Wisconsin Maritime Museum
Wisconsin Maritime Museum
4.5
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Welcome to a great place to learn, play and explore the rich maritime history of Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, the Wisconsin Maritime Museum offers visitors a unique place to spend hours learning about the sailors, shipbuilders and submariners who made that history, and to have some great family fun! Founded in 1970 as the Manitowoc Submarine Memorial Association, the Wisconsin Maritime Museum has grown into one of the largest maritime museums in the Midwest. In addition to commemorating the maritime heritage of the Manitowoc-Two Rivers area and the submarines built here during World War II, the Wisconsin Maritime Museum is now a leader in preserving the maritime history of Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- RJRobinson109 contributionsNot All Subs Are In the OceanLocated in downtown Manitowoc, WI the WI Maritime Museum provides the opportunity to step back in time to WWII. Through photos, films, articles & displays you can feel the pride in our country during that time. After touring the museum you can also tour a submarine. The USS Cobia, built in Groton, Ct. is the type that was actually built in Manitowoc, WI. As you tour the sub you feel the tight quarters, heat & see items that were actually used in the war effort. What a great way to experience history rather than just read about it. A large parking lot is adjacent to the museum & the area offers restaurants close by in addition to the beautiful paved path winding along the river. Benches have been placed so you can just sit & relax, take photos of the distant lighthouse. A perfect location for a day excursion that is also educationalVisited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 November 2023
- Nicholas SChicago, Illinois5 contributionsA View of Great Lakes shippingThe museum is fantastic with detailed exhibits of schooner ship construction and a great submarine docked alongside. You can walk through the sub and get the feel of being an underwater mariner. There are also models of a number of ships that AIL THE GREAT LAKES.Thanks so much for your kind words! We're very glad you enjoyed your visit and hope to see you again soon!Written 25 March 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 12 March 2024
- Capt R87 contributionsShipwrecks - submarines - WW II - divers - this museum has it all!What a great Museum!! They have some great exhibits of Great Lakes shipwrecks and the divers who found them. A huge plus is they have an actual WW II submarine there you can tour plus numerous exhibits on the submarine warfare in WW II. During WW II shipyards in Manitowoc built several submarines there. We went there with one of our Granddaughters and she was so interested we stayed longer than expected. We did not think she would find a museum that interesting but she did. Great place for adults as well as children. Worth the visit and don't forget to tour the sub!Thank you so much for your kind review! We are so glad that you and your granddaughter enjoyed your visit and hope to see you again soon!Written 8 April 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 March 2024
- Rose KManhattan, Kansas328 contributionsLots of Information and Great Submarine TourVery interesting! Great location for taking in the scenery of the lake. Allow for at least an hour to look through exhibits. We also did the submarine tour, which i recommend. Information on the sub, maritime activities in the Manitowoc area.Thank you for the review and for visiting us! We're so glad to hear you enjoyed your museum visit and submarine tour.Written 22 July 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 June 2024
- VizzoShelburne, Vermont161 contributionsA must stop if you are in the areaPlan to spend a lot of time here as it is very informative. The museum is very interesting and explains a great deal about boating on the Great Lakes. Some great information on the manufacturing of submarines in WWII. Museum also has a nice art museumThank you so much for your kind words and for visiting us! We're glad to hear you enjoyed it.Written 22 July 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 June 2024
- SusanT33042 contributionsNavy And Submarine museum must seeSubmarine and ships and more!! We took more than two hours exploring every turn a new display. Museum very classy and exhibits so very interesting!! This area produced 28 subs and many many ships Tour of submarine very cool!!! Don’t miss this museum!!Thank you for the review and for visiting us! We're so glad to hear that you enjoyed your time here.Written 22 July 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited July 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 9 July 2024
- Guido VerbeekLeiden, The Netherlands113 contributionsVery nice maritieme museumReally nice (small) museum which tells you all about the history of the USS Cobia and shipwrecks at the Great Lakes. A must see is the submarine USS Cobia. She is very well preserved If you have young(er) kids the water area inside the museum is perfect, although don’t forget to bring dry clothes ;)Thank you for visiting us and for the review! We are so glad you hear you enjoyed your visit.Written 31 August 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 4 August 2024
- PhiPrincessTopeka, Kansas86 contributionsGreat museum for everyoneOur family, including a history teacher and two persnickety teens, really enjoyed this museum. There was so much to see and great interactive spaces. Sensory alerts and items for those with sensory sensitivities to enjoy the place were an even bigger highlight for this mom. Truly a great space for all. 100% recommend!Thank you for visiting us! We are glad to hear that your entire crew enjoyed their visit. We take pride in making our museum truly a space where "all people can connect with Wisconsin's waterways."Written 31 August 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 6 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
537 reviews
Excellent
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113
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8
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3
DERtravels
Pomona, CA1,451 contributions
June 2019 • Couples
Great maritime museum on the Great Lakes. It is suitable for the whole family as there is so much to see: why submarines were built in Manitowoc, what it took to build them, how the sailors lived onboard. Hands on learning. The docent led tour of the USS Cobia is well done. Imagining what life was like is clearer after walking the tight spaces yourself. Open almost everyday of the year, except Mondays and Tuesdays November through March.
Written 26 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amanda M
931 contributions
Oct 2020 • Family
We stopped in to see the place since we haven’t been in about 3-4 years.
Not much has changed except maybe the admission price. It’s $15 per adult (above age 12) which is a bit steep for an hours worth of looking around.
The submarine tour is included in the price but our boys didn’t feel like doing it when the time came. We’ve done it in the past and it’s nice to do once.
The gift shop has a nice selection of gift items and antique and collectibles related to the maritime history of the area.
There was a sign posted to use the provided wipes to wipe the handle of the steam engine but the HUGE wipes container was completely empty.
