USS Constellation, Pride of Baltimore's Inner Harbor

There's something special about a ship. Maybe it's the lure of far-away places, or the sense of history we feel as we look at a sailing vessel. It's hard to resist the urge to walk onboard and feel the sea breeze in your hair as you imagine yourself on an open, dark blue ocean, sailing to a port for the very first time.

Most of us won't have the chance to go to sea on a Navy ship. If you're in Baltimore, however, you can walk up the USS Constellation's gangplank and get a taste of life at sea in the 19th century.

Contrary to popular belief, Baltimore's USS Constellation does not date from colonial times. True, the original frigate Constellation launched in 1797, but that ship, old and battle-worn, was decommissioned in 1853. A new Constellation was built in Virginia; she was commissioned in 1855. The new Constellation saw active service during the Civil War, during which she not only patrolled American waters looking for Confederate slave ships but also cruised the Mediterranean Sea. Later, Constellation was used as a relief ship, bringing supplies to Ireland to alleviate the effects of famine. Constellation also served as a training ship. She was finally decommissioned in 1933, but was used as a relief flagship during World War II.

In 1954, Constellation came to Baltimore. She's been a floating museum and a reminder of the Navy's importance ever since.

Today, visitors can walk on Constellation's decks and try out the ship's guns, lines and pulleys. If you visit this historic ship, you'll hear about life onboard the ship during the Civil War. You might learn what meals were served or haul a line to raise the sails. You can descend below the main deck and see how Civil War-era sailors lived. Your comfortable bed and spacious kitchen have never looked so good.

Children especially enjoy visiting Constellation. Especially on weekends, the museum staff works very hard to involve young people in the shipboard experience. Kids love to climb up and down the ship's ladders and hang over the rails to look down at the harbor waters. Once a month, the "Ship's Company" living history group comes aboard to explain and demonstrate seafaring skills. Check the museum's website to find out about programs for "young sailors."

Constellation brings naval history to life via outstanding special programs. At least once a month, guest speakers describe historical events, explain how the ship was restored or shed light on other topics related to Constellation's long and distinguished history. If you have a group of 20 or more, you can arrange to experience a particular aspect of shipboard life with the museum staff.

The ship is centrally located in Baltimore's Inner Harbor, near the National Aquarium in Baltimore and the Baltimore Maritime Museum. Pay parking is available in nearby garages. You can also reach the Inner Harbor/Camden Yards/Convention Center area by light rail or water taxi. Choose from a wide variety of nearby dining options, ranging from Harborplace's Pratt Street Pavilion to restaurants along the Waterfront Promenade.