Exploring The Uss Constitution: A Visitor's Guide

how do you get on the uss constitution

The USS Constitution, located in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, is the world's oldest naval vessel still afloat. The ship is open to visitors on a first-come, first-served basis, although visitors must pass through a security checkpoint and show federal or state photo identification. The ship is maintained in its 1812-era configuration, with access limited to those who can safely walk aboard the top deck unassisted. Below decks can be accessed by climbing and descending steep ladder-like steps, but wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, and strollers are not permitted. The ship is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and visitors are advised to arrive early as there may be a line.

Characteristics Values
Location Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston
Visiting hours Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Admission Free
Basis of entry First come, first serve
Identification Federal or state photo identification, such as a driver's license or passport, is required for visitors aged 18 and above
Security Visitors must pass through a security screening
Accessibility Limited; a ramp provides access to the top deck depending on tide conditions; wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, and strollers are not allowed on board
Service animals Allowed on the top deck
Tours No guided tours; active-duty crew members are available to answer questions

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The USS Constitution is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston

The USS Constitution, also known as "Old Ironsides", is the world's oldest naval vessel still afloat. It is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, where it is maintained in its 1812-era configuration. The ship is owned by the United States Navy and is open to visitors on a limited schedule, free of charge.

To get to the USS Constitution, you can take a bus to the Charlestown Navy Yard, which has a designated drop-off area on Constitution Road. Short-term bus parking is available at the Boston Autoport on Terminal Street for a fee. If you're travelling by train, you can take the Commuter Rail to South Station or North Station, and then either walk or take the MBTA Water Shuttle to the Navy Yard.

Once you arrive at the Navy Yard, you'll need to enter through a security checkpoint at the Visitor Center, where you may be asked to present a federal or state photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport. Keep in mind that the ship has limited accessibility, with only the top (spar) deck being accessible to those who can safely walk aboard unassisted. Below decks can be accessed by climbing steep ladder-like steps, but wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, and strollers are not permitted onboard. Visitors with service animals are allowed on the top deck.

The USS Constitution is typically open Tuesday through Sunday, with the first tour starting at 10 am. However, it is recommended to arrive early as tours are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Crew members are available to provide information and answer questions, and there may be informational talks or timed guided tours depending on the season and visitor demand.

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The ship is free to visit on a first-come, first-served basis

The USS Constitution, located in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, is the world's oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat. Maintained in its 1812-era configuration, the ship is owned by the United States Navy and is open to the public free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.

To visit the USS Constitution, you must enter the Navy Yard Visitor Center via a security checkpoint, where you may be asked to present federal or state photo identification, such as a driver's license or passport. Visitors under the age of 18 do not need to provide photo identification but are required to go through the security screening process, similar to airport security. All visitors will be asked to remove bulky clothing, jewellery, watches, belts, and any bags or backpacks for inspection.

The ship has limited accessibility, and access is restricted to those who can safely walk aboard the top (spar) deck unassisted. Steep ladder-like steps must be climbed to access the lower decks, and wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, and strollers are not permitted on board. Service animals are allowed on the top deck, and proof of their status as service animals will streamline the security screening process.

The ship is typically open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm but may be closed on certain holidays. It is recommended to check the official website for the most up-to-date information on visiting hours and closures.

While there are no formal guided tours of the ship, active-duty crew members are often available to answer questions and provide informational talks at set locations on board. Depending on the season and visitor demand, they may also organise timed guided tours. The adjacent visitor centre is also worth a visit, providing additional context and exhibits related to the ship's history.

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Visitors must pass through a security inspection and show photo ID

Visitors intending to board the USS Constitution must go through a security checkpoint and present a photo ID. The ship is an active naval vessel, and this security measure is in place for added security. The USS Constitution Museum, located in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, is a separate entity from the ship, but it offers visitors a captivating journey into American maritime history.

The security inspection for the USS Constitution is similar to airport security. Visitors will be asked to remove bulky clothing, jewellery, watches, belts, and all bags, which will be examined. Visitors are also required to pass through a metal detector. It is important to note that the ship has limited accessibility, and access is restricted to those who can safely walk aboard the top (spar) deck unassisted.

To board the USS Constitution, visitors must present a valid federal or state photo identification card, such as a driver's license or passport. Visitors under the age of 18 are not required to show a photo ID but must still go through the security screening process. It is recommended to keep personal items to a minimum to expedite the security process.

The USS Constitution is a historic ship, and its preservation in the 1812-era configuration is impressive. Visitors can explore the ship's rich history, its role in the War of 1812, and learn about the lives of the sailors who served on board. The ship is owned by the United States Navy and operates independently from the museum. The crew members of the USS Constitution are active-duty sailors who guide visitors and provide informational talks.

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Access to the ship is limited to those who can walk aboard the top deck unassisted

The USS Constitution is a historic ship with limited accessibility. The ship is owned by the United States Navy and is located in the historic Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston. It is the world's oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat.

Access to the ship is limited to those who can walk aboard the top (spar) deck unassisted. A ramp provides access to the top deck, but this depends on the tide conditions. Visitors requiring the use of wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, or strollers are not allowed on board and must be left on the pier while touring the ship. However, service animals are allowed on the top deck.

To access the below decks, visitors must climb and descend steep ladder-like steps. Due to the physical constraints of the ship, only those who can safely navigate these challenges will be able to explore the full ship.

The ship is open to visitors on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no official guided tour, but active-duty crew members are usually on board to guide visitors and answer questions. Visitors must pass through a security inspection and show federal or state photo identification, such as a driver's license or passport. Security procedures are similar to those at airports, with visitors asked to remove bulky clothing, jewellery, watches, and belts for inspection.

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The ship is open on a limited schedule, with crew members providing tours

The USS Constitution is a historic ship located in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston. It is the world's oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat and is maintained in its 1812-era configuration. The ship is owned by the United States Navy and operated separately from the adjacent USS Constitution Museum.

The ship is open to visitors on a limited schedule, and admission is free on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors must enter through the Navy Yard Visitor Center and pass through a security checkpoint, which includes a screening and photo ID check. It is important to note that the ship has limited accessibility, with access to the top (spar) deck dependent on tide conditions and requiring the ability to climb steep ladder-like steps unassisted. Wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, and strollers are not allowed on board and must be left on the pier. Service animals are allowed on the top deck.

When the ship is open, active-duty crew members are often available to guide visitors, provide informational talks, or organise timed guided tours. These tours may vary depending on the season and visitor demand. Visitors can explore the ship's history, including its role in the War of 1812, and learn about the lives of the sailors who served on board.

For those unable to visit in person, the USS Constitution offers a virtual tour option on its website. The museum also provides engaging exhibits, interactive displays, and artefacts that showcase the ship's rich history and legacy. The museum is typically open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, excluding certain holidays.

Frequently asked questions

Entrance to the USS Constitution is free, but on a first-come, first-served basis.

Yes, visitors must bring federal or state photo identification, such as a driver's license or passport. Visitors under the age of 18 do not require photo identification.

The ship has limited accessibility. A ramp provides access to the top deck, depending on the tide conditions. However, access to the below decks requires climbing and descending steep ladder-like steps. Wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, and strollers are not allowed on board.

There are no official guided tours, but crew members are available to answer questions. If you or your family is associated with the Navy, you can inquire about a guided tour ahead of time.

The USS Constitution is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston.

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