The Mariners’ Museum, located in Newport News, Virginia, is a world-class facility celebrating the spirit of seafaring adventure throughout the ages. In fact, it is one of the most comprehensive maritime history museums in the country and has been designated by Congress as America’s National Maritime Museum.

The Mariners’ Museum has eight permanent galleries plus hosts rotating exhibits and educational programs on a range of nautical interests – everything from the Art of Tattoo to the Titanic. One of the most highly regarded permanent exhibits is the USS Monitor Center, an award-winning Civil War attraction and final home of the recovered gun turret from the legendary ironclad. A high-definition Battle Theater, complete with the sounds of cannon fire, recounts the famous Battle of the Ironclads between the North’s USS Monitor and the South’s USS Merrimac (renamed CSS Virginia). A full-scale Monitor replica and state-of-the-art conservation lab shares Civil War naval history and artifacts with visitors. This exhibit alone is worth the $12 admission (discounts for AAA, Military, seniors and children), but there is so much more in the Mariners’ Museum.The Chesapeake Bay Gallery (currently under renovation) shows how the Bay has been used for travel, food, commerce and recreation throughout history. It features a Cape Charles Lighthouse lens, a circa 1630 Native American dugout canoe and a working steam engine that runs twice each hour.

The Age of Exploration exhibits maps and navigational instruments from the 15th to the 18th centuries. A model of the Nina from the 1400’s gives perspective to the challenges of early explorers.

The Nelson Touch pays respect to Admiral Horatio Nelson, one of the world’s most revered naval commanders. Medals and uniform replicas showcase his career and fighting prowess.

In Defending the Seas, an aircraft-carrier flight deck, ready room from World War II and a German Enigma machine trace the U.S. Navy’s role in commercial and diplomatic history of the country and world peace.

The Great Hall of Steam tells the story of oceangoing commercial steamships with Figureheads, a Titanic exhibition and interesting ship models.

The Miniature Ships of August and Winnifred Crabtree document the evolution of the sailing ship in sixteen amazingly detailed carved miniatures. This exhibit is fascinating from a historical, as well as an artistic perspective.

The International Small Craft Center displays some of the most extraordinary watercraft from around the world. A handmade boat used by Cuban refugees, fine Chris-Craft runabouts and other vessels are on display.

The Mariners’ Museum Library, housed on the campus of nearby Christopher Newport University, includes rare books, maps, charts, archives and photographs and is open to researchers and the public who want more in depth study of nautical history.

The Mariners’ Museum Park is a 550-acre privately-maintained woodland surrounding Lake Maury that is open to the public, free of charge. Paddle boats and small boats are available for rent seasonally. The five-mile Noland Trail follows the shoreline of the lake and has benches and overlooks approximately every half mile.  One of the most beautiful views in the park is Lion’s Bridge, a dam between the lake and the James River, where four large stone statues stand sentinel. Travel Maestro tip: Spend the morning at the Mariners’ Museum, followed by a picnic in the park and a stroll on the lovely Noland Trail.

The Mariners’ Museum is a thorough and truly fascinating chronicle of man’s experience with the sea. If you would like to plan a visit to the Mariners’ Museum and other attractions in the Hampton Roads area, please contact the Covington Travel vacation experts.