Monarch Butterfly
ParkIllinois, US
Naval Station Great Lakes
Naval Station Great Lakes is the proud home of the United States Navy's only boot camp, transforming civilians into disciplined sailors.
About
Naval Station Great Lakes is the proud home of the United States Navy's only boot camp, transforming civilians into disciplined sailors. While primarily a military training facility, it offers the public a unique window into naval life and history through the engaging National Museum of the American Sailor. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan in Illinois, this significant installation serves as the "Quarterdeck of the Navy," a place where the journey of countless American sailors begins.
The National Museum of the American Sailor is the public's primary point of access, housing a vast collection of over 40,000 historical artifacts that chronicle the rich heritage of the enlisted sailor. Visitors can explore permanent exhibits detailing the evolution of Navy boot camp, the vital roles of women and diverse groups in the Navy, and the daily life and traditions of sailors. Engaging displays, such as "Sails Unfurled: The Dawn of the U.S. Navy" and "Marked by the Sea: Tattoos in the U.S. Navy," offer fascinating insights into naval culture and history through uniforms, photographs, and personal stories.
A visit to Naval Station Great Lakes, particularly its museum, is an inspiring journey into patriotism and service. It provides a profound understanding of the dedication required to serve in the U.S. Navy and offers a memorable experience for anyone interested in military history, American heritage, and the stories of the men and women who protect our nation. For families of graduating recruits, it's a pivotal location to celebrate an incredible milestone. Explore the grounds like a pro—download the Snappit app to instantly identify animals and plants.
Naval Station Great Lakes was established in 1911 and has since become the largest naval training station in the Navy, encompassing over 1,000 buildings across 1,628 acres. Its strategic location near Lake Michigan has made it a crucial site for naval operations and training for over a century. The base played a significant role in both World Wars, training hundreds of thousands of recruits. The National Museum of the American Sailor, an official Department of the Navy museum, was founded in 1991 and moved into its current location in Building 42 (the historic Hostess House) in 2008. This building, designed in 1942, once served as a vital welcome center for nearly a million sailors and their families during World War II, making it a historical artifact in itself.
What to do here
Beyond the museum, visitors attending a graduation will witness the moving Pass-In-Review ceremony where recruits officially become U.S. Navy sailors. For a deeper understanding of naval life, the museum's detailed exhibits cover everything from early naval history to modern-day sailor experiences.
Seasonal info
While the museum is indoors, consider the weather for travel to and from the base. Illinois experiences cold winters and warm, humid summers. Always check the official museum website for any special events or temporary closures. Please note that the National Museum of the American Sailor was closed for renovations starting September 1, 2025, with an anticipated reopening in early 2026. It is advisable to check their official website for the most current operating status.
Accessibility
The National Museum of the American Sailor is located outside the main gate (Gate 1) of Naval Station Great Lakes, and base access is not required for museum visitors. The museum provides free visitor parking, including accessible spaces.
Don't miss
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The National Museum of the American Sailor offers various compelling exhibits. Don't miss the extensive collection of historical naval uniforms, the country's largest archive of boot camp photographs, and displays dedicated to the history of women and diversity in the Navy. Specific exhibits like "Sails Unfurled
The Dawn of the U.S. Navy" and "Marked by the Sea: Tattoos in the U.S. Navy" provide unique cultural and historical perspectives. The building itself, the historic Hostess House (Building 42), is also a significant highlight.
Wildlife you might spot
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Good to know before you go
Prioritize the Museum
If you have limited time or are not attending a graduation, make the National Museum of the American Sailor your primary destination, as it's easily accessible without base credentials.
Plan Graduation Visits Early
If attending a recruit graduation, confirm dates and guest lists with your sailor and the Public Affairs Office months in advance.
Bring Valid ID
For any access to the main base (e.g., graduation), ensure all adult visitors have a valid government-issued photo ID.
Check Museum Status
Before visiting the National Museum of the American Sailor, check their official website for the most up-to-date hours and any potential closures, especially following its recent renovation period.
Combine with Local Attractions
Naval Station Great Lakes is located near other attractions in Lake County, Illinois, and is less than an hour's drive from Chicago, offering opportunities to extend your visit.
Photography
Photography is generally permitted within the museum for personal use, but always be mindful of any posted restrictions or instructions from staff, especially when within areas of the active base.
Frequently asked questions
- Generally, public access to Naval Station Great Lakes is restricted. However, the National Museum of the American Sailor, located just outside the main gate (Gate 1) in Building 42, is free and open to the public and does not require base access. Entry to the main base is typically limited to personnel with official business or those attending recruit graduation ceremonies, which require prior arrangement and identification.
- The museum features a wide array of exhibits showcasing the history of the U.S. Navy's enlisted sailors. Highlights include permanent displays on Navy boot camp, the roles of women and diversity in the Navy, naval traditions, and daily sailor life. The museum houses over 40,000 historical artifacts, such as naval uniforms, photographs, and documents. Specific featured exhibits include "Sails Unfurled: The Dawn of the U.S. Navy" and "Marked by the Sea: Tattoos in the U.S. Navy."
- Attending a Navy graduation requires advance planning. Families and guests typically need to make arrangements through their recruit and the Naval Station Great Lakes Public Affairs Office, often two months in advance. Due to space limitations in the drill hall, it's essential to confirm attendance details and security requirements well before the graduation date.
Recent snaps at this place
Jun 3, 2026
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Photo attribution
(c) Isaac Larkin, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
License: CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 4, 2026
Jun 4, 2026
Jun 4, 2026
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Jun 4, 2026
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