Trip Planner: USA / Connecticut / Groton / Museums / The Submarine Force Museum

The Submarine Force Museum, Groton

(600+ reviews on the web)

Specialty Museum

The Submarine Force Museum offers self-guided tours with a chance to learn about the history of submarines and their role as part of the U.S. Navy. Climb aboard the USS Nautilus--launched in 1954, the Nautilus was the world's first operational nuclear-powered submarine. Before it was decommissioned in 1980, it cruised under the ice of the North Pole, participated in NATO exercises, and joined in the naval quarantine of Cuba. The Nautilus offers self-guided audio tours. The museum houses a collection of smaller submarines, including a Japanese midget submarine (plus related items, such as periscopes), and a large library featuring a collection of books, documents, and photographs relating to the development of submersible crafts. Plan to visit The Submarine Force Museum and other customer-reviewed, writer-recommended Groton attractions using our Groton vacation trip planner.

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Reviews

TripAdvisor

Ed G

The former crew of the USS Will Rogers SSBN659 held our 50th anniversary reunion of the commissioning of our sub. We visited the museum and were received with gracious courtesy and professionalism. GR... more »
PABuckeyeFans

Free museum for all ages. History of submarines right on the river. Terrific gift shop and friendly staff. Dinner was brought in for us and tables were set up. Nice atmosphere. more »
norman w

This is a great place to visit for all ages. It has a wonderful museum inside and outside. You get to see vintage sumbmarines and go aboard and tour a real one. Everyone can use several periscopes the... more »

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Google

Tyler Lund

You can’t beat the price of admission since it’s free! The submarine museum is a nice place to spend a rainy afternoon. The museum isn’t huge, but is very interesting covering the history of the US submarine forces from literally the birth of the nation to present. The exhibits are interesting but the real draw is the USS Nautilus which can be accessed from the museum. It’s a great way to see what life aboard a fairly modern submarine is like and a very unique experience.

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MattandClaire Campbell

Great maritime museum. My kids loved the statics out in the front of the museum and then all the hands on (ship's control station, periscopes and light up models) displays. Touring the Nautilus requires some effort with steep ladders and narrow passages, especially if you have carry a little one. I wouldn't recommend taking kids younger than 4 down on the Nautilus, but, that's up to you. Highly recommend to anyone visiting the area!

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Rob Del Vento

Great stop to entertain the kids as a break from sitting in traffic during beach season on I-95. Interesting history of submarines.

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Cheryl Tavernelli

Such a great place, you can go inside the actual submarine. There is a self paced audio tour.

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Thompson Journal

The Submarine Force Library and Museum is a fantastic place to spend a few hours learning more about the "Silent Service". Not only are there great displays about the history of subs, but the USS Nautilus is available to board and tour. Everything is free, but donations are accepted.

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