We were lucky enough to be in town right when the USS Cobia had returned from dry dock so we decided to go to the maritime museum to check the sub and museum out. The city has a rich maritime history so the city is a perfect setting for this museum. Lots of well-curated exhibits house a ton of interesting stories and information. You can easily spend a full day if you really wanted to immerse yourself deeply into everything that they have to offer. Our family was there for about 4 hours and was able to tour the submarine as well as check out all of the museum. Great exhibits for all ages. My kids had fun looking at the model ships and playing in the water play area. We had to practically pull our youngest one out of the area because he didn't want to leave, ha! Prices for admission were comparable to other museums and events that we did in town and that included the guided sub tour. I'm glad we stopped! read more

See all

More interesting than expected. We spent over two hours touring this place and we did not even do the sub (we've been in subs in other towns & museums). We were on our way to Door County and decided to take the longer way up since none of us had ever been to Manitowoc. We saw this place in the tour books and knew we had to stop. At first the price seemed a bit high even without the sub tour but in the end it was well worth it. The displays hit on a wide variety of maritime topics not just the subs that were built locally during WWII. I really learned a lot including about all of the shipwrecks in nearby Lake Michigan. I really liked the display of old outboard motors. Overall a great experience. read more

See all

A great thing to do with the kids. Not just a museum about submarines. The ships on display are incredible. The engines range from an ancient 2 hp evinrude outboard to a room sized steam engine. The overall approach is not just for kids, all ages can and will enjoy it. And don't forget the submarine too. It's worth learning about. read more

Wisconsin Maritime Museum - USS Cobia a ww2 submarine open for tours. - Museums Near Me - Manitowoc, Wisconsin

Our family, including a history teacher and two persnickety teens, really enjoyed this museum. There was so much to see and great interactive spaces. Sensory alerts and items for those with sensory sensitivities to enjoy the place were an even bigger highlight for this mom. Truly a great space for all. 100% recommend! Tip - The sub-tour was VERY hot. If there is an option, try to go during a cooler time. read more

Wisconsin Maritime Museum - Museums Near Me - Manitowoc, Wisconsin

Great museum and sub great staff wonderful military ceremony. Always very interesting building and pics and history pieces from the uss cobia and nice spot for thevl cherished submarine read more

Our group of 17 people from each one of the different states other than Wisconsin were here and decided to go to the museum. Ages in our group range from the 20s to the 80s and everyone of us had a great time. We started with the submarine, and finished up with the rest of the museum. Lot to learn, and took in a lot of history with the staff that was more than eager. We had a great time. Thank you very much Wisconsin Maritime Museum. I suggest this to anyone that's into maritime history read more

Very good maritime museum. Great displays and interactive booths where young children can get involved. Very friendly and customer oriented. Just a fun museum. read more

What an amazing experience. Staff was amazing. Took a tour of the submarine and highly recommend this if you are not claustrophobic. We spent at least 3 hours in there and could have spent more. Very educational. read more

See all

Museum was well done but the WW2 American submarine made this trip worth it! Adults and kids both enjoyed the USS-Cobia exhibit and exploring the sub. read more

For years I have drove by this museum, but never had time to stop. So I planned a trrip with my friend. We were inside the museum and sub for about 3.5 hours. We did the museum first,(Which I would recommend) then we went out and did a serve tour. It was great, we coul goat our own pace. I will tell you that you need to be preparing for squeezing into some tight spaces, so definitely take your time. Also when we were there they had an AC on so the air inside was a bit fresher then I was expecting. We got some great pics inside and out. Even though we were there for over 3 hours I still feel like I rushed. I look forward to a return trip. This was a great one day getaway. read more

See all

Awesome place. Can be kinda pricy but well worth it. You can go through the sub as many times as you'd like.

