Submarine Museums - Walk Through History
Experience a real submarine from the inside - museums worldwide preserve these incredible vessels. From WWII U-boats to the first nuclear submarine, here are the best submarine museums.
USS Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Home to the aircraft carrier Intrepid and the submarine USS Growler - one of the few preserved guided missile submarines in the world.
Museum of Science and Industry
Houses U-505, a captured German Type IX C submarine from World War II. One of the best-preserved WWII submarines anywhere.
USS Bowfin Submarine Museum
The "Pearl Harbor Avenger" - a fully restored WWII submarine located right next to the USS Arizona Memorial. Walk through all compartments.
Royal Navy Submarine Museum
The official submarine museum of the Royal Navy featuring HMS Alliance - a completely restored post-war submarine you can walk through.
U-995 at Laboe
Germany's most famous walk-through submarine. This Type VII C/41 U-boat stands as a technical monument on the beach next to the Naval Memorial.
Submarine Force Museum
Home to the USS Nautilus - the world's first nuclear-powered submarine. Walk through this historic vessel that changed naval warfare forever.
Visiting Tips
Tight spaces: Real submarines are cramped! Narrow corridors and low ceilings are part of the authentic experience. If you have severe claustrophobia, be prepared.
For kids: Most submarine museums are exciting for children aged 6 and up. Younger children may need to meet minimum height requirements.
Audio guides: Many museums offer audio guides with fascinating stories about life aboard. Highly recommended!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I walk through a real submarine?
Many museums worldwide offer walk-through submarine experiences. In the USA, notable options include USS Nautilus in Groton (Connecticut), USS Bowfin at Pearl Harbor (Hawaii), USS Growler in New York City, and U-505 in Chicago. In Europe, U-995 in Laboe (Germany) and HMS Alliance in Gosport (England) are excellent choices. Most of these are fully restored and allow visitors to explore all compartments.
Are submarine museums suitable for children?
Most submarine museums are exciting for children aged 6 and up. The cramped corridors, periscopes, torpedo tubes, and control panels are fascinating for kids. However, very young children may find the tight spaces uncomfortable, and some museums have minimum height requirements for safety. Audio guides and interactive exhibits at many museums are designed to engage younger visitors.
What is the most famous submarine museum in the world?
The Submarine Force Museum in Groton, Connecticut (USA) is arguably the most significant - it houses USS Nautilus, the world's first nuclear-powered submarine. The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago is another top contender, featuring the captured WWII German U-boat U-505. In Europe, the Royal Navy Submarine Museum in Gosport (England) with HMS Alliance is widely regarded as the best submarine museum.
Can you spend the night on a submarine?
Some submarine museums and heritage organizations offer overnight experiences aboard decommissioned submarines. These sleepover programs are particularly popular with scout groups, school groups, and families. The experience typically includes sleeping in actual crew bunks, guided tours, and activities that simulate submarine operations. Check with individual museums for availability and age requirements.
How much does it cost to visit a submarine museum?
Prices vary by location. Many submarine museums charge between $10-35 for adult admission. The Submarine Force Museum in Groton (USS Nautilus) offers free admission. The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City charges $33, which includes access to USS Growler. Walk-through experiences at standalone submarine exhibits like U-995 in Germany cost around $8-12. Many museums offer discounts for children, seniors, and military personnel.