The National Museum of the American Sailor is an official U.S. Navy museum in North Chicago, dedicated to the history and heritage of American Sailors. Its focus includes the Navy’s only boot camp at Naval Station Great Lakes, and its location outside the base’s Main Gate makes it accessible without base passes.
- Location: Building 42, 2531 Sheridan Road, Great Lakes, IL 60088
- Usual published hours: Temporarily closed
- Admission: Free when the museum is open
What does the National Museum of the American Sailor cover?
The National Museum of the American Sailor tells the story of the United States Navy through the history and heritage of its Sailors. The museum’s mission also highlights Naval Station Great Lakes and its role as home to the Navy’s only boot camp.
Building 42 stands next to Gate 1 of Naval Station Great Lakes, but the museum is outside the Main Gate. You do not need base access or a visitor pass to visit the museum.
What can you see at the museum?
The museum’s website provides information about its exhibits and collections, along with research, education and outreach programs. It also covers group tours, accessibility, security information, ceremonies and special events.
Check the museum’s official site for current exhibit and program details before planning around a particular subject or activity.
When is the museum open, and is admission free?
The museum is closed on federal holidays. Admission is free and open to the public. Schedules and access can change, so check the official site before you go.
Temporarily closed
This place is listed as temporarily closed. Check the official site before you go.
Last checked November 2026.
A large visitor parking lot sits outside the museum, with free parking and accessible spaces. Since the museum is outside the Main Gate, you can visit without arranging base access or a visitor pass. The museum is about five minutes by car from Red Carpet Inn North Chicago.
How do you get to the National Museum of the American Sailor?
The museum is at Building 42, 2531 Sheridan Road, Great Lakes, IL 60088, next to Gate 1 of Naval Station Great Lakes. From I-94, take the Buckley Road (IL-137) exit and continue east on Buckley Road for approximately 3 miles.
The museum is behind the Visitor’s Center on the north side of the Main Gate. From Red Carpet Inn North Chicago, the museum is about 5 minutes by car.
The nearest listed Metra stop is Great Lakes station on the Union Pacific/North Line, half a mile south of the museum, about a ten-minute walk away. If you’re planning the rail leg, the Great Lakes station guide covers getting to and from North Chicago.
How much time should you allow for a visit?
The museum does not state a typical visit duration. If you’re arranging other plans around your visit, use the museum’s current exhibit and program information to decide how much time to set aside, and confirm its visiting information before you go.
FAQs
Where is the National Museum of the American Sailor?
It is in Building 42 at 2531 Sheridan Road, Great Lakes, Illinois, next to Gate 1 of Naval Station Great Lakes.
Do you need a base pass to visit?
No. The museum is outside Naval Station Great Lakes’ Main Gate, so visitors do not need base access or visitor passes.
Is there parking at the museum?
Yes. A large visitor lot outside the museum offers free parking, including accessible spaces.
Does the museum charge admission?
Admission is free and open to the public when the museum is open. Check the museum’s official site for current visitor information.