Submarine Force Library & Museum - Groton, Connecticut

Address: 1 Crystal Lake Rd, Groton, CT 06340, United States.
Phone: 8003430079.
Website: ussnautilus.org
Specialties: Museum, Historical landmark, History museum, Library, Tourist attraction.
Other points of interest: On-site services, Active military discounts, Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible toilet, Toilet, Restaurant, Family friendly, Good for kids, Free parking lot, On-site parking.
Opinions: This company has 549 reviews on Google My Business.
Average opinion: 4.8/5.

📌 Location of Submarine Force Library & Museum

☎️8003430079

⏰ Open Hours of Submarine Force Library & Museum

Monday: 9 am–4 pm
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 9 am–4 pm
Thursday: 9 am–4 pm
Friday: 9 am–4 pm
Saturday: 9 am–4 pm
Sunday: 9 am–4 pm

Discovering History at the Submarine Force Library & Museum

Nestled at 1 Crystal Lake Rd, Groton, CT 06340, United States, the Submarine Force Library & Museum stands as a beacon for maritime history enthusiasts and families alike. With an impressive array of facilities and services, this museum, historical landmark, and attraction promises an enriching experience for visitors of all ages.

Key Features and Services

- Museum and Historical Significance: The museum showcases the rich history of submarine warfare, offering a deep dive into the technological advancements and naval strategies. It's a must-visit for anyone with an interest in history or military affairs.

- Library Resources: For those who delve into research, the extensive library is a treasure trove of books, documents, and archives related to submarine operations and naval history.

- On-Site Attractions: Beyond the exhibits, visitors can explore a real submarine, offering a unique insight into life aboard a submarine. The facility also includes on-site services such as a restaurant and a family-friendly restaurant area.

- Accessibility: The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring that everyone can enjoy its offerings. Facilities include wheelchair-accessible car parks, entrances, and restrooms, making the experience enjoyable for all visitors.

- Special Offers: Enjoy the convenience of free parking and active military discounts. Additionally, on-site tours are available, enhancing the educational experience.

Why Visit Highlights and Recommendations

- Free Admission: One of the standout features is the free admission, making it an excellent destination for budget-conscious travelers. It's recommended to consider leaving a small donation to support such efforts.

- Family-Friendly Environment: Perfect for kids, including those as young as 7 years old, who will find the interactive exhibits and the chance to explore a real submarine thrilling. The museum's family-friendly atmosphere and toilet facilities ensure a comfortable visit for all.

- Visitor Experience: Reviews highlight the vast amount of information available, encouraging visitors to spend several hours exploring. The museum's gift shop is also a final stop not to be missed, offering memorabilia that makes for a great keepsake.

- Average Opining: With an impressive average opinion rating of 4.8/5 on Google My Business, visitors consistently praise the museum's educational value and engaging exhibits.

Getting There and Planning Your Visit

For those planning to visit, the museum's website (ussnautilus.org) provides detailed information on opening hours, tickets, and how to reach the location. The phone number 8003430079 is also available for inquiries.

Final Recommendation

Don't miss out on this extraordinary historical experience. Whether you're a history buff, a family looking for an educational day out, or someone who appreciates maritime heritage, the Submarine Force Library & Museum offers something for everyone. For more details and to plan your visit, reach out through their website (ussnautilus.org) to ensure you don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore America's naval history.

Remember, your visit could be the highlight of your trip to the Groton area. So, pack your curiosity and enjoy a visit that's sure to leave you inspired and informed.

👍 Reviews of Submarine Force Library & Museum

Submarine Force Library & Museum - Groton, Connecticut

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5/5

This museum is awesome! First off, it's free! They should and could charge for this place!!! Secondly, this place is full of information and you could spend at least 2 to 3 hours and barely consume all the information presented. The submarines are very cool to see and are pretty easy to navigate through except the hatch doors. Overall, this is a must see... Finish it with a visit to the gift shop.

Emily M.

5/5

Brilliant day out for kids. My 7 year old boy loved it. Lots to see and do and going on a real life submarine made his day. No fee to get in but definitely need to leave a donation.

Martin M.

5/5

Quite a place to visit. Full of artefacts and history of the US Submarine force. Was great to see the Nautilus and I had recently read Commander William R. Anderson's, book "Nautilus 90 Degree North". You can also walk through the Nautilus - so a great visit. Good but limited articles in the gift shop.

Greg H.

5/5

The Submarine Force Library & Museum is an amazing museum and a “must see” destination when visiting the state of Connecticut.

Located alongside the Thames River in Groton, Connecticut and positioned near the Naval Submarine Base New London, the museum features an extensive collection of submarine related artifacts, and is famous for its ownership and preservation of the USS Nautilus (SSN-571), the world’s first operational nuclear powered submarine.

When celebrating my wife’s birthday in September of 2024, I brought her and myself for a self guided visit of the Submarine Force Library & Museum, and we very much enjoyed our time and experience there!!!

We had fun viewing the museum’s prolific collection of photographs and documents that displays the profiles of the Navy’s prominent and successful officers, and richly details the history of submarine development in the United States. We also loved exploring the museum’s numerous exhibits which included working periscopes, a submarine control panel, and an eclectic collection of submarine models.

Visitors to the museum are able to enter free of charge and will also have access to free ample parking. The museum also contains a wonderful gift shop that showcases and sells navy memorabilia and merchandise, as well as a theater room that features a documentary on naval history and infamous battles waged in America’s history.

The “Star attraction” of the museum and our personal favorite was undoubtedly the USS Nautilus, America’s first nuclear powered submarine.

When touring the submarine, my wife and I were able to visit and view many of the ship’s diverse sections ranging from the sailer’s bed rooms, the captain’s quarters, the kitchen and dining areas, the gallery, the control room, and the attack center. We learned that the Nautilus was fully launched in 1954 and was capable of carrying over a 100 navy sailors. The ship was in operation from 1954-1980.

We also learned that the submarine’s nuclear propulsion system allowed her to stay under the water far longer than previously built submarines, and that it was able to travel to more remote locations, most notably the North Pole in the 1950’s.

Due to its pioneering technological capabilities and design, and its huge impact on naval history, the USS Nautilus is listed on the U.S.National Register Of Historic Places, and has been designated as a National Historic Landmark.

Visiting the USS Nautilus gave me and my wife a chance to view and understand the layout, interior design and setting of a submarine, and provided us a glimpse of what life is life for a Navy sailor.

We’d both like to thank the Submarine Force Library & Museum and its staff for providing us with a an awesome and educational experience, and highly recommended for everyone, especially U.S Navy aficionados, to visit this outstanding institution!!!

Otho S.

5/5

Great experience. Docent gave a great tour. Lots of great history here. It is a free tour and a great visit opportunity that takes no more than 2 hours if you are looking for something to do that gives an authentic representation of submarine history and life back in the day

Charles I.

5/5

We were able get a chance on one of our vacation trips to see this wonderful place.was a great experience and very educational to see these amazing vessels and learn about life on them.a big salute to all our service members who have served.we were able to go aboard one of the submarines.

Lisa S.

5/5

If you are in the area, don't miss this! Walking through the USS Nautilus submarine is fabulous, and as a bonus it's free!

Chad H.

3/5

The museum was cool but the actual submarine was closed due to malfunctioning ventilation and has apparently been closed for months. It's not supposed to reopen until some time in 2024. Would be nice to see that on a website or something. The displays were informative and all pretty cool.