I did an overnight on the Cobia with cub scouts and it was just amazing to see the submarine . It smelled a little strange but it was worth it. And then the museum part was also cool I liked the Lego titanic the artifacts and a whole bunch more. I also liked the area where you can play with the water and there were lampreys in the next room over. read more

Do Not Miss this Museum! It is worth the $20 just to go through the submarine! And the museum is very nice too! I really went in expecting to zip in and out, but wound up spending nearly two hours there working my way through the exhibits and the submarine tour. You don't have to be a WWII buff or a fan of History to enjoy this museum. I suggest you plan to move at a slow pace and really read the information provided. There is a section on shipwrecks, one with models, an enormous functioning engine, pleasure craft, etc. AND the submarine. It is all very interesting. The submarine is fascinating! It was simultaneously larger than I expected, and then suddenly smaller when you learn how many men were jammed in there during its time on duty (80 men I believe). I am only going to post a couple pictures of the interior because you need to experience it yourself. I promise, you won't for get it. Unlike some museums that feel thrown together as a tourist trap, this museum is extremely well-thought-out and well designed. It made me wish they could get even more funding to expand. I would really like to see the pleasure craft section expanded. If this museum was in Milwaukee or Chicago it would be a major attraction. And as it is, it is worth a visit, even if you have to drive an hour or two just to get there. I strongly recommend visiting it! read more

See all

What a GEM of a museum! My family and I had the good fortune to take a private tour with Tim and then spend the night on the sub. Such history & reality. This experience has renewed my appreciation of our enlisted. read more

Wisconsin Maritime Museum - Sunrise on the USS Cobia - Museums Near Me - Manitowoc, Wisconsin

A top tier Smithsonian affiliated maritime museum. Flagship exhibit is the USS Cobia, the most fully and accurately restored World War II submarine in the world. Guided tours are excellent. If you can get a behind the scenes tour (nooks and crannies), do so. Totally worth the price of admission. Very nice museum store, which can be accessed without a fee. Highly recommend. read more

See all

Amazing place and history for a good price. Would extremely recommend. One of my favorite tourist places around Wisconsin

So much to see, so much history, the museum has so much to see and the submarine, USS Cobia is just awesome!

Visited family in Manitowoc this past weekend and asked if this museum would be interesting to a third-grader. Unanimous answer was "yes!" and they were all right. He was enthralled. Walking to a cafe the day before we went to the museum, we could see the submarine from the bridge over the river. I think if we just got to walk onto the deck of the sub, he would have been interested to go. When I told him we could tour the boat, he was pretty excited. The museum itself is pretty fun. Anyone with any interest in boats of any kind would find this place interesting. Wisconsin has a rich boat-building tradition that I didn't understand, even though my great grandfather captained a merchant vessel on the Great Lakes. In this day and age, it's easy to forget how important boat building was for our early economy, for travel, and for our national security. Anyhow, the tour of the sub was awesome. Our guide had great answers for all questions, and tailored his delivery to our group, noting that he'd censor a few stories to accommodate our son. Not only that, but while the rest of the group was making their way to the last part of the tour, he asked my son to be a torpedo - allowed him to climb into the torpedo chute for a photo. Super nice, and made an already interesting event something he'll remember forever. All in all, if you have an interest in boats, the military, or the history of Manitowoc, you'll enjoy this museum. They have people on staff who seem to not only appreciate, but revere the information and history they're representing. Good stuff all around. read more

I made an unplanned detour to this museum based on a highway sign that I saw on my way home to Chicago from a weekend trip to Green Bay and Door County. I expected something rinky-dink, but was very pleasantly surprised. Apparently the museum had been recently renovated and expanded. Everything was new-looking and skillfully curated. I learned quite a bit about Lake Michigan exploring, trading, fishing, shipbuilding, and all sorts of other topics. One of my favorite rooms featured dozens of ship models from various eras. Unfortunately, photography was not allowed inside the museum. However, photography WAS allowed outside and aboard the U.S.S. Cobia, a WWII-era submarine. The Cobia is the most functional WWII sub in existence; 85% of her machinery and controls still work. The Cobia was manufactured nearby at the Manitowoc Shipping Company, which was one of three shipyards awarded contracts to build subs for the U.S. war effort. They built 28 submarines from 1941-44. The Cobia ran six successful war patrols from 1944-45, sinking twelve enemy vessels and rescuing seven downed Allied pilots. She suffered only one crew fatality during all six missions. Her most prominent kill was a Japanese tank carrier bound for Iwo Jima; all 28 tanks went to the bottom, severely limiting the Japanese ground-defense capabilities on the island. The sub is pretty small; I have been on later-era subs, and they sure have gotten bigger. Both interior and exterior are very well preserved. It was neat to see the galley and crew's mess area, sleeping quarters, officers' quarters, torpedo room, control room, engine room, deck guns, etc. The Cobia was decommissioned after the Korean War and served as a training vessel until the 1970's. Either the museum or the Cobia would be worth a short detour if you have some time to kill. Together, they make for a fun and interesting afternoon. read more

Great sights, excellent displays, amazing exhibits, solid gift shop! Super interesting history of Manitowoc and Lake Michigan.

