This is a review regarding the treatment I received from the personnel at the USS Constitution. CHECK YOUR BAGS BEFORE GOING! DO NOT HAVE A POCKET KNIFE ON YOUR PERSON! I made the honest mistake of bringing mine (I carry it in my purse to open boxes or letters or an apple) and was then allowed by the security officers to walk unwittingly into a situation that resulted in a ticket by the national park ranger. The ranger was very kind and professional, but as I was leaving the premise (peacefully, I might add), the security guards had apparently been watching and came outside to shout unprofessional and hurtful jeers and taunts at me. I accept that I made a mistake with my pocket knife, but the security guards' behavior was not what I would expect of our US government towards its citizens. I will not be going back and I recommend others give this attraction a miss; the USS Constitution was not worth the harassment. read more

Great tour. Actually have current US sailors giving narratives throughout the ship. Follow the Freedom Trail and it is neat Bunker Hill. Awesome to see a ship from more than 200 years ago being kept alive. The day that we went there were female sailors below deck doing the narrations, awesome to see that! read more

USS Constitution Museum - Museums Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I cannot actually believe i was on the USS Constitution. Ok so a little about me, growing up, Chinese american, my mom wanted me to really understand why our family came over to the US way back in the 40's and so my mom, as a child, made me learn all about freedom and liberty and why it is so important using American History to illustrate right from wrong. I loved boats - i loved the early colonial period of the US all the way up to the late 1800's even early 1900's history. So interestingly enough i do remember a whole lot since, again, my mother would speak about it and teach it over again to me to make history come alive. (Note: My mother is a teacher so this isn't far off for her) So coming here to "Old Ironsides" and actually being on the boat seeing this...amazing historic navel vessel that is well over 200 years old is absolutely amazing. The fact that something like this is preserved and still seaworthy is amazing. The staff were very very helpful and...sadly we missed the guided tour - but we were able to see everything still and was able to talk to the officers on board to get a real feel of the history the ship had. I'll go back again since, while i did see alot - i could probably have spent more time there, looking around. It was great! read more

On our trip to Boston it seemed only fitting to see such a historic war ship like the USS Constitution. This entire museum is free of charge; however, it is not free of security. To actually board the ship you will need valid Picture ID (if over 18 years old) and some patience for airport type security. The lines do move faster than at the airport. Once you clear this hurdle you are on your way to see the ship. There are guided tours that leave every 20 minutes are so and are the only way to get on board. Once onboard it is amazing to see this ship in all its beauty and power. It is amazing being on such an old ship. Now a few notes about being on board. The ceilings below decks are all low so tall people beware. Second, you are recommended to go down a few of the ladders/stairwells backwards so make sure you have comfortable shoes. And finally on the bottom deck many people sat down to enjoy that part of the show. While comfortable the floor is dirty so if you are wearing light coloured clothes beware. All in all I would recommend this tour for anyone wanting to learn more about this majestic ship. It was a very informative show. read more

Im a touchy feely kind of person. Constitution Museum is perfect because you can touch it. Its staffed by an actual Navy Soldier ..err Sailor, who will give you a throughout lecture, full of little interesting tidbits, about the history of the ship and whose who served on it. Well, in case you didnt know USS Constitution, aka Old Ironsides, is the oldest active ship in the US Navy. Once a year it actually sails and does a little circle and turns around. Recently there was some serious reconstruction done, where I think they have replaced some of the original wood, but it still looks amazing. During your guided tour they will take you to the different compartments of the ship, and you can see where the sailors slept, ate, etc. It is free, but you must past through a little security check point. Also, I recommend coming early, so you dont have to wait in line. read more

We decided to take the free tour and we weren't disappointed. This place is great. First you go into the Museum part of it because you get a better understanding of the ship and why she is so important and special. Lots of old paperwork, pictures, interesting reading in there. Then comes the fun part! You get to go on the ship!! The ramp up into her is extremely inclined I must say... my fiance and I helped allot of older people up and down.. I'm positive that there must be a couple of incidents a day where people just roll down that thing!!! lol Its pretty cool once you get up there. Cannons and even a couple of sea men up there to give you some more information if you so desire. The floors were nice and clean, very well taken care of. All in all a nice experience. read more

