Seawolf Park — Attraction in Galveston

We were in Galveston for a reunion of my submarine crew. Of course we had to stop by the Seawolf Park naval museum. It is interesting. They have the sail (conning tower) of the USS Tautog (SSN 639), a 637 class fast attack submarine. By the way, the sail of the submarine that I used to be on, the USS Hawkbill (SSN 666), is out in the Idaho desert in Arco Idaho. So that is the thing the Navy did. Anyway, they also have the USS Cavalla (SS 244), which in this case is an old world war II era diesel submarine that can be toured. It is fairly interesting. There was, by the way, a second USS Cavalla, with the same name, which was another nuclear-powered sturgeon class submarine (SSN684). The place is not, overall, super well maintained. Apparently the place was hit by a hurricane over 10 years ago. No tours as far as I could tell. Of course the USS Seawolf itself, for which the park was named, was almost certainly sunk by friendly fire in the Pacific Ocean in 1944. You might also have expected that the place might give an admission discount, at least, to a bunch of old submarine sailors coming to visit, but no such luck. I'm going to give it four stars, instead of three, because it is still worth visiting and I wouldn't want to discourage anyone. There was also a Navy surface ship, The USS Stewart, which was apparently a destroyer escort. Some of the people in some of my photos are old submarine...

Seawolf Park in Galveston, Texas, offers a unique blend of historical significance and recreational enjoyment. Primarily a memorial, the park houses the USS Cavalla submarine and the USS Stewart destroyer escort, providing visitors with a tangible connection to naval history. Exploring these vessels offers an immersive experience, allowing for a glimpse into the lives of the sailors who served on them. Beyond the historical attractions, Seawolf Park provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Fishing enthusiasts can take advantage of the fishing pier, while families can enjoy picnic areas and scenic views of Galveston Bay. The park's location on Pelican Island creates a peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a break from the bustling Galveston seawall. While the historical ships are the main draw, the park's overall ambiance contributes to a memorable visit. It's a place where you can simultaneously learn about the past and enjoy the present, making it a worthwhile destination for history buffs and casual...

This is a great place to visit, especially if you have any interest in fishing, naval history, or WW2. There is plenty of room to park, lots of spots to fish, and two great US Navy vessels to tour: the USS Cavalla and USS Stewart. You can't tour every part of either vessel, but there is plenty of areas you can access, and most of them have really good interpretive signs that explain how the spaces were used by their crews. Really interesting. I do wish I had been able to check out the 40mm AA guns, but there are currently being restored. Nice volunteers will expand your knowledge of the vessels and regail you with stories from their past, if you choose to tap into that resource. We elected to just wander on a self-guided basis. Had a really good time on both ships, though the sub being air conditioned was nice! It's $6 to park/fish, and $10/person to tour the ships, unless you qual for a discount. I'm a vet, so it was $5 for me to get in. Great experience and highly...