Submarine Force Library & Museum
4.8(657)google
4.7(100)yelp
MilitaryHistoryScienceEducationalInteractiveIndoor
Overview
Situated adjacent to the naval base in New London, this museum serves as the official submarine museum of the United States Navy, dedicated to preserving America's rich undersea warfare history. The museum's primary highlight is the USS Nautilus, the world's very first nuclear-powered submarine, which visitors can step aboard to tour the cramped torpedo rooms, crew quarters, and control centers. Inside the museum building, fascinating interactive exhibits, authentic periscopes, and historic artifacts showcase the incredible technological evolution of the submarine force.
Practical Info
Mon9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
TueClosed
Wed9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration2-4 hours
Best TimeWhile exceptional year-round for military buffs, arriving right at the 9:00 AM opening from May to September offers the absolute best experience. The absolute crown jewel is boarding the world's very first nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Nautilus, moored on the Thames River; early mornings offer cool river breezes and pristine front-lighting on the submarine's massive black hull, letting you tour the cramped interior torpedo rooms before lines swell.
Getting ThereSituated immediately adjacent to the Naval Submarine Base in Groton. Drive via Interstate 95 to Exit 86, merge north onto CT-12 North, and follow the prominent historic markers onto Crystal Lake Road straight into the museum’s expansive free parking lot. For transit users, travel by rail to New London Station, board the connecting SEAT Route 11 bus into Groton, and enjoy an 8-minute walk to the secure museum entrance.
Travel Tips
- When boarding the world's first nuclear submarine, USS Nautilus, expect highly constrained interior environments where watertight hatches measure less than 2 feet wide. Strollers, oversized photographic backpacks, and rigid non-folding walking frames are banned inside; check all bulky gear at the onshore desk.
- While this premier naval museum offers free admission and parking, it operates under hard federal schedules and is entirely closed to the public every Tuesday year-round. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day trigger matching lockouts; do not map regional coastal drives to target this facility on a Tuesday.
- Because the museum's waterfront shares boundaries with the heavily restricted, high-security Naval Submarine Base New London, the entire perimeter sits inside active federal military airspace. Launching any drone results in immediate kinetic interception, equipment confiscation, and federal military arrest.
Reviews
Positive
- Home of the USS Nautilus; standing beside the massive historic nuclear hull delivers intense visual awe with unmatched military value.
- Requires absolutely zero admission and parking fees! Free to the public with high-quality interactive audio guides included.
- The indoor elevators and restrooms are spotless, backed by highly enthusiastic veteran docents and scientific line management.
- The torpedo bays and control rooms inside are perfectly preserved; the immersive fun factor lives up to its world-class reputation.
Heads up
- The submarine passageways are incredibly cramped and low-clearance, requiring tall guests to slouch constantly in a stuffy space.
- Due to historic naval hull limitations, the sub interior is completely inaccessible to wheelchairs and strollers, restricting wheels to the shore.
- Located next to an active Navy base; peak driving commutes collide with heavy military traffic gridlock on the narrow access roads.
- The museum sells zero proper meals except for basic vending machines, and there are no shaded outdoor picnic spots on the grounds.