The USS The Sullivans is named after five brothers who died together on the USS Juneau during World War II.
The USS Little Rock is the only remaining Cleveland-class cruiser in existence today.
The USS Croaker is a Gato-class submarine that conducted eleven war patrols in the Pacific during World War II.
The park's location in Canalside marks the historic terminus of the Erie Canal.
The museum's collection includes a flight-ready F-101 Voodoo supersonic interceptor.
The USS Little Rock underwent a significant refit in the late 1950s to become a guided missile cruiser.
The Buffalo Naval & Military Park is the largest inland naval park in the United States, situated on the waterfront of Lake Erie. The site features three decommissioned U.S. Navy vessels: the Cleveland-class light cruiser USS Little Rock, the Fletcher-class destroyer USS The Sullivans, and the submarine USS Croaker. Visitors can walk the decks of these historic ships, which provide insight into naval life during World War II and the Cold War. In addition to the ships, the park displays an outdoor collection of military vehicles, including tanks, helicopters, and artillery. The museum wing houses artifacts and personal histories documenting the service of local military personnel. The park serves as a tribute to those who served in the armed forces, with several memorials located on the grounds. It functions as an outdoor maritime museum focused on preservation and education regarding naval history.
From the water-level promenade looking up at the bow of the USS Little Rock.
Wear comfortable, flat-soled shoes as the ships have steep, narrow ladders and uneven metal decks.
Plan to spend the majority of your time outdoors on the ship decks, so check the weather forecast for wind and sun exposure.
Visit the indoor museum building first to get historical context before boarding the ships.
Do not attempt to explore the ships if you have mobility issues or a fear of confined spaces, as the internal passages are tight.
The park is seasonal and generally closes for the winter months, typically reopening in the spring depending on weather conditions.
Visitors must be able to climb steep, narrow stairs and ladders; modest attire is recommended for climbing through ship hatches.
