Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc is home to a floating treasure, the nation's most fully restored World War II submarine. Moored adjacent to the museum, the USS Cobia is one of 25 museum submarines in the United States. Cobia was built in 1943 and houses the oldest operating radar set on the planet. Several tour types allow visitors options to match their schedules and decide how much of the sub they want to see.
Cobia Daily Tours
- A National Historic Landmark, the USS Cobia is a prime attraction at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum. The museum offers several daily tours of the submarine throughout the year. Moored along the Manitowoc River, the GATO-class fleet submarine is reminiscent of the 28 submarines built at Manitowoc shipyards during World War II. Stop at the Cobia Interpretive Center to learn about the submarine's six war patrols and how subs helped win World War II. Allow about 45 minutes for the general tour, in which you'll see where the crew slept, ate and worked. Admissions include the tour and museum access. Families, seniors, veterans and active military qualify for discounts.
Nook & Cranny Tour
- Those who desire a closer look at the USS Cobia will want to take the nook & cranny tour. This tour is limited to a small group of visitors to allow for a behind-the-scenes peek at the submarine not included in the basic tour. You'll experience the ladders and small spaces that were a part of everyday life for submarine personnel. The nook & cranny experience requires two to three hours to complete, and participants must be at least 16 years old.
Overnight Visits
- Overnight programs provide visitors a true taste of the confined submarine life. The adventure begins at 7 p.m. and lasts until morning. Participants receive a tour of the vessel, including a look at non-public areas of the submarine, and sleep onboard. You'll need to bring your own bedding, but food and snacks are provided. Overnights accommodate up to 55 people. If you aren't part of a large group, you can still enjoy this experience during special family nights in July and August. You'll need to make advance reservations through the museum for overnights.
Virtual Tours
- If you can't make it to Manitowoc, you can still explore the USS Cobia. Visit the Wisconsin Maritime Museum website for a virtual vessel tour. By clicking on the vessel blueprint, photos of the submarine sections appear, including the torpedo room, crew quarters and engine room. The online tour also highlights views from the bridge, bow and stern views, deck guns, a gun sight and a hatch to the gun deck. From the tour site, you can also learn what terms like "ride the vents," "pogey bait" and "tin fish" mean in submarine lingo. The virtual tour provides a look into the inner world of the submarine and illustrates what to expect on a live tour.
