Groton, CT|Local Classified|Announcement|
Explore the Submarine Force Library and Museum in Groton, CT
Beneath the surface of the ocean lies a world few people ever see, and the Submarine Force Library and Museum in Groton, CT, brings that hidden world into the light. As the official submarine museum of the U.S. Navy, this waterfront destination on the Thames River traces more than two centuries of undersea history, from hand-cranked wartime inventions to the nuclear-powered vessels that reshaped modern naval strategy. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a Navy veteran, or a family searching for things to do in Groton, Connecticut, this is one stop you will not want to miss.
Naval History Exhibits That Bring Submarine Service to Life
Inside the museum, carefully curated exhibits walk visitors through the evolution of the American submarine force. You can examine a full-scale replica of the Turtle, the hand-powered craft built by David Bushnell in 1776 and widely considered the first submarine used in combat. From there, the displays move through the era of USS Holland, the Navy's first commissioned submarine, to the daring Pacific patrols of World War II and the silent, high-stakes operations of the Cold War.
Hands-on features make the experience especially engaging. Visitors can peer through working periscopes, study detailed ship models, and discover how submariners lived and worked in tight quarters for months at a time. The on-site library and archives preserve photographs, documents, and personal accounts, making the museum a valuable resource for researchers, students, and families tracing a relative's naval service. Best of all, admission is free, which makes it one of the most rewarding budget-friendly attractions in southeastern Connecticut.
Tour the Historic USS Nautilus, the World's First Nuclear-Powered Submarine
The highlight for many guests is stepping aboard USS Nautilus (SSN-571). Built by Electric Boat right here in Groton and launched in 1954, Nautilus became the first vessel in history to run on nuclear power, famously signaling "underway on nuclear power" in January 1955. In 1958, she made history again as the first ship to reach the North Pole while submerged.
Today, Nautilus is a National Historic Landmark berthed beside the museum. A self-guided tour leads you through the torpedo room, crew berthing, galley, wardroom, and attack center, offering an authentic look at daily life aboard a Cold War submarine. Audio guides add stories and context at every stop.
Before you go, check the current visiting hours, since schedules can change seasonally and the ship occasionally closes for preservation work. The museum sits just outside Naval Submarine Base New London, with easy access from I-95, and pairs perfectly with nearby attractions in Mystic and New London for a full day of maritime exploration.
Ready to dive into a day of discovery? Make USS Nautilus your first port of call when you visit the Submarine Force Library and Museum in Groton, CT. Explore legendary vessels, honor the sailors who served beneath the sea, and experience a piece of naval history you can actually walk through. Plan your trip today and see why USS Nautilus remains one of Connecticut's most iconic landmarks.
USS Nautilus