This is free. To walk on a piece of history is worth the while. There may be a wait time but I think it is definitely worth to check out if you are big on Military, history and FREE. There's also a mini museum inside before exiting out to see the Ship. Free history knowledge if you like to read or you can just look at the artifacts. To get a guided tour, there's a 30 minute wait between each tour and its worth it because you get to go below deck and check out different parts of the ship. With no guided tour, you can walk aimlessly on top deck and take photos. Certain time of the day, you might even get to witness them shooting the canon and rifle out in front of the USS Constitution Museum. Plan to spend about 3 hours here! Then go check out the Bunker Hill Memorial! read more

Boston is one of the most historical cities you can visit, everything in the city seems geared toward history in one way or another. One of the best ways to feel like you're back in time is to climb aboard the USS Constitution, the countries oldest commissioned navy vessel. Admission is free but be warned that you have to go through an airport-like security check. There's two buildings associated with the ship, both have a museum portion and a gift shop. One is geared toward the Boston (Charlestown) navy yard and one is geared more toward the ship. The one geared toward the ship is marked as such and asks for a $1 donation to check out the museum portion. The ship is very simple and wouldn't be worth paying to see but is definitely worth the free admission. The deck is lined with canons and is otherwise fairly plain. The deck below is also lined with canons and you can peek inside the captains quarters. The deck below that was the crews living quarters (normally open to the public but was closed for renovations when I was there). The bottom most deck is where they held the ammunition is is normally closed to the public. There are several navy crew members aboard if you have questions on the ship. The one thing I asked and was disappointed with the answer is if any of the ship I could see is original. Although much of the ship is still very old the only original wood left from day one is the bottom of the hull (under water). And now your history lesson: -The USS Constitution was launched in 1797 -The ships first duties were to protect American merchant vessels during the Quasi War (against France) and to defeat Barbary Pirates during the First Barbary War (against the Northwest African Berber Muslim states) -The ship is best known for its duty during the War of 1812 where it captured numerous merchant ships and defeated 5 British Warships. It's at this time the ship earned the nickname "Old Ironsides" for the way cannonballs would bounce off the side of the ship -In 1881 the ship retired from active service but continued (to this day) to be run by the navy for education and ceremonies -The ship has served as a museum since 1907, it sailed around the country until 1934 before making it's home where it all began, in Boston harbor. -The ship sailed again in 1997 and then again in 2012 read more

This was one of my favorite places to visit in Boston. The USS Constitution was part of the freedom trail, walked into a museum full of history, and once you're done with the museum, when you walk out you can step onto the boat. You can walk around, the views are beautiful and breathtaking. All the staff members are very nice and helpful. Any question you have they do their best to answer them. This place is great for all ages, highly recommend this, you don't need a tour you can walk there on your own. read more

See all

The Constitution Museum is run by a non-profit group associated with the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned ship afloat in the world. The museum has a nice collection of artifacts/information and stuff for kids to do (fire cannons (a la battleship), dress in period garb, swing in hammocks) and is a great place to go on Mondays when the ship is closed. The ship has tours Tuesday through Sunday starting every half hour at 10:30 till 3:30. She also fires off her guns (and sets off car alarms in the area) at 8 AM and sunset. 50 actual Naval officers and sailors are stationed there to give tours and interact with the public. read more

Funny how when something is in your back yard, you never manage to visit it. It took my moving away from the Boston area, plus another 20 years before I finally visited Old Ironsides. The tour s brief but informative and provided by active duty navy. Lots of photo ops. Lots to imagine when you think about what it must have been like serving on this ship. Certainly makes me appreciate the concept of personal space. Yes, you'll go through security to get to the ship, but the tour itself is free. It's easily one of the coolest free attractions I've ever visited. read more

If I were soley reviewing the USS Constitution herself... and basing my critique on her hundreds of years of service to defending freedom, then of course a 5-star review would be in order (as well as health insurance for all her veterens... but that's another story). I must say, I didn't even step foot on the ship. But, I did expolore the musuem bearing the same name... including its maze of boring yawn inducing exhibits. It was free to tour the museum, so at least I didn't drop and cold hard cash for that giant disappointment. We did, though, get to excercise the democratic process in the museum's exhibit hall. We were encouraged to walk around and inspect about 50 different miniature boat models, and vote on which was the best. So unless you have to go for a school project or something, or unless you are a big war buff, do your research online, and save yourself the boredom. read more

