Last updated: May 28, 2025
Place
The Mariners’ Museum and Park
The Mariners’ Museum and Park
Quick Facts
Location:
100 Museum Drive, Newport News, VA 23606
Significance:
The Mariners’ Museum and Park connects people to the world’s waters through maritime history and outdoor exploration. Designated by Congress as America’s National Maritime Museum, it features 90,000 square feet of galleries and a 550-acre park with the 5-Mile Noland Trail, on-the-water recreation, and natural play zones. The site supports Chesapeake Bay watershed conservation through education, heritage, and nature-based experiences.
Designation:
Chesapeake Gateways Network Site
MANAGED BY:
Amenities
5 listed
Boat Rental, Gifts/Souvenirs/Books, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Pets Allowed, Playground
The Mariners’ Museum and Park connects visitors to the world’s waters and our shared maritime heritage through a world-class collection spread across 90,000 square feet of galleries, environmental stewardship, and outdoor recreation. As a Chesapeake Gateways Place, this nationally recognized site offers a unique blend of history, nature, and community engagement within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Inside the Museum, visitors can explore world-class exhibitions showcasing global and Chesapeake Bay maritime history, including the USS Monitor Center, ship models, and stories of mariners who shaped the Bay’s culture and commerce. Initiatives like Hidden Histories and the Multicultural Mariner highlight the maritime heritage of cultures spanning the globe. Admission to the Museum is only $1.
Open year-round and free to the public, the Park welcomes visitors of all ages to connect with water, heritage, and the natural world. Learn more about exhibitions, outdoor experiences, and educational opportunities by visiting The Mariners’ Museum and Park website.
Inside the Museum, visitors can explore world-class exhibitions showcasing global and Chesapeake Bay maritime history, including the USS Monitor Center, ship models, and stories of mariners who shaped the Bay’s culture and commerce. Initiatives like Hidden Histories and the Multicultural Mariner highlight the maritime heritage of cultures spanning the globe. Admission to the Museum is only $1.
Mariners’ Park
Beyond the galleries, the 550-acre Mariners’ Park has amenities galore: explore Mariners’ Lake, a 167-acre stormwater-fed lake; the five-mile Noland Trail; kayak launches; pollinator gardens; and nature play zones. Environmental programs for students, like the Mariners’ Lake Effect and Lake Stewards, inspire stewardship and expand access to Chesapeake watershed education.Open year-round and free to the public, the Park welcomes visitors of all ages to connect with water, heritage, and the natural world. Learn more about exhibitions, outdoor experiences, and educational opportunities by visiting The Mariners’ Museum and Park website.