All maritime museums to visit in New York State

Set sail on a journey through maritime history at 30 maritime museums in New York State. These museums showcase the history of seafaring, shipbuilding, and naval exploration.

Are you fascinated by the sea and maritime history? These are the top maritime museums in New York State

  1. Online discount!Intrepid Museum1

    Intrepid Museum

     New York, NY
    The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is a unique destination in New York City, offering a glimpse into American military and maritime history. The museum houses a collection of museum ships, providing an immersive experience for visitors interested in naval history and technology.
  2. South Street Seaport Museum2

    South Street Seaport Museum

     New York, NY
    South Street Seaport is a largely protected district located in Manhattan, New York. This historic district is situated where Fulton Street meets the East River. Despite its small size, it holds significant historical value and is distinct from the neighboring Financial District. It is home to some of the oldest buildings in Downtown Manhattan, including a large collection of early 19th-century commercial buildings.
  3. Montauk Point Lighthouse3

    Montauk Point Lighthouse

     Montauk, NY
    The Montauk Point Light is a lighthouse situated in Montauk, a small village within the town of East Hampton, at the easternmost point of Long Island, in the state of New York. This historic lighthouse is a significant landmark and a symbol of the maritime history of the region.
  4. The Whaling Museum4

    The Whaling Museum

     Cold Spring Harbor, NY
    The Whaling Museum & Education Center, previously known as The Whaling Museum, is a maritime museum situated in Cold Spring Harbor, New York. The museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the local history and maritime heritage of Long Island, particularly its significant impact on the whaling industry.
  5. Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum - Buffalo, NY5

    Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum - Buffalo, NY

     Buffalo, NY
    Discover history firsthand at the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museums, founded by David and Marsha Karpeles. Our museums across the United States preserve and showcase a diverse range of original manuscripts and historical documents, from handwritten letters and historical treaties to scientific pap
  6. USS  Slater6

    USS Slater

     Albany, NY
    The USS Slater is not just a piece of history, but also a unique museum experience. It is currently docked on the Hudson River in Albany, serving as a museum ship. What sets the USS Slater apart is that it is the only ship of its kind still afloat in the United States. Visitors can explore the ship and learn about its rich history, making it a unique and educational experience.
  7. Dunkirk Lighthouse7

    Dunkirk Lighthouse

     Dunkirk, NY
    The Dunkirk Lighthouse, also known as the Point Gratiot Lighthouse, is a significant historical site located on the shores of Lake Erie, in Chautauqua County, New York. This active lighthouse has been a beacon for mariners since its construction in 1826, with the current tower first lit in 1875. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since December 18, 1979, marking its importance in the history of the region and the country.
  8. Fire Island Lighthouse8

    Fire Island Lighthouse

     Fire Island, NY
    The Fire Island Lighthouse is a prominent landmark located on the Great South Bay, in southern Suffolk County, New York. It is situated on the western end of Fire Island, a barrier island off the southern coast of Long Island. This location makes it a unique destination for visitors who are interested in exploring the natural beauty of the area.
  9. Bluff Point Lighthouse9

    Bluff Point Lighthouse

     Plattsburgh, NY
    Bluff Point Light, also known as the Valcour Island Light, is a historical lighthouse that was in service from 1874 until 1930. Today, it is part of Adirondack State Park and is operated as a museum by the Clinton County Historical Association. Visitors can explore the lighthouse and learn about its history and the role it played in guiding ships through the channel between Valcour Island and New York State.
  10. Saugerties Lighthouse10

    Saugerties Lighthouse

     Saugerties, NY
    The Saugerties Lighthouse is an active beacon situated on the Hudson River, to the north of Saugerties, in Ulster County, New York. This historic structure has been a part of the landscape since its construction in 1869, replacing the original lighthouse built in 1838. It's a significant landmark that offers a glimpse into the maritime history of the region.
  11. Charlotte–Genesee Lighthouse11

    Charlotte–Genesee Lighthouse

     Rochester, NY
    The Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse is an active lighthouse that is situated in the Charlotte neighborhood of Rochester on Lake Ontario, in Monroe County, New York. It is a significant historical site that has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since August 13, 1974. The lighthouse is located on Lake Ontario, at the mouth of the Genesee River.
  12. Fort Schuyler12

    Fort Schuyler

     Bronx, NY
    Fort Schuyler is a well-preserved fortification from the 19th century, located in the borough of the Bronx in New York City. This historical site offers a unique glimpse into the past, showcasing the architectural and military strategies of the time. It is a significant landmark that represents a part of the city's rich history.
  13. Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden13

    Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden

     Staten Island, NY
    Snug Harbor, also known as Sailors Snug Harbor, is a collection of architecturally significant buildings from the 19th century. These buildings are located on Staten Island, in New York City. The site is a testament to the architectural styles of the time and offers a unique glimpse into the past.
  14. Uss Slater14

    Uss Slater

     Albany, NY
    The USS Slater is currently a museum ship located on the Hudson River in Albany. It is the only ship of its kind that is still afloat in the United States. Visitors can explore this unique piece of naval history and gain a deeper understanding of the role these ships played in the mid-20th century warfare.
  15. H. Lee White Marine Museum15

    H. Lee White Marine Museum

     Oswego, NY
    The H. Lee White Marine Museum, situated in Oswego, New York, was established in 1982. The founder, Rosemary Sinnett Nesbitt, was a local professor and also served as the City of Oswego Historian. This museum is a testament to her dedication to preserving the maritime history of the region.
  16. Camillus Erie Canal Park16

