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

The Submarine Force Museum, Groton

(650+ 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.

Create a full Groton itinerary

Plan your trip to Groton

Get a personalized plan

A complete day-by-day itinerary
based on your preferences
Customize it

Refine your plan. We'll find the
best routes and schedules
Book it

Choose from the best hotels
and activities. Up to 50% off
Manage it

Everything in one place.
Everyone on the same page.

Plans in Groton by other users

View more plans

Reviews

TripAdvisor

joe i

The museum, parking, and tour of the sub are all free. Obviously, the submarine is not equipped to handle strollers or wheelchairs but the museum can. The sub is a walk thru only, no touching so you c... more »
Allan P

if your in the area you must stop by. lots of history and information. being able to go into the sub is pretty cool too. more »
Donna H

This was very informative. The preteen actually found it fascinating. The coolest part was going inside the submarine and seeing the really crammed quarters. There were even military personnel availab... more »

View more on Trip Advisor »

Google

John Kania

Excellent museum with much to see and very knowledgeable guides if you wish to have a guided tour. Or tour on your own.

more less
Jazzy Boy

i work for Bamsi and i do outings on Saturdays this place was great they all had alot of fun i highly recomend it

more less
LI YI

Cool place to spend a hour and it is FREE. Kids friendly. They provide audio guide to see the submarine which have different language options. There is a small museum but awesome stuffs. Cute little gift shop with ok price. Clean bathroom. Plenty of parking.

more less
Joao Bras-Jorge

Great place to spend a half day reading about mostly WWII submarines. Lots of infos about the weapons systems not so much about the submarines' technology. The Nautilus (major attraction) was closed even though it was announced opened on the website. Disappointing.

more less
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.

more less