USS COD Submarine Memorial — Attraction in Cleveland

My visit to the USS Cod Submarine Memorial in Cleveland was nothing short of amazing, and it’s an experience that my daughter and I will cherish for a long time. The submarine is a marvel of history, meticulously preserved to showcase the bravery and ingenuity of the men who served aboard during World War II. Walking through its narrow corridors and seeing the equipment up close truly brings history to life in a way that no textbook ever could.

While the submarine itself was incredible, what truly made our visit stand out was the kindness and warmth of the staff—particularly one gentleman who went above and beyond to make our experience unforgettable. From the moment we met him, he was welcoming, friendly, and genuinely passionate about the USS Cod and the history it represents.

When he noticed my daughter and me admiring the submarine, he kindly offered to take a picture of us together. Not only did he take the time to make sure it was a great photo, but he also engaged with us in such a thoughtful and personal way, making us feel valued as visitors. His patience and genuine enthusiasm were evident in every interaction. He didn’t rush or treat it like just another task—he truly cared about making our visit special.

As if that weren’t enough, he also gave my daughter and me USS Cod stickers as a keepsake. It might seem like a small gesture, but it meant so much to us. We immediately put the stickers on the back of our phones, and we plan to keep them there as a reminder of this wonderful experience and the kindness we were shown. The thoughtfulness behind this simple act made us feel connected not just to the submarine’s history, but also to the people who are so dedicated to sharing its story with others.

This gentleman wasn’t just doing a job—he was embodying the very spirit of the USS Cod: honor, service, and dedication. It’s rare to encounter someone so genuinely kind and thoughtful, and he truly made our visit one-of-a-kind.

If you’re in Cleveland, the USS Cod is an absolute must-visit. It’s not just a fascinating historical attraction but also a place where you’ll meet wonderful people who are passionate about keeping history alive. Thank you to the entire team for preserving such an important piece of history and for going above and beyond to make visitors feel welcome. A special thank-you to the outstanding gentleman who took our picture and gave us stickers—you turned an already great day into an...

We visited on a Saturday morning and brought cash due to what we read in other reviews. However, we can provide good news that they now take card as well! We ended up paying with AMEX and it was a very reasonable $14 each. The submarine itself is incredibly cool, and this is coming from a guy who is neither a history buff nor a war geek. You can pretty much walk across the entire top and even turn the gun! There's also a periscope just before the entry where you can take a look at the harbour and the downtown area.

As other reviews have mentioned, this is an authentic experience, so be prepared to climb in and out of the sub! This was one of the best museum-like things I've been too, because it was incredibly well-preserved and didn't feel inaccessible in any way. Most of the items from the war are still there - they just expect you to use common sense and not mess anything up, so that's pretty great. Also, the staff on board know every in and out of the vessel so you really don't need any signs or descriptions. If you're not sure what something else, they'll tell you and add a great description or practical demonstration of its use. I also learned a ton just from walking through the sections and seeing what everyday life on a submarine must be like.

I would recommend going to see the USS COD because it is an experience quite like anything I have encountered. In today's liability insurance and lawsuit-filled world, it is a welcome breath of fresh air from the past. If you only have a day in Cleveland, make sure...

Beautifully restored ww2 submarine. Me and my family had a blast from the past taking a look at this wonderful memorial. You start out by entering the back hatch and climb down a manhole via ladder. When you descend the ladder you feel as though you’re a soldier yourself. Once you get to the bottom and enter the ship you’re greeted by a pleasant sight. Everything looks dated and of the time period, but maintained and in good condition and rehabilitated, fresh paint, etc to where it not only feels authentic to the era, but also makes you feel like you’re really on the ship in 43’ and it’s still new. Beautifully done. Nothing looks out of place or not original. As you make your way through the ship you get to see living quarters, kitchen, communications room, all sorts of things that sparks interest and makes one intrigued. You get a good feel for what it was like for a soldier on the ship and the obstacles they had to deal with and overcome living on a ship/submarine of the sorts for a long period of time. I’m a taller gentleman (6’9), and FYI I was able to make my way through the ship. My biggest issue personally was getting out as there isn’t a lot of room for your legs to bend climbing out. I’d highly recommend to any history buff or someone who needs something to do. The gentlemen who volunteer and operate the memorial are very knowledgeable and helpful in asking any question pertaining to the ship. 10/10...