What more could one ask for? This is THE oldest commissioned ship in the U.S. Navy! Highly recommend arriving as early as possible to get one of the first, less-crowded tours. The tour guides are active duty sailors assigned to the ship, and they tell a very entertaining narration of the ship's history and battles. This isn't like other tall ships sitting around big city harbors. The Constitution is the real deal and appropriately a cut above the other five original frigates. Set aside 3-4 hours. You will want to take your time in the museum as well, which is loaded with interactive exhibits and the most intricate ship models one can find anywhere. read more

I'm stunned that this ship and its museum only has 8 reviews. It seems that the Constitution and other historical sites are usually left to the devices of tourists and out-of-towners, which is a real shame, because this ship is one of the real gems of the city. A working, commissioned tall ship - that actually sails? There are few of those in the world today, fewer even in such great condition, and the Constitution is in fabulous condition. I've been to see the ship in sunny and warm weather, in the pouring rain, and in the winter when the decks are closed and the yards are off the masts - and each time, she's still stunning. The tours by the active duty Naval personnel are informative and fairly interactive. I really enjoy the museum as well. It's a small museum as maritime museums go, but fabulously put together and detailed in its history of the ship, its crew, and how the Constitution came to become such a symbol of our country. The gift shop has gotten a lot better since the first time I visited, especially with regards to the book selection. When I went last, they had a ton of tall ship sailing books in stock, including most of the old standby volumes that 19th century sailors would be familiar with - Falconer's "Dictionary of the Marine", Lever's "The Young Sea Officer's Sheet Anchor", Dana's "Two Years Before the Mast", and more, which I don't remember them having in stock last year. read more

I've never gotten angry going to a museum before until this place. I should have left right away when I saw the security check point like at the airport. Take everything out of your wallet, take off your watch, take off your belt. Oops, you beeped? Take out your change and go through again. Is that your friend's purse? What is this item inside it? Going through that really aggravated me and ruined the entire experience. Having a security checkpoint for an old boat that's no longer in service is not only ridiculous, it's not American. I'm not sure who won in the war on terror if we have to be terrified even going to a floating museum. Terrible waste of time. read more

This was great! We didn't get much time to.explore as we came during closing time, but what we did get to experience was great. Plus the staff dressed in costume are all currently active military. It was great to come.on memorial day weekend and experience this ship! This is one portion that I would love to visit again when I come to Boston. read more

5 stars of course, no other rating is appropriate for "Old Ironsides." I visited the U.S.S. Constitution on a beautiful day in early august and waited about five minutes to get through security. If you are a history buff, lover of ships, or just need something interesting to do then this is probably one of the best deals around (free). Visitors can explore three different levels of the famous american vessel: the spar deck, gun deck, and berth deck. read more

Just do it. It's fun, it's free, it's historical, and you get to learn how they make grog and why it is called "Old Iron Sides." Definitely wait the 20 minutes it takes to get into the guided tour. It is well worth it for the extra info, extra decks you get to see, and the potentially cute Naval Officer that shows you around. read more

Come early!!! It's the last stop along the Freedom trail. But in all honestly, I would say START here vs ending here. You are much better off starting in Charlestown and working your way backwards along the trail then starting in Boston and ending in Charlestown. These exhibits must be visited during the day light, vs the ones in Boston, that are mostly just buildings that you can see night or day. read more

Great free tour and a great place to start the freedom trail throughout Boston. Expect to empty your pockets before you step on the ship. Security is pretty tight but the retired pd guys working security couldn't of been nicer. The tour doesn't take to long and is very informative. The only issue I had was that the tour guide was hard to hear considering we had a large group on the ship. read more

See all

Great piece of American history that you can actually go out and touch, not just look at from a distance. Old Ironsides is still a commissioned Navy vessel, so like every other US Navy facility every adult needs to show ID and are subject to search (x-ray your bags and pass through a metal detector). On the other hand it is FREE. The ship is still afloat and sailors on-board offer hands on tour. While the current configuration is not 100% accurate, the sailors will explain what is accurate, what is not and why it is the way it is. read more

My partner is Army and a huge history (+boats/ships/weaponry) fanatic so he was ecstatic when I surprised him with a trip to the USS Constitution after a morning in Charlestown. It was so cool to be able to see a real ship and have the Navy there to explain anything that we didn't understand. Of course, it was an especially special day to be able to board the ship on veterans day--- thank you so much! read more

USS Constitution Museum - Blue Skies on Veterans Day aboard the USS Constitution! - Museums Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