Absolutely enjoyed this place. The tour guide was wonderful. I very much enjoy history and there was a lot there on the submarine. The inside area was also nice. A lot of model boats. I would definitely recommend stopping here if your in the area. read more

See all

Neat museum located on the shores of Lake Michigan in Manitowoc. The museum itself is not large but does offer a few hand on exhibits, examples of boats, and models of leather shoes built or used in the area. The coolest exhibit is real World War II submarine in the water. They offer roots of the boat; but even cooler of you are part of a youth group, you can spend the night in it. This museum is well worth a visit. read more

Wisconsin Maritime Museum - Museums Near Me - Manitowoc, Wisconsin

Manitowoc has a deep, fascinating history of ship building. The USS Cobia sits outside, tours available - as a part of the ticket price - which is a bonus. So many displays about the history of ship building, the technology that goes into ship building, the hard work, the dedication from the people. Plus all the giant parts that go into making the ships. It truly is a great place to spend a couple of hours looking around. read more

Fantastic museum experience and submarine tour - what a unique place to visit! Loved all the exhibits and found it enough to fill a bit over an hour. They were taking down the temporary exhibit when I visited, hopefully another will be up soon. One word of caution on the tour that I'm not sure is well publicized - it requires you to be fairly fit as you have to climb through the small doorways on the sub. Might be hard for older folks. Well worth the admission price. The shop is great as well and both the staff I met were knowledgable and nice. read more

See all

My husband and I took a trip up to Manitowoc this past spring, and the Maritime Museum was one of our stops. The museum was well planned out, and we were able to explore some of the exhibits before we took a tour of the actual submarine (The SS Cobia). A lot of it was hands on and we were allowed to go at our own pace. The submarine tour was great, Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about the Cobia, and many different aspects of maritime history of the area. He answered all of our questions and was pleasant and fun as he lead us through the (tiny) sub. It's hard to imagine they had 80+ sailors living on the submarine at a time! All in all, the museum was very well planned and incredibly interesting. It would be impossible for someone to leave without learning something. Highly recommended! read more

A really cool tour through a great piece of American history in a place that would otherwise not seem like it read more

Wisconsin Maritime Museum - Museums Near Me - Manitowoc, Wisconsin

I was pleasantly surprised by the variety and sheer number of items exhibited. First, there is the exhibit for the triple compound expansion steam engine from the ferry Chief Wawatam. The engine is controlled from a panel in which you are invited to operate. I almost fainted. Another room contains many scale models of significant ship types which were either manufactured in town or sailed the local waters. One comment, photography is now allowed in the museum and in the submarine, which is the star of the show. read more

See all

I came here on account of the USS Cobia which is a diesel submarine, that served during WW-II and has bragging rights of sweeping the seas of several Japanese ships. Even though I read about the museum prior to coming here, I was a little caught off guard on the museum itself. I was expecting the museum to have a little bit more about the silent service of the submarines during WW-II, but found that the indoor portion of the museum was mainly dedicated to shipping / fishing on the Great Lakes. Nonetheless, I had an hour to kill before my scheduled tour of the Cobia, so I put this time to good use and walked about the various exhibits and found that I was enjoying myself and learning a thing or two. It's not a large museum, but the artifacts were displayed and depicted well. A lot of models, some interesting history, a few engines, and a few hands on exhibits which I had the chance to show my kids a thing or two in handling the lines (rope) which I picked up while serving in the Navy. Before I knew it, the hour went by and headed out to the Cobia. I always enjoy walking on the decks of any ship / boat that was around during WW-II and especially when one saw action like the Cobia. The boat is in real good shape for her age and told that up to 85% or so of the equipment is in working order, including the radar and 3 of the 4 engines. The tour guid was very informative, and gave a good walk through, especially for those who never been on a submarine before. I've been on several WW-II subs and I would have to say this one is in excellent shape and enjoyed having the chance in spending some time onboard. In closing, if you're in the area or even passing by on your way from Chicago to Door County, I would highly recommend you carve our a little time and take the tour of the USS Cobia... it's well worth the time! read more

