- This page was last modified on 9 August 2025, at 06:31. Suggest an edit.
Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park facts for kids
 |
|
 |
|
| Established | July 4, 1979 |
|---|---|
| Location | Canalside, Buffalo, New York |
| Public transit access | NFTA Metro Rail (Canalside) |
The Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park is a special museum. It sits right on the Buffalo River in Buffalo, New York. This park used to be called The Buffalo Naval and Servicemen's Park.
At the park, you can explore real US Navy ships that are no longer used. These include the large cruiser USS Little Rock, the destroyer USS The Sullivans, and the submarine USS Croaker. All three ships are open for visitors to tour and learn about.
Contents
How the Park Started
In 1976, people in Buffalo wanted to create a naval park. They asked the United States Department of the Navy for a decommissioned ship. A decommissioned ship is one that is no longer active in the Navy.
Construction of the park began in 1977. It was first known as the Buffalo Naval and Servicemen's Park. The park officially opened its doors on July 4, 1979.
Ships Joining the Fleet
When the park first opened, it featured two main ships. These were the cruiser USS Little Rock and the destroyer USS The Sullivans. Years later, in 1988, the submarine USS Croaker was added to the display. The Croaker even had some updates in 1989.
It's important to know that the ships at the park still belong to the United States Navy. The Navy checks on them every year to make sure they are well-maintained.
Recent Changes and Growth
The park has changed quite a bit over the years. In 2003, the ships were moved slightly. They are now located near Pearl and Main streets. The park is now right next to Buffalo's Canalside area. This area includes the historic Commercial Slip.
New buildings have also been added to the park. A new museum was built for visitors. Also, a restaurant called Liberty Hound opened in the summer of 2012.
A Special Commissioning Event
On December 16, 2017, a very special event happened at the park. A new Navy ship, USS Little Rock (LCS-9), was officially put into service. This new ship was commissioned right next to its older namesake, USS Little Rock (CG-4). This was the first time in history that a US Navy ship was commissioned alongside a ship with the same name.
What You Can See at the Park
Besides the impressive ships, the park has many other cool things to see. You can find various smaller vehicles, boats, and aircraft on display.
- Gyrodyne X-Ron 1 Rotorcycle: This was a small, one-person helicopter. The US Marine Corps used it in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
- Army M41 Walker Bulldog Tank: A powerful tank used by the Army.
- Marine Corps M-84 Armored Personnel Carrier: This vehicle was used to carry soldiers safely.
- UH-1 Huey Helicopter: A famous helicopter that flew during the Vietnam War.
- Air Force F-101 Voodoo Jet: This jet was flown by the New York Air National Guard from Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.
- Nasty-class PTF Boat: The PTF-17 was a fast patrol boat used by the Navy in Vietnam.
- Navy FJ Fury Jet: This jet was similar to the Air Force's F-86 Sabre.
- USAAF P-39 Airacobra: This plane was made in Buffalo at Bell Aircraft. It was used during World War II.
- Submarine Parts: You can also see the large sail and rudder from the submarine USS Boston.
The Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park is located in the Canalside District. It is close to the KeyBank Center and LECOM Harborcenter in downtown Buffalo. The park's hours change depending on the season. It is closed from December to March each year.