The National Civil War Naval Museum at Port Columbus in Columbus, Georgia, focuses on the naval history of the American Civil War. Its collection includes the remains of Confederate ships and recreations that let you explore parts of historic vessels.
- Location: 1002 Victory Drive, Columbus, Georgia 31901.
- Typical hours: Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sunday, 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Adult admission: $12; seniors and military: $10; students: $8.
- From the SureStay Hotel by Best Western Columbus Downtown, it’s about a 33-minute walk.
What the museum covers
The museum focuses on the naval history of the American Civil War and opened at its current location in 2001. Set on the Chattahoochee River, the 40,000-square-foot facility brings together ship remains, recreations and displays connected to the conflict at sea.
It is at 1002 Victory Drive. If you’re planning time in the city around your museum visit, a guide to downtown Columbus, Georgia can help you explore the area’s neighborhoods.
Ships, exhibits and grounds
The museum’s naval collection includes the remains of two Confederate Navy ships: the CSS Jackson and the CSS Chattahoochee. You can also explore a recreation of the USS Hartford, including its berth deck, wardroom and captain’s cabin.
Other exhibits feature a full-scale replica of the USS Monitor’s turret and interior and exterior views of the CSS Albemarle. Visit Columbus describes the museum as accessible and includes self-guided tours among its amenities.
Tickets and opening hours
Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and military, and $8 for students. Members and children age 6 and under enter free; sales tax is additional.
It closes on New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hours, admission and closure details can change, so check the official site before you go.
Opening hours
- Monday to Friday: 10 AM–4:30 PM
- Sunday: 12:30 PM–4:30 PM
- Saturday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
How do you get to the museum from downtown Columbus?
The museum is on Victory Drive, and free on-site parking is available. For broader transport details around the city, the guide to getting around Columbus, Georgia covers local transportation.
You can call the museum at (706) 327-9798 with questions about your visit.
Planning time for a visit
There is no stated recommended visit length, so plan around the museum’s opening hours and the exhibits you want to see. The ship remains and vessel recreations offer several distinct parts of the collection to explore.
FAQs
Where is the National Civil War Naval Museum?
It is at 1002 Victory Drive, Columbus, Georgia 31901, on the Chattahoochee River.
What ships are part of the collection?
The collection includes remains of the CSS Jackson and CSS Chattahoochee, along with exhibits about the USS Hartford, USS Monitor and CSS Albemarle.
Does the museum offer self-guided tours?
Yes. The museum offers self-guided tours.