Friendly, knowledgeable folks run this place. It's a treasure of WW2 and the museum is very well done. Multi levels, interactive, full scale engines, propellers, etc. Nice gift shop, great items and clothing. They also have special events and parties throughout the year including New Years of which we attended. Overnight specials on special occasions too but I haven't done that yet. They do have a special event for Navy veterans as well! Highly recommended throughout the year! read more

Randomly came across this museum while camping with my family in Two Rivers, and was glad I did. The submarine tour was really cool, and the underwater archaeology part of the museum was really well done. As an archaeologist, I really enjoyed seeing two female underwater archaeologists featured in the museum, and the interactive exhibits about shipwrecks are a great way to keep visual learners interested. A very well designed museum overall and a nice little gift shop!! read more

Excellent tour! Our tour guide Patrick answered all my inquiring questions. We are glad we took this tour. Thanks Patrick for answering my questions so well and with detail. Highly recommend this tour. I would even do it again. Awesome job at main desk with more info. read more

We really liked this one. They had one of the best interactive displays with a steam engine I've seen. The submarine tour was great. Our time there was about 3 hours. read more

Cool little museum. Affordable and the people were very nice. I learned a lot and they had some nice variety in displays and the submarine tour was super cool. Only reason for taking away a star is that I wanted to buy their coin set, and although they it in the display, they didn't have any available, wouldn't sell me the display, and gave me a card saying... you can contact them and maybe they can get you one. read more

A must see if near Manitiwoc. It makes one really appreciate our Navy and what these men did to protect us. Every exhibit is great. Allow for 3-4 hours. read more

See all

We took our 7 year old godchild. Not sure if she would like it...she loved it. Fascinated by shipwrecks. Loved sub tour. Had fun at the hands on water area in lower level. We want to come back in summer to try the Sub Pub on the top deck!!! read more

My husband and I were in the area for a Packers game and decided to check out the Wisconsin Maritime Museum. We really enjoyed our visit, especially the tour of the USS Cobia submarine. Our tour guide was very informative and friendly, and the sub has been kept in great condition. I also enjoyed some of the hands-on aspects of the museum, like learning to tie knots, playing dress-up by donning a sailor shirt and cap, etc. The museum itself was laid out in an easy-to-navigate manner, had lots of information and was nicely kept. This is a great museum for people of all ages. I definitely recommend it if you have any curiosity about the fishing, boating, shipbuilding, etc. history of Lake Michigan and/or if you want to tour a pretty neat submarine. read more

We took an overnight visit there this weekend with our Cub Scout Pack, what an great experience!!!

So disappointed with this place. I checked the reviews to see if this happened to anyone else and it doesn't look like it. So we drove out of our way today to stop. We could have just drove home which would been a shorter drive but hubs told our boys about the submarine  (6 and 3) and they were excited to go. We walked in at 12:03, was told that the 12 tour was full and next was at 1:00. We decided to try and get lunch and come back, which ended up being so stressful trying find a place and get back in time. I didn't get to eat much do to issues with kids (bathroom & meltdowns). But we did it! We walked in at 12:50 and said we were ready. There was now a new person who let me know that great we had plenty of time to walk around yet. What? Wait? Next tour was at 1:30. I let him know we were told 1:00. He let me know that tours are based on # people. I let him know we were verbally told there was a tour at 1:00. He let me know that we would be the only people and that was not enough for a tour I'm upset. Kids are upset. My review would not even be 1 star. This is terrible consumer service. If we had not been verbally told! Wtf. We now have another 3 hour drive before we're home. Now I will say hubs was the one that "checked out" Web page. I didn't know there was paid tours and i should have done my research. This was a spare of the moment idea on hubs. I'll update my review if we ever do go on a tour. read more

Love this museum. Kids loved it. And the Sub Pub on the roof is the perfect spot to have a drink with friends on a summer night.

A must see! My three boys loved this place! Lots to see and do! You have to do the submarine tour!