The museum, run by a private non-profit, is a gem. It has much, much more than A/C and water, and I'm sad for both museum and Emily M that this is what she valued in it. I am an overseer at the museum, despite the fact that my interests in naval history are tangential, at best. The people involved have made all the difference in helping me see across these differences, and I trust the majority of visitors would discover likewise, or I'd personally like to learn more about their disappointment. There are many events run out of the museum aimed at increasing the involvement and ideas of people far younger than the ship, ages 20 through 45. As an Overseer, I will gladly "hook you up" and get you involved. Special tours of the ship are not uncommon (touch the original keel... something the common visitor doesn't get to do, as the traffic can't be tolerated!), and a good taste of authentic grog is, likewise, something to be savored with the diverse group of impassioned people who enjoy a common social bond centered on this living maypole of the American experience. But if you don't take me up on this invitation, don't shrink from visiting the ship and its museum. The museum has many artifacts (more than the ample array on display), and a wooden model of the ship that took tens of thousands of hours to construct. That is more exciting, I think, than any ball of twine you might find in the fly-over states. read more

The "anchor" of the Freedom Trail, the Constitution was one of the highlights of our weekend in Boston. Clean, well organized, and FREE. The visitors center was simple and informative, the ship itself was a great spot for the kids, lots of stuff they can touch, climb, etc. The naval staff on board were helpful, informative and attentive. On leaving the Constitution, the destroyer on the next dock was a little less child proof, but also free, and very interesting for the kids. When visiting Constitution, figure an extra ten minutes for security. Not the toughest check, but still had to take belts off, etc. A GREAT stop in Boston - definitely worth the time. P.S. - Ferry from the aquarium is cheap, efficient, and direct - they will leave you 250ft from the front gate of the Navy Yard, closer than you can park. read more

Senior Enlisted Academy Class 192 got to take a field trip to the USS CONSTITUTION on a brisk Saturday morning! I loved the experience and the opportunity to take a tour onboard even though the ship is currently in the shipyards. The Sailors who gave us our tour did a great job and they definitely know their history! Even though there is not much of the original ship left, just being onboard really makes you appreciate what sacrifices people made in the history of our Navy and our country. I would not miss out on the chance to do a tour and really capture the history of our country! Some of the most impressive parts of the tour were really below decks in the crew living areas and how their cannons were prepared. I really thought it was interesting the different type of ammunition that could be loaded in a cannon, not just a standard cannonball, especially against personnel. Take the chance to look through the museum! They have a great exhibit of small scale model ships and a nice little souvenir shop! Bravo Zulu to the crew of the USS CONSTITUTION who took the time on a Saturday to give us a tour! See you all out in the fleet! read more

My Boy is a huge fan of this stuff so we went here plus to get out of the biting wind and cold for a minute. It was pretty cool to see all the stuff here but im just not that interested in it. The museum is by donation and we did leave some money and we toured the whole place. He loved it. Very interesting facts and we laid in a hammock and saw an original biscuit that they saved from the 1800's..crazy. The ship is in Dry Dock and you can take a tour but we were running late on coming home so we just did the museum. It was pretty cool and im sure kids would love seeing it. Its interactive as well. Good times. read more

USS Constitution Museum - Boats man - Museums Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

See all

A free museum. Has a nice gift shop. They do appreciate your donations. The film has a lot of helpful information. If you are going on the ship you should also stop by here and get more information. Clean washrooms as well. Worth a stop if in the area. read more

Went on the last tour of the day so we didn't get to see the officer's quarters, etc. Even then the tour was informative and fun. read more

USS Constitution Museum - USS Constitution - Museums Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Fantastic way to spend the afternoon...great for history buffs, and their kids. It's also a nice way to get some excellent views of Boston, and to walk along the waterfront (there's a short walk from Rutherford Ave. to the museum/the Constitution). And Sorelle's is a great place for a quick coffee or sandwich along the way. I suggest starting in the museum - and watching the 18 min. movie near the entrance to get an overview. The exhibits on the 1st floor are wonderful, but the 2nd floor is the newer, hands on exhibit that is geared toward children..my kids loved it..lots of fun, including hanging in a hammock, and measuring out the sailors' food in the galley. The movie on this level is more serious than the one on the 1st floor, and contains some violence (just as a caution to those with smaller kids). The gift shop is excellent - containing everything from t-shirts, jewelry and pottery, to unique reads for all ages..this is worth a stop in itself.. It's all free, but a donation is always a nice way to say thanks..boxes are located at the entrance. Don't forget to tour the Constitution - it's well worth it...the wait for the guided tour is well worth it, if you have time..the shorter visit to the top deck only is also great, if you're in a rush.. You could take the nice walk back into Boston's North End from here, and grab a pizza or pasta for dinner..a nice way to end the day too. read more

