USCGC Ingham Maritime Museum — Attraction in Key West

Came here with my buddy at 15:30 (mind you they close at 16:00) As soon as we get on the Old Man guarding the entrance tells us rudely that we can’t go in because it’s a tour only museum and that they’ve already started and it’s about to close. I told him “it’s okay, we just wanna look around we’re not looking for a tour.” (nor did we wanna stay all the way till they close at 1600, we just wanted to quickly look around for like maybe 10 mins) He then proceeds to tell us it’s a tour only museum when on here it says it’s a self-guided museum. I have no idea if he said that just because he didn’t want people to go in when they close in 30 mins, if it was because I was wearing an LGBTQ bracelet or if it was because i’m Hispanic but it kinda felt like this old grumpy man just didn’t wanna let us in because of my rainbow colored bracelet because he kept looking at it. Although this is just hearsay on my end that’s just the feeling I got because you know when you’re being discriminated, you can just feel it. I really hope that was not the case and that he just didn’t want people in 30 mins before they close but even the way he went about it was not right either way, he could’ve been nicer specially when people pay to go in. Will never come back here definitely not a...

If you’re in Key West out this stop on your destinations list ! Even if you’re not super into military museums ( as I am not ) going through this ship is like a time capsule and will blow you away!

This is a self guided tour and at the time there was only one other couple aboard the ship ahead of us- so we literally had the place to ourselves. We happened upon this floating museum because we were riding our bikes around Key West and this was truly one of the highlights of our time there.

It was $15 regular price and veterans get a discount on ticket price - $10 . This is a private museum and is partially funded by donations so consider a few bucks extra if you can , to help support this piece of living history.

Take your time and walk through. You can go from top to bottom of the ship. There’s a lot that you can touch, but some rooms are behind plexiglass to preserve the displays . This ship is as it was when it was last used in the late 80’s. Things were left there and it’s been used as a museum ever since. I just can’t say enough about how extremely cool going aboard the Ingham was. I really had such a big impact on our Key...

Our visit to the USCGC Gingham Maritime Museum was an absolute surprise and a delightful experience! From the moment we stepped in, we were immersed in a rich tapestry of maritime history. The museum is incredibly well curated, with exhibits that showcase the fascinating legacy of the U.S. Coast Guard and its vital role in maritime operations.

The sheer amount of history packed into this museum is astounding. From vintage artifacts to detailed displays, every corner tells a story. The staff was knowledgeable and passionate, adding depth to the experience with their insights and anecdotes. It’s clear that a lot of care and dedication goes into preserving this important piece of history.

What stood out most was the authenticity of the exhibits. Seeing the USCGC Gingham up close and exploring its decks was a highlight, it felt like stepping back in time. The museum is perfect for history buffs, families, or anyone with an interest in maritime heritage.

If you’re in the area, this is a must visit. It’s not just a museum; it’s a journey through time that leaves you with a deeper appreciation for the Coast Guard’s contributions....