Manitowoc shipyards built 28 submarines for the U.S. Navy during World War II, a unique feat for an inland port located over 1,000 miles from the ocean.
The USS Cobia (SS-245) performed six combat patrols in the Pacific theater and earned four battle stars during WWII.
The museum holds the records and original blueprints for the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company.
The USS Cobia is one of the few remaining WWII-era submarines that retains its original engine room machinery.
The museum's collection includes artifacts recovered from the wreck of the SS Carl D. Bradley, which sank in Lake Michigan in 1958.
The museum building was purpose-built to include a deep-water dock specifically to moor the USS Cobia for public access.
During the winter, the museum operates an indoor 'Icebreaker' exhibit explaining the history of Great Lakes navigation through frozen conditions.
The Wisconsin Maritime Museum is a prominent maritime history institution located on the Manitowoc River, renowned for its extensive collection of shipbuilding artifacts and Great Lakes history. The museum serves as the permanent home and tour site for the USS Cobia, a restored Gato-class submarine designated as a National Historic Landmark. Visitors can explore the submarine's interior to understand the living conditions of WWII-era crews. The facility chronicles Manitowoc's critical role in constructing 28 submarines for the U.S. Navy during World War II. Exhibition galleries cover themes ranging from early maritime commerce and shipwrecks to recreational boating and freshwater ecology. The museum houses one of the most significant collections of maritime artifacts in the Midwest. It integrates interactive displays, ship models, and original mechanical components from vessels built in the region. The building also features a dedicated research library for maritime history enthusiasts and scholars.
The outdoor riverside deck providing a full profile view of the USS Cobia moored at the dock.
Wear sensible, flat-soled shoes as the USS Cobia submarine interior has steep ladders and narrow, uneven walkways.
Check the official website for submarine tour availability, as tours may be limited during inclement weather or maintenance periods.
Allow extra time to browse the gift shop, which specializes in local maritime history books and nautical-themed memorabilia.
Do not attempt the submarine tour if you have mobility restrictions, as the ship is not ADA accessible due to its historical structural design.
Submarine tours are seasonal and may be suspended during winter months due to ice; always check the current status on the website.
Submarine tours require physical agility to navigate ladders; visitors must be able to climb to participate in that portion of the museum.
