Collections in 13 galleries at the museum include ship models, navigational instruments, paintings by artists throughout history, and the world-famous August Crabtree Collection of Miniature Ships. Looming over the heads of visitors are marvelous carved figureheads, including women and giant eagles, with eyes that seem still to look out to sea. Children are fascinated with the costumed interpreters, such as an eighteenth century sea captain, who bring to life the challenging work of mariners. The museum is located in an urban park containing 550 acres of woods and fields surrounding tranquil Lake Maury. From March through October, canoes and rowboats may be rented for pleasure boating or fishing.
Picnic tables are also available.
From I-64 in Newport News, take Exit 258A and drive south 2.5 miles to the museum entrance at the intersection of Warwick and J. Clyde Morris boulevards. Museum tour, picnicking, boating, hiking. There is an admission fee. This park on the James River has a freshwater lake stocked with trout in addition to a boat ramp, public beach, picnic shelters, and the privately operated James River Bridge Fishing Pier. Pier anglers catch nice-sized croaker, spot, trout, and rockfish seasonally.