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USS Slater Destroyer Escort Historical Museum

The last WWII destroyer escort afloat in the United States, moored on the Hudson and restored by volunteers to 1945 condition — you climb down ladders into the engine room.

Where
Downtown Albany
Time needed
1.5 hr visit
Tickets
$10
USS Slater DE-766 moored on the Hudson River in Albany USS Slater DE-766 moored on the Hudson River in Albany

What to expect at USS Slater Destroyer Escort Historical Museum

The USS Slater (DE-766) is the last of 563 destroyer escorts built during World War II still afloat as a museum ship in the United States. Commissioned in 1944, she hunted U-boats in the Atlantic and later served the Greek Navy before being brought to Albany in 1997 and painstakingly restored to her 1945 wartime configuration. She is moored on the Hudson River at the foot of Broadway, painted in her original dazzle camouflage, and every rope, gauge and mess-hall coffee cup is either original or a period-accurate replacement.

Visits are by guided tour only, running about 75 minutes and led almost always by a veteran or long-time volunteer. You board at the quarterdeck, walk the main deck past the 3-inch guns and depth-charge racks, then climb steep ladders down into the forward crew berthing, the galley, the CIC (Combat Information Center) with its original radar plots, and finally into the engine room with its still-oily diesel engines. It is physical — narrow doorways, tight ladders — and unusually moving because the guides tell the actual stories of the men who slept in the bunks you pass.

Open only April through November. Buy tickets on arrival, though weekends fill up and it's worth calling the same morning. Wear closed-toe shoes and something you can climb ladders in — no skirts or sandals. Best combined with a walk along the Hudson River Way pedestrian bridge from Broadway to the Corning Preserve. Not recommended for very small children or anyone with mobility issues; the interior tour requires climbing three sets of steep stairs.

Plan your visit Tickets$10 Time needed1.5 hr visit WhereDowntown Albany Opening hours Wed-Sun 10:00-16:00 (Apr-Nov) Closed Dec-Mar Last tour 15:00 Hotels near USS Slater Destroyer Escort Historical Museum

Questions about USS Slater Destroyer Escort Historical Museum

How much is a tour?

$10 adults, $9 seniors and military, $8 kids 6-14, free under 6. Cash preferred, cards accepted.

Is there a free entry option?

No free days. Active-duty military in uniform receive complimentary admission year-round.

How long is the tour?

Guided tours run about 75 minutes. Allow 90 minutes total including the deck and gift shop.

When is the ship closed?

Closed all of December through March. In season, closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Last tour departs 15:00.

Do I need to book ahead?

Walk-ups accepted but weekends fill up. Call (518) 431-1943 the morning of to reserve a spot.

How do I get to the ship?

Moored on the Hudson at the foot of Broadway near Quay Street. Free parking on the pier. CDTA bus 100 stops two blocks west on Broadway.

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