Portageur57
The submarine service is considered "the silent service" and requires persons of a somewhat rare nature. You probably won't hear much about it from those who have served. Visiting the museum is a great way to learn about their experiences. Climb aboard the Nautilus and witness firsthand how submariners had to live...fascinating. There are interactive displays, periscopes that work to try out. Interesting and fun for the family, an unusual and unique experience. Worth the time. There are other attractions in the area that are less worthy than this one. Give it a try.
Ref6494
great little museum outlining the history of U.S. navy submarines. I'm interested in military history, so naturally I found this place interesting. Exhibits ranged in content and subject. Their was an old timer vet who talked my ear off, I'm sure he would have given me a personalized tour if I asked him. museum was free for admission! to top it all off, you get to tour through the uss nautilus. even if your not interested in anything else their, it's fun to walk through a real submarine. I recommend it!
charliee435
The Navy is nuclear today and this submarine was the first. My first Revel model kit as a kid was this sub. What a treat to tour it now. I wish it would have been more like to sub was when it was active instead of a stairway into the torpedo room that ruined to perspective of the room. But as you wound around it was history that you were walking in. The museum was well done and the staff was friendly and helpful in answering questions.
Trancedevo
Just about anything you could want to know about submarines from the Bushnell "Turtle" up to the present day. The self guided tour of parts of the first nuclear powered submarine, the USS Nautilus, is the high point, but the museum includes a host of other fascinating items.
3booths
Free opportunity to walk through a retired submarine and learn some history about the history of submarine construction and use. Nautilus is moored on the river and next to the Naval Submarine Base New London, providing for nice views.Plenty of history and models of submarines and their crews from over the years.Easy to find off of I-95. Plan for an hour or less to complete visit (though this may be longer during higher traffic tourist season)
Darkcomputerguru
I loved it the first time and all the next times. I went when I was a boy and I took both my kids. And they loved it. This is an experience you most have.
Nomad0921
My wife and I passed the exit for the Submarine Force Museum many times while driving on I-95. We decided to visit this time to stop - it was a great decision. As someone who has some knowledge of naval history and submarine history, the Submarine Force Museum is not to be missed. There are exhibits about submarines from Bushnell's "Turtle" to the current day, with the highlight being the ability to take a self guided tour of the the USS Nautilus, the world's first nuclear submarine. The Nautilus exhibit is suitable for both adults and kids, kids may enjoy it more than adults due to the cramped spaces and first hand look at a piece of modern history. The other exhibits cover the use of submarines and their weapons from their inception through the two world wars to the present day. The museum can be covered in a half day and is funded through donations - admission is free!
Mikecarstop
An amazing visit, and on hand tour inside the USS Nautilus submarine. Once entering the submarine, a handheld device is given to each person and as one pass a designated numbered location, one would push the designated number and a voice emits explaining that location. Very informational and the sound effects give one a feeling of truly being there. Everything within the submarine is set up so precise offering limited room. It's amazing how personnel moved around on board. The exhibits inside the museum offers much information, older equipment, and artifacts from the past. Plenty of photo opportunities within. Also visit the gift shop for unique souvenirs. This is a free attraction, donations are accepted, large parking lot, and easy on and off from Interstate 95. Truly it will be a memorable experience..
999tonys
I visited the Submarine Force Museum earlier today. Very helpful and cheerful museum guide. The Museum is well laid out with clear explanations both for those who know little of submarine development and warfare, and for those with a military background. Unashamedly proud of their history and rightly so, A fascinating afternoon , the highpoint undoubtedly the tour of the USS Nautilus, Worth noting that the USS Nautilus is not suitable for those with mobility problems, The rest of the Museum is easily accessible on the other hand.
Route128North
My husband and I visited the US Submarine Force Museum last summer. The museum is packed with exhibits that offer much detail. As I am not well-versed in naval history, I sometimes found it difficult to understand the context of a particular exhibit (for me, it was lost in the detail). I also could find no particular order to the displays. Nonetheless, it was an interesting place. The video of the USS Nautilus expedition to the North Pole particularly captured my attention. During our visit, we saw many former submariners showing their families around; it was moving to hear the pride in their voices as they described their service.A highlight of our visit was going aboard the USS Nautilus. We used the audioguide (free) and thought the tour was very well-done and informative. An unexpected moment occurred when we were summoned to return to the entry platform to watch a submarine returning to its base. The crew was in proper formation on top of the ship--very interesting and something we don't experience every day!There is no admission fee, but donations are accepted. The museum was easy to find and has a huge parking lot. We learned quite a lot during our visit of nearly three hours and recommend the museum to those touring the Connecticut coast
Traveler1795
Much to see here. Attraction combines a tour of the USS Nautilus, the US Navy's first nuclear powered submarine as well as a wonderful museum building filled with artifacts from the history of submarines and the people who served aboard them. Information about the Nautilus is well documented throughout the vessel but a minor drawback is accessibility for the handicapped. The museum is complete with the good coverage of the early submarine attempts through the progression to the massive ships that protect our Nation today. Periscopes are available to observe the harbor area around the Nautilus and the museum. A well stocked book store and souvenir shop is also available.
RamiHaxhi
This is well worth a trip to Groton. Very well laid out museum and lots of cool stuff to see and touch. It is free too! Good gift shop, movies, free audio tour devices (including on your phone! and friendly staff, The casinos are a short ride from here. Make a day of it!
BruceS98
Well, what can I say. IT's one thing to visit a museum, but something else when something is on display from a submarine you were attached to for a couple of years. The Missle Muzzle hatch on display is from USS Sam Rayburn SSBN-635. The museum is top notch, and the tour of the USS Nautilus, our first nuclear submarine is top notch. I have toured different submarine displays coast to coast- this one rocks!
WillF6364
I can't believe my family and I have not gone here before. Nieces and nephews loved it. The adults and teens a like had a great time. It is a small museum but it packs a punch! it includes wide exhibition of submarine history. It takes about and hour and a half to get through. Will be telling friends and family members to take a visit soon!
cathym457
If you are interested in anything about the Navy or submarines, or even if you just like museums, you will love this museum. It's excellent!