    Camillus Erie Canal Park

     Camillus, NY
    Camillus Erie Canal Park, located in Camillus, New York, is a town park that conserves a seven-mile stretch of the Erie Canal. This park is a significant historical site that offers visitors a glimpse into the past, showcasing a preserved section of the Erie Canal, a crucial waterway that played a significant role in the state's history and development.
  17. American Merchant Marine Museum17

    American Merchant Marine Museum

     Kings Point, NY
    The United States Merchant Marine Academy, also known as USMMA or Kings Point, is one of the five maritime academies in the country. It provides training for future officers of the American merchant marine in military sectors or the transport industry. The academy offers courses in engineering, navigation, maritime administration, maritime law, management, international law, economics, and many other subjects aimed at training students to govern a ship.
  18. Sodus Bay Lighthouse Museum18

    Sodus Bay Lighthouse Museum

     Town of Sodus, NY
    The Sodus Point Light, a historic lighthouse, is situated at Sodus Point on Lake Ontario, in Wayne County, New York. This lighthouse has been recognized for its historical significance and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since October 8, 1976.
  19. Antique Boat Museum19

    Antique Boat Museum

     Clayton, NY
    The Antique Boat Museum is situated in the picturesque 1000 Islands on the St. Lawrence River, in Clayton, New York, United States. This location not only provides a beautiful backdrop for the museum but also holds historical significance as it is a part of the region's rich maritime heritage.
  20. National Lighthouse Museum20

    National Lighthouse Museum

     New York, NY
    The National Lighthouse Museum, situated in St. George, Staten Island, New York City, is a unique institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of lighthouses and their keepers. The museum offers a deep dive into the world of lighthouses, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of their historical significance and the role they played in navigation.
  21. Hudson River Maritime Museum21

    Hudson River Maritime Museum

     Kingston, NY
    The Hudson River Maritime Museum is situated at 50 Rondout Landing, at the foot of Broadway in Kingston, New York, United States. It is nestled along the Rondout Creek in the city's old waterfront, providing a picturesque setting for visitors. The museum's location is not only scenic but also historically significant, as it is just east of the John T. Loughran Bridge.
  22. Sampson State Park22

    Sampson State Park

     Romulus, NY
    Sampson State Park, a vast 2,070-acre state park, is situated in Seneca County, New York. The park is nestled on the east shore of Seneca Lake, offering visitors a picturesque view of one of the Finger Lakes. Its location provides a serene and tranquil environment, perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat in nature.
  23. Newhouse Center For Contemporary Art23

    Newhouse Center For Contemporary Art

     New York, NY
    Sailors Snug Harbor, also informally known as Snug Harbor, is a collection of architecturally significant buildings from the 19th century. These buildings are located on Staten Island, which is part of New York City. The site is a testament to the architectural styles of the past and offers a unique glimpse into the city's history.
  24. Long Island Maritime Museum24

    Long Island Maritime Museum

     West Sayville, NY
    The main exhibition and administrative building of the Long Island Maritime Museum is home to a diverse collection of models. It also features a permanent exhibition on Long Island shipwrecks and the United States Life-Saving Service. Additionally, the museum has a gallery that hosts annual exhibitions, providing visitors with a variety of maritime-related displays and information.
  25. The Sag Harbor Whaling and Historical Museum25

    The Sag Harbor Whaling and Historical Museum

     Sag Harbor, NY
    The Sag Harbor Whaling Museum, located in Sag Harbor, Long Island, USA, is a public institution dedicated to the history and significance of whaling. It is the largest museum of its kind in the state of New York, making it a significant destination for those interested in maritime history and the whaling industry.
  26. Horton Point Lighthouse - Southold Historical Museum26

    Horton Point Lighthouse - Southold Historical Museum

     Southold, NY
    The Horton Point Lighthouse is a significant landmark situated in the quaint village of Southold, which is nestled on the northeast coast of Long Island, in Suffolk County, New York. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the rich history of the area while enjoying the scenic beauty of the coastline.
  27. Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum27

    Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum

     Chittenango, NY
    The Chittenango Landing Dry Dock Complex, now home to the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum, has a rich history dating back to 1856. It served as a dry dock for canal boats on the old Erie Canal until 1917, when this section of the canal was bypassed by the new barge canal. This historical significance adds depth to the visitor's experience at the museum.
  28. 28

    Oak Orchard Lighthouse Museum

     Kent, NY
    The Oak Orchard Lighthouse is an active beacon of light situated at Oak Orchard Creek on the shores of Lake Ontario, within Orleans County, New York. This lighthouse serves as a significant landmark and a symbol of the maritime history of the region. It is a point of interest for tourists who are keen on exploring the rich history and the beautiful landscapes of the area.
  29. 29

    Waterfront Museum

     Brooklyn, NY
    The Waterfront Museum in Brooklyn has a rich history that dates back to its former life as Lehigh Valley Barge No. 79. This barge was part of the Lehigh Valley Railroad and was used to transport goods across the Hudson River. This historical context adds a unique layer to the museum's appeal, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.
  30. 30

    Buffalo Harbor Museum

     Buffalo, NY
    What used to be a shipping company is now a museum in which you can explore maritime memorabilia and equipment.