Really fascinating walk around this operational piece of history. Out guide was knowledgeable and funny and made the tour really interesting for kids and adults alike. A definite must see if you are visiting Boston. read more

NOTE: Airport style security therefore no weapons or large knives etc allowed. ID is also required for over 18s. The oldest commissioned warship in the world, the USS Constitution, alias Old Ironsides, is accessible only after a security check. It's an impressive sight, fully rigged and with gunports open as if in readiness for war. There is a small, informative introductory museum focussing on the Charlestown navy dockyards' history. It tells the story of both the development of the docks, and the workers throughout its history. Note that this isn't the main museum, which I sadly didn't get a chance to visit. Steep gangways lead onto the ship, which is moored just a few metres from the museum. Navy seamen stand guard, their modern uniforms clashing slightly surreally with rigging and wooden decks. The main deck of the ship is open, along with top two internal decks. Stationed around the ship are navy seamen who are extremely knowledgable about both the history of the ship, and 18th century naval warfare. (Be sure to ask about why the guns have a British royal crest!) Exhibits of guns, ammunition, hammocks and living quarters give a reasonable impression of life aboard the ship (without the disease and unwashed sailors!) To conclude, I would highly recommend a visit to the USS Constitution. It can take as little as half an hour while remaining informative, but if you include the museum, you could easily spend an hour or two soaking up the history. When you've finished at the dockyards, it's a quick ferry ride back into the centre of the city from a pier a short walk away. This is an ideal conclusion to the Freedom Trail. read more

Nice small museum with a lot of interactive kiosks. They have a few short sit down movies as well. It's a great place for kids. In fact it was definitely designed for kids. You can be in and out in about an hour and will definitely learn a lot. Just watch your head when looking at the below deck exhibit. read more

How cool is this site! A friend and I got in to see the USS Constitution 15 minutes before they took it to dry dock... lucky us! We got to go on and inside this boat for free! It was pretty fabulous. Additionally, there were military members on board to tell us about the history of the boat. I thoroughly enjoyed this piece of American history. read more

The USS Constitution is a very interesting place to visit while in the Boston area. While it is still a commissioned ship of the US Navy, you will need to be prepared to show your id and go through a metal detector which is really not a big deal. while the ship is in dry dock, the accessibility varies depending on what work they are doing on the ship. When we were there, the full masts were down and most of the guns had been removed from the ship to cut down on the weight on board the ship while it was dry-docked. The sailors that are stationed on the boat are active duty Navy, but they will provide you with an interpretive speech on the history of the boat and some very interesting facts. It had been a while since our last visit and just like last time, it is something that I will remember from our vacation. read more

How cool is it to be on-board the oldest existing commissioned ship? A brief history as told by the sailor on the USS Constitution: the ship earned its nickname "Old Ironside" from its victorious battle against a British frigate during the War of 1812. After having to flee for days from a British fleet, USS Constitution was eager to avenge this humiliation when she encountered HMS Guerriere alone. When the battle began, HMS Guerriere started firing her cannons as far as 1000 yards away. Although HMS Guerriere continued to fire as she approached Constitution, the American ship's cannons were still silent to lure the Guerriere even closer. Amazingly, USS Constitution remained relatively unscathed after multiple barrages! When the Guerriere was finally in rifle range, the Constitution unleashed hell so vicious that the Guerriere was not salvageable! This marked the first American naval victory against the British, and has significantly boosted the morale of the Americans whom many previously thought the War of 1812 was suicide against the British Navy. During the battle, a sailor saw a cannonball literally bounced off Constitution's broadside and reported to the captain. The captain replied, "Ay the side is made of iron" (Wikipedia has the sailor saying that instead, but the result was still the same). Ultimately, the "Old Ironside" nickname became a rallying call to preserve this ship so we can witness its glory today. The admission is free, although you will have to go through a light security check. Once inside the premises, you will have unbarred access to great photoshoot of this majestic ship. You are allowed to access the deck and the level below deck, and throughout the ship, there are Navy personnel who will be happy to tell you the stories of USS Constitution. Before you go through the security though, I strongly recommend you to go to the nearby USS Constitution Museum especially if you did not go extensive research beforehand like me. In the museum, you will learn the brief overview of the War of 1812 and the history of USS Constitution. Going here first will help you appreciate the ship more once you are on-board! Whether you are interested in American history, USS Constitution is a must-go if you are in Boston because it is still a cool old ship. Consider going early on weekends or on weekdays though, because the security line could be long. --- tl;dr version: -OLDEST EXISTING WARSHIP! -Free admission with security check -Go to the museum first to fully experience USS Constitution -Try going in early morning or weekdays read more

