USS CONSTELLATION 

301 E. Pratt Street
Pier 1
410-539-1797

HOURS:
Labor Day thru Oct. 14: 10am-6pm
Oct. 15 thru April 30: 10am-4pm
May 1 thru Labor Day: 10am-6pm
Extended hours may be available June, July, and August

ADMISSION:
Adults $6.00
Seniors (60+) $4.00
Children (6-14) $3.50
Children (5 & under) Free

Visitors cannot miss this ship as it is docked in the center of all the action: between such attractions as the National Aquarium and the Maryland Science Center directly out the front doors of Harborplace (Pratt Street Pavilion). This is the only surviving Civil War era Naval vessel. The Civil War was over a hundred years ago, and for a battle ship to survive that long is quite a feat. The USS Constellation has been restored to look as it did when these ships redefined the drama of the high seas.

Baltimore has always been ambiguous when it comes to their regional identity; for, the city lies just below the Mason-Dixon Line. In fact, it was because of this ambiguity that the first bloodshed of the Civil War occurred in Baltimore. Now, the Constellation is docked smack in the center of the Harbor, and what color is it painted but a deep navy blue! Could it be that the city is discretely exhibiting their loyalty to the Union symbolically - through this ship - as it floats in plain sight, mocking you southern sympathizers as you unheedingly stroll by? One never can be sure. Anyway, it is a beautiful and very rare ship, so just getting a picture of yourself standing next to it is something worthwhile. Tours are thorough but quick and interesting. -- Michael Rando