Submarine Force Library & Museum — Attraction in Groton

The Submarine Force Library & Museum is an amazing museum and a “must see” destination when visiting the state of Connecticut.

Located alongside the Thames River in Groton, Connecticut and positioned near the Naval Submarine Base New London, the museum features an extensive collection of submarine related artifacts, and is famous for its ownership and preservation of the USS Nautilus (SSN-571), the world’s first operational nuclear powered submarine.

When celebrating my wife’s birthday in September of 2024, I brought her and myself for a self guided visit of the Submarine Force Library & Museum, and we very much enjoyed our time and experience there!!!

We had fun viewing the museum’s prolific collection of photographs and documents that displays the profiles of the Navy’s prominent and successful officers, and richly details the history of submarine development in the United States. We also loved exploring the museum’s numerous exhibits which included working periscopes, a submarine control panel, and an eclectic collection of submarine models.

Visitors to the museum are able to enter free of charge and will also have access to free ample parking. The museum also contains a wonderful gift shop that showcases and sells navy memorabilia and merchandise, as well as a theater room that features a documentary on naval history and infamous battles waged in America’s history.

The “Star attraction” of the museum and our personal favorite was undoubtedly the USS Nautilus, America’s first nuclear powered submarine.

When touring the submarine, my wife and I were able to visit and view many of the ship’s diverse sections ranging from the sailer’s bed rooms, the captain’s quarters, the kitchen and dining areas, the gallery, the control room, and the attack center. We learned that the Nautilus was fully launched in 1954 and was capable of carrying over a 100 navy sailors. The ship was in operation from 1954-1980.

We also learned that the submarine’s nuclear propulsion system allowed her to stay under the water far longer than previously built submarines, and that it was able to travel to more remote locations, most notably the North Pole in the 1950’s.

Due to its pioneering technological capabilities and design, and its huge impact on naval history, the USS Nautilus is listed on the U.S.National Register Of Historic Places, and has been designated as a National Historic Landmark.

Visiting the USS Nautilus gave me and my wife a chance to view and understand the layout, interior design and setting of a submarine, and provided us a glimpse of what life is life for a Navy sailor.

We’d both like to thank the Submarine Force Library & Museum and its staff for providing us with a an awesome and educational experience, and highly recommended for everyone, especially U.S Navy aficionados, to visit this outstanding...

This museum was a great impulse find and stop. We are not a naval family, but enjoyed learning about submarines and submarine history. This museum appeared to cover everything regarding submarine history. The museum includes several submarine models, examples of nuclear missiles, torpedoes, and a mine. There are several great exhibits of submarine controls, dials and gauges, and periscopes making for an interactive exhibit for the entire family.

Unfortunately for us, USS Nautilus was out for refurbishment and could not tour the actual submarine. There is a virtual reality app you can download and use at the museum. I hope to use that app and links to do more exploring later on my own time.

I recommend this museum if only to gain a basic understanding of submarines and submarine history, including the role of submarines in...

We popped in before leaving our long weekend vacation in Mystic and were happy we did. This museum is free but I highly recommend giving a donation since it helps with maintaining the attraction. The museum has lots of interesting and interactive exhibits that are great for kids and adults alike. My favorite part of the museum is going in an actual submarine and exploring its many rooms. I do want to issue a trigger warning to those who suffer from claustrophobia. The passages through the submarine are understandably narrow and there isn't a much room for people to pass each other. Additionally, the steps down are steep and doorways require lots of ducking (so if you are a larger individual this might be uncomfortable for you). I enjoy history and learning about these submarines was...