USS Constitution Museum - Muskets and pistols from the 1800s in the USS Constitution Museum - Museums Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

See all

What a beauty even in winter. This is a freebie so in the winter dress properly if you choose to walk the freedom trail to the ship. Cannons aren't the real deal..they are real replicas. I believe the canon balls are real. Not as big as I had imagined. You go down a very narrow set of stairs that you only have rope to hold onto. Watch your head because going below deck is a challenge. You have naval staff giving information about the ship and they answer any questions you have as they hold a plethera of information about the ships history. Each year they hold a lottery that 1 person will win to sail on the ship plus 1. The day it goes out is on the 4th of July. How awesome is that. The Masts are huge and I can't imagine the sails open how much prettier the ship would be. She travels about 3-4 knots without open sails and up to 14-15 knotts with all sails full open. The museum has some cool artifacts inside...also a freebie. Do make sure to see this ship if you're in Boston. Very easy to get too. read more

I was really excited to see the Constitution when I went to Boston. It's free, so that's a plus. But you have to go through airport style security which is annoying. I would suggest a guided tour since that's the only way you can see more than the top deck of the ship. We didn't have time for one, so we just walked around and took some pictures. It was also annoying that we had to wait almost 20 minutes to take the non guided tour, had we known the wait would be that long we probably would have just done the guided one. It was also annoying how there was a crane parked in front of the boat so there was no way to get a good photo. I'm sure this could have been a 4, but this experience was only a 3. read more

I'd been looking forward to seeing this ship since 2004 - no joke. I'm a huge history buff and this ship means a lot to me. It holds a ton of historical significance. However, I was a little bit let down by the trip to the USS Constitution. First off, you have to go through a security screening process that rivals the TSA's before you can get on the ship. The staff were rude and rough on me and my friends. They gave unwanted "advice" on how I could best put my belt back on and pick my change out of the basket. It was completely unnecessary and laughable. If Paul Revere's grave isn't under constant military surveillance I don't understand why the USS Constitution must be staffed by active American Navy personnel at all times. Who's going to hijack it? It can't even sail. Anyway, the security screening process - as well as the sailors who kicked us off the ship after a scant 7 minutes - soured the experience a bit for me. The ship itself is beautiful. Named after the constitution it attempted to (and often did) defend, it still looks majestic, even next to the This French-Canadian will always have a place for you in his heart, USS Constitution. Don't let the US Navy fool you into thinking anything different. read more

USS Constitution Museum - USS Constitution - Museums Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

See all

Im a huge history person. I think in the past 5 times I have been to visit Boston to see family, we have made the trip the Charlestown Harbour to do the Constitution tour 3 times. The third time I was in the tour, I was able to recite facts that the sailor did not know. And I was around the age of 14 then. Odd. But its super peaceful everytime I come here. The water, the ship, the surrounding area churns with history. Its only better when after hte tour, you find out more about the ship via History Channel or other tours, and you can visualize it more cause you have been on the ship and can understand it more. Old Ironsides played a huge part of our history, and I would be remiss not to tell people to go check it out. read more

Great site to see the original Old Ironsides himself. The famous boat of the American revolution that cost about 1/3 the GDP at that time. The tour is free and you are able to walk around the boat and the first lower level. I was surprised that there are about 3-4 decks but the lower ones are off limit. Even kids will have some run running around the top decks and checking out the cannons onboard and pretending to be pirates (since I'm sure the only things kids knows of these boats are from Pirates of the Caribbean). They had some naval officers onboard speaking about the ship and some of the history behind it. Great place to stop while traversing the Freedom Trail and give the kids a place to touch, climb up and down ladders, and pretend. read more