USS Nautilus
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The U.S. Nautilus is an historic and world renowned U.S submarine, and an absolute “must see” attraction in the state of Connecticut. The U.S. Nautilus is recognized as the world’s first operational nuclear powered submarine. It is located at the Submarine Force Library & Museum which is positioned near the Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut. When celebrating my wife’s birthday in September of 2024, I brought her and myself for a visit to the U. S. Nautilus, and we thoroughly enjoyed our exploration of this amazing ship!!! 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 farther 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 a glimpse of what life is life for a Navy sailor. Both my wife and I highly recommend for everyone to visit and explore this outstanding historic landmark!!!
Greg HarrisGreg Harris
10
The USS Nautilus (SSN-571) is a museum ship in Groton, Connecticut, United States. It was the world's first operational nuclear-powered submarine and the first submarine to complete a submerged transit of the North Pole. The Nautilus is now a National Historic Landmark and is open to the public for tours. USS Nautilus (SSN-571) in Groton, Connecticut Opens in a new window Wikipedia USS Nautilus (SSN-571) in Groton, Connecticut The USS Nautilus is a fascinating and educational place to visit. The tour takes you through the entire submarine, from the control room to the living quarters. You can see how the crew lived and worked on board, and you can learn about the history of the submarine and its role in the Cold War. The tour is self-guided, but there are plenty of exhibits and displays to help you learn about the submarine. There are also several interactive exhibits where you can try your hand at steering the submarine or launching a torpedo. The USS Nautilus is a great place to learn about the history of submarine warfare and the development of nuclear power. It is also a fascinating and unique place to visit, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Shekhar ShroffShekhar Shroff
00
The first nuclear submarine, the total game-changer, is a fascinating place to visit. Even if you’ve toured submarines before, this one is special. This submarine was the first to completely cross the sea below the north pole. Parts of the sub are off-limits for viewing because the technology is STILL classified. If you’re interested in history, tales of grand adventure, or just want to know more about this super important aspect of our military, this is totally worth a visit. Also, it’s free! I can’t guarantee you’ll have the same experience, but when we visited they had just started offering guided tours, presented by officers in the navy who have spent extended time in submarines themselves. We spent at least an hour talking with our guide as he pointed out all kinds of details, told great stories, and helped answer questions we wouldn’t have known to ask. However, you can walk through on your own, and you could easily be in and out in 15-20 minutes if you move at a moderate pace. The place greatly increased my respect for those who serve on submarines. Talk about a lonely, claustrophobic job.
Stephen DysertStephen Dysert
00
This place was outstanding. Parking was free and admission was free. The site was immaculate. The bathrooms were spotless. Visitors are able to walk through an outdoor "garden" of displayed submarine parts that lead to the Nautilus, a retired nuclear submarine. The craft is permanently do led along side a museum. The Nautilus is its own exhibit where one walks through the vessel with an electric device that has a phone pad on it. Each section of the sub has a corresponding number that prompts the device to speak to the user and provide the guided portion of the tour. The walkthrough lasted well over an hour. There were sleeping quarters, the mess hall, showers, a battle portion of the vessel that shoots torpedoes, and everywhere else to explore inside. It is not a good idea to bring older people that are not able to walk long distances or climb. Additionally, the walkways are extre tight will be a problem for those that cannot handle small spaces. We had a great time.
S MS M
10
Very interesting and informative museum detailing the history of submarines, with several great examples (most notably the USS Nautilus) on display. The ship itself was closed for repairs with no anticipated date of reopening, which was a huge disappointment. The museum overall was very dated, with few if any of the exhibits having been updated at all in the last 15+ years (I gathered this from the biography of a Medal of Honor recipient whom it said was “the last recipient from WWII submarine service still living,” but he died in 2007). It could certainly use some renovation, but overall it does an excellent job at presenting the history of submarine use in wartime and shared numerous interesting stories about those who served in the “Silent Service.” I think that with the Nautilus open, my rating would undoubtedly move up to a 4/5.
John MorleyJohn Morley
10
I went with one other person and surprisingly it was FREE! The museum was pretty great I went on my 3rd vacation and wanted to go see this cool submarine and museum but sadly the submarine was closed and was getting worked on 😕 but I was told that it was getting upgraded and is going to be open to the public on September 9th! So that’s good I’ll probably come back again maybe 👍 I’m only giving this 4 stars though not because I don’t like it I think that the museum is incredibly well designed it’s just the Maine attraction was not there. Though so much history behind the museum the gift shop was good had a lot of cool things there Great Lake view only disappointment was that the 5 dollar coin thing wasn’t working but that’s fine 👍 great display of other smaller ships outside though 👍 great view of submarine and great view of lake👍
GORILLA UPLOADGORILLA UPLOAD
20
Nearby Attractions Of USS Nautilus
Navy Exchange Main
Submarine Force Library & Museum
Naval Submarine Base New London
US Navy Submarine Museum
Navy Exchange Main
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Submarine Force Library & Museum
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US Navy Submarine Museum
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Nearby Restaurants Of USS Nautilus
Wings’n’Pies Groton
Wayback Burgers
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Wayback Burgers
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Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
1 Crystal Lake Rd, Groton, CT 06340
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Phone
(860) 694-3174
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Website
ussnautilus.org
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Overview
4.8
(900 reviews)
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USS Nautilus (SSN-571) was the world's first operational nuclear-powered submarine and the first submarine to complete a submerged transit of the North Pole on 3 August 1958.
attractions: Navy Exchange Main, Submarine Force Library & Museum, Naval Submarine Base New London, US Navy Submarine Museum, restaurants: Wings’n’Pies Groton, Wayback Burgers, Captain’s Pub, Subway
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