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The Submarine Force Museum, Groton

4.8

Must see · Specialty Museum · Museum

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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. To visit The Submarine Force Museum and get the most from your holiday in Groton, create itinerary details personal to you using our Groton trip planner.

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The Submarine Force Museum reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating

887 reviews

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4.8

By chandelle0

One of the best free museums I've ever been to. The exhibits are well-kept and showcase the history of submarines from the very beginning to the present. It's definitely more interesting when...

One of the best free museums I've ever been to. The exhibits are well-kept and showcase the history of submarines from the very beginning to the present. It's definitely more interesting when... more »
By cupcake871

We enjoyed our visit here while on vacation. We planned the visit way ahead of time. We were looking forward to touring the USS Nautilus submarine because my best friends Dad was on this sub. It was..... more

We enjoyed our visit here while on vacation. We planned the visit way ahead of time. We were looking forward to touring the USS Nautilus submarine because my best friends Dad was on this sub. It was..... more »
By CaptMancuso

Unfortunately, the USS Nautilus is not currently located at the museum. The Nautilus has been removed for renovation and is scheduled to return in the fall of 2022. I have toured the Nautilus in the..... more

Unfortunately, the USS Nautilus is not currently located at the museum. The Nautilus has been removed for renovation and is scheduled to return in the fall of 2022. I have toured the Nautilus in the..... more »

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By Janet Richey

There is a lot this place has to offer, and since admission is free, you can either breeze through and admire things you're interested in, or soak in every last exhibit. The submarine is a museum unto itself, and while the younger members of our party explored it, those of us who have bad knees and claustrophobia chose to stay above ground. The outside exhibits were as interesting as the inside. Masks were required inside.

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By Kevin Buell

Nice museum building with all sort of interesting submarine history and armament. The interactive periscope and sub controls are fun for the kids. They also have a decommissioned nuclear sub to tour. Very well done and as easy to move around in…at least as much as can be expected when you’re 6’3” lol. DUCK. If you aren’t super into subs…you can go through it all fairly quickly. If you’re a military nerd…you’ll need a couple hours.

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By Hayley Noll

What a great place to come and learn about submarines! Right next to the active submarine base this place holds a wealth of history and even better is that there is no entrance fee. But be sure to donate they can continue to operate fully! Was very neat to be able to board the worlds first nuclear powered submarine, USS Nautilus.

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By Christopher Williams

Awesome, just awesome! The Medal of Honor shadow boxes were especially outstanding. The replicas and the real exhibits are simply incredible. Gives you a whole new respect and understanding for those that choose to serve in the depthly Hallows of our oceans!

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By DJ H

My family and I really enjoyed the Submarine Force Museum in New London Connecticut. The only downside was that the USS Nautilus wasn't docked to tour inside. However the admission was free.

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