Not much has changed except maybe the admission price. It’s $15 per adult (above age 12) which is a bit steep for an hours worth of looking around.
The submarine tour is included in the price but our boys didn’t feel like doing it when the time came. We’ve done it in the past and it’s nice to do once.
The gift shop has a nice selection of gift items and antique and collectibles related to the maritime history of the area.
There was a sign posted to use the provided wipes to wipe the handle of the steam engine but the HUGE wipes container was completely empty.
Written 10 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Albyfli
Bartlesville, OK482 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
Have not been to this museum in many years, stopped by and was really impressed with the upgrades and additions that they have installed and completed. The main attraction is the sub, still in the water so don’t touch anything! Well preserved and looking like it is ready for patrol. The main building is now even better with additional displays and more rooms. I wish we had gotten there earlier as it was not enough time to see it all in detail. Very nice store in the Museum sadly they were out of a lot of merchandise as it was the end of the year. I will return and this time sooner rather than later. Very well run ship! Thanks again!
Written 8 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IrishRose
Madison, WI121 contributions
Aug 2022
On a cool, cloudy day we spent 4+ hours here, learning all about the ship building history and industry, The tour of the submarine was very interesting, and COZY---if you're at al claustrophobic don't go. You need to be able to crawl through 7 portals to get to each section of the submarine. We are in our 60's and did it without any problems, but people should be aware it isn't for everyone. Excellent tour guide, Megan, who was the well spoken and knowledgeable summer intern.
Written 14 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ttraveling
USA126 contributions
Sept 2021
The museum does a good job covering the history of shipbuilding in Manitowoc, with plenty of artifacts to see. But the highlight is touring the USS Cobia submarine - and if you're lucky, Shane will be your tour guide! The tour lasts about 45 minutes and was paced just right. You have to duck through some doorways but it's surprisingly not claustrophobic. Very interesting to learn what life was like on the sub and how detailed an operation it was.
Written 6 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jenny J
Nekoosa, WI127 contributions
Mar 2021 • Family
We had no idea how large this museum was when we took a trip here, but so happy we had the chance to check everything out. They had just reopened the submarine tour too, and that was so interesting, even for our 6 and 9 year olds. Don't rush through this place, take time to see everything because you won't regret the time you spend here.
Written 3 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
happylady1955
Florissant, MO21 contributions
July 2021
My husband and I spent 3 hours at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum. It was educational and interesting. We are train enthusiasts but also love other modes of travel. The staff was friendly and helpful. We gained new insights into the submarine's role in World War 2. We did not take the tour, however, because it was sold out. I recommend you arrange your tickets for the tour early in the day. After our visit, we sat at a nearby picnic table, chilled in the wonderful summer breeze. We were so excited to witness the "Lake Guardian" Environmental Protection Agency ship come sailing in. The crew waved to us and we waved back!
Written 23 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mikhail N
7 contributions
June 2021
A great museum to visit and within walking distance of downtown Manitowoc. Staff is friendly, polite, and helpful. The museum itself is well maintained and the submarine is a sight to behold. There is also a rooftop bar that offers great views of the city, harbor, and Lake Michigan.
Written 20 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thorneloe
Sault Ste. Marie, Canada25 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
This was our third tour at this site. The two previous experiences were excellent. Today 6 additional people were allowed to join the group, making conditions very crowded and awkward. A school group arrived shortly after our appointed time, and our guide was repeatedly told to hurry. Consequently much of the regular information was not imparted to our group. The guide was unable to answer questions from the group.
Written 28 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travel Lu
Ohio6 contributions
Aug 2022
We had a wonderful time taking the kids up to the rooftop Sub Pub at this maritime museum. They played life size Battle Ship, while we enjoyed the live music across the river. Reasonable prices. Comfortable seats. Gorgeous view. Super service. Five stars across the board.
Written 26 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is the admission for seniors, adults and children? thank you...
Written 11 March 2018
$15 for adults 12 for seniors 8 for kids
Written 12 March 2018
How long does the tour last and how long to you recommend spending inside the museum?
Written 2 March 2017
Wisconsin Maritime Museum
Manitowoc, Wisconsin
The sub tour lasts approximately 45 minutes. We recommend 2-3 hours to fully explore the museum and take the sub tour.
Written 2 March 2017
Brian H
Spencer, Wisconsin
I think I read that you can spend the night on the sub. Is that correct? I'd like to know the details, please. And the cost.
Written 27 September 2015
Wisconsin Maritime Museum
Manitowoc, Wisconsin
We offer overnights for organized groups (scouts, schools, youth groups, etc) almost any night of the year, but for families or individuals we offer 2-3 Family Overnights in the summer. Those are typically in July and August. The cost is $44 per person and that includes admission to the museum the following day.
Written 28 September 2015
R F T
Racine, Wisconsin
What time does the tour start and how much does it cost, 1 adult, 1,13year old and 1, 10 year old? Is parking nearby?
Written 5 August 2015
Wisconsin Maritime Museum
Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Tours run throughout the day as needed. That last tour is always an hour before close. Adults are $12 and children are $10. Family discount is 15%. Prices are good trough 2015. Free parking in three lots around the museum.
Written 22 September 2015
How much does it cost per person? What are the hours it is open on Mondays?
Written 1 June 2015
Wisconsin Maritime Museum
Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Adults are $12 and children are $10. We offer 10% discounts for seniors (60+), AAA, Veterans, and 15% for families. We are open on Mondays.
Written 22 September 2015
How much does it cost per person? What are the hours it is open on Mondays?
Written 1 June 2015
Wisconsin Maritime Museum
Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Adults are $12 and children are $10. We offer 10% discounts for seniors (60+), AAA, Veterans, and 15