind and has issues in dark areas, he had problems with the ships so I would not suggest it.
Linda M
Williamsport, United States1 contribution
Where does one park a car when touring the Naval & Military Park?
Joep63
Chicopee, MA264 contributions
We drove around looking and looking and finally went back to the hotel and took the train. There is a train that runs down Main St and from about the Hyatt Regency it was free - brings you right there!
Daniel O
Massachusetts373 contributions
What is the best and cheapest way to get here from Niagara Falls? Thanks!
johnkD7768TN
37 contributions
Just take the 190 to downtown and then go to the waterfront.
sloopjonb69
Murfreesboro, TN64 contributions
On the Little Rock can you tour the after fire room I spent 3 years there and would like to see it again after 50 years.
DENNIS W
Tonawanda, NY33 contributions
the tour takes you through the boiler room as well as the engine room...between the three vessels you get to see the entire ships including the submarine USS Croaker...which is very tight inside...watch your head !!!
sloopjonb69
Murfreesboro, TN64 contributions
Can you see the Fire Rooms on the Little Rock
Ann N
Buffalo, NY51 contributions
Sorry, I don't recall!
Jred187048
Derby, UK
Does the park have left luggage?
The_Loup_Garou
Phoenix, AZ166,281 contributions
I saw on such facilities, sorry.
Hunt
Jessica S
Kitchener, Canada26 contributions
can you go in with a small stroller? would a 10 year old and 21/2 year old enjoy this?
TravelingFamily
217 contributions
You can't take strollers, but we carried our 1 year old. Your ten year old would love it!
Lablady3rn
York, PA6 contributions
Can you park a traveler trailer? Do they have parking.
cathyb738
Twin Falls, ID27 contributions
There is one open parking area located under the interstate that I would suggest. It is a gravel/dirt lot and is $10 per vehicle, about a 5 min walk from the ships. Other lots I do not feel would be as accessible for a trailer. That area is popular for summer concerts and events on weekends and evenings which could leave little parking available during those times.
dacranjel
West Park, NY27 contributions
how long (roughly) does it take to see
seasonedtravellers57
Fonthill, Canada81 contributions
I would suggest a minimum of two hours, less of course if you have young children with limited attention spans.
Frequently Asked Questions about Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park
- We recommend booking Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park:
- (0.15 mi) Buffalo Marriott at LECOM HARBORCENTER
- (0.18 mi) Courtyard Buffalo Downtown/Canalside
- (0.30 mi) Lofts on Pearl a Trademark Collection Hotel
- (0.65 mi) Hilton Garden Inn Buffalo Downtown
- (0.60 mi) Hotel at the Lafayette a Trademark Collection Hotel
- Restaurants near Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park:
- (0.02 mi) Liberty Hound
- (0.11 mi) The Dish
- (0.15 mi) Tim Hortons
- (0.15 mi) Panorama on Seven
- (0.18 mi) 716 Food & Sport