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November 2023 by JAMES H.
We managed to made a stop early in the morning at this museum because my son is interested in submarines. The museum is very informative and no entrance fee. However it’s disappointed to find out that SSN 571 is not open due to maintenance! And they don’t even say when it could reopen!I wish they could simply put the reopen date on their website so that people like us could make a plan for revisit.
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October 2023 by Mike Criss
A must stop if you’re in the area. Lots of Naval submarine history and a self guided tour of the USS Nautilus. Fascinating history of Admiral Rickover, the father of nuclear powered submarines. Look for the story of CMR Gilmore a metal of honor recipient famous for saying “Take’r down.
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September 2023 by Bubba Smith
Wow…gives you a real aspect of the life of a submariner….thanks for always protecting our Nation and the world….had salute??♥️
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September 2023 by Ashley Roberts
We popped in before leaving our long weekend vacation in Mystic and were happy we did. This museum is free but I highly recommend giving a donation since it helps with maintaining the attraction. The museum has lots of interesting and interactive exhibits that are great for kids and adults alike. My favorite part of the museum is going in an actual submarine and exploring its many rooms. I do want to issue a trigger warning to those who suffer from claustrophobia. The passages through the submarine are understandably narrow and there isn't a much room for people to pass each other. Additionally, the steps down are steep and doorways require lots of ducking (so if you are a larger individual this might be uncomfortable for you). I enjoy history and learning about these submarines was fascinating!
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September 2023 by Steven Webb
Fantastic small museum. Free. Small building, about 2 hours to see the highlights. More of your into details. Movie inside included. Outdoor the main event, the Nautilus, first nuclear submarine. There is only one first, and this is it.No lines, no crowds, for inside the sub is maybe 30 minutes. Fascinating look at inside of this machine of war. Better if you've been inside a WWII submarine (USS Pampanito in San Francisco), contrast size and comfort. Very interesting.The parking lot is close, big. Some outdoor exhibits. WCs inside clean and big. Great place to visit if you're in the area. Of course, it helps if you love navy war stories and history.
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August 2023 by Scott G.
I visited the Submarine Force Museum recently, which is the first time I've been since I was a little kid... But it was just as cool as I remembered!First off, the museum is completely FREE, so you can't really go wrong in making the trip. There is a large parking lot that is also free. The museum is located right next to the Submarine Force Base New London, but keep in mind that the base itself is not open to the public, only the museum.Once inside, there are lots of cool exhibits to explore and you'll learn the history of modern submarining and how submarines operate, including a small theater where you can watch two different short films related to submarining history. The best part, in my opinion, was boarding the USS Nautilus, which was the world's first nuclear-powered submarine built right in Groton. You can actually go down into the submarine itself (which is in the water) and learn about what life was like living on a sub. Keep in mind that you will be walking through some confined spaces and will have to walk through hatchway doors that are fairly small. But it is definitely the highlight of the museum!On the way out, stop by the gift shop and pick up some submariner swag. Overall a very cool (and very free) spot to visit, especially with kids!
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August 2023 by Shanna Larson
What a super fun place! For a free museum, we sure had a fantastic experience!The museum has a scavenger hunt which kept the grown ups and kids occupied for over an hour!There are some outdoor exhibits when you first get on the property, then indoor, and you'll walk outside to the submarine. There's also a gift shop.Suggested $10 donation for entry, but it is still free.I 100% recommend!
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August 2023 by Malori H.
awesome experience! i cant believe this place is free! so much to learn and see here. going inside the nautilus was such a fun and unexpected activity. recommended a visit to a coworker while him and his kids are on vacation in mystic.
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July 2023 by Neil O'Connor
Museum dedicated to the US Navy's submarine service, and the first nuclear powered submarine, the USS Nautilus is located off post, just south of the Groton Submarine Base. The museum is open to the public Wednesday through Monday, and there is no charge for attendance. Those interested in history, technology, and military affairs may appreciate the museum most. The museum is located on the Themes River about ten minutes from I-95.
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July 2023 by Alex H.
If you're driving through or visiting Groton, Connecticut, make sure to visit the Submarine Museum. It's a place where you can learn all about submarines, both old and new. The museum has exhibits that show how technology has advanced and you can see real-life examples of how big and powerful naval forces can be. It's a fascinating experience that shouldn't be missed!
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June 2023 by Brian G.
Well designed and offer submarine museum! I always enjoy seeing some history, and also reading about the forces that protect our great land.
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May 2023 by Tasha N.
Staff is excellent, very knowledgeable. Just outside the gift shop in the lobby is a penny press machine, it's preloaded and only accepts dollar bills.
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April 2023 by Brad K.
As I descended the dark staircase into the depths of the submarine, I felt a sense of excitement and trepidation. It was as if I was entering a different world - a world of metal, machinery, and mystery. The walls were lined with books and artifacts, each one a testament to the history and bravery of those who had served before me. The hum of the engines and the creak of the metal hull created a symphony of sound that echoed through the cramped space. I ran my fingers over the pages of a book, feeling the rough texture of the paper, and imagined the stories it held. The museum was a time capsule, a window into a different era, and I was grateful to be able to experience it. As I emerged back into the sunlight, blinking against the brightness, I felt a sense of awe and respect for those who had served on these vessels. The submarine library and museum was not just a collection of artifacts - it was a tribute to the men and women who had risked everything to keep our country safe.
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November 2022 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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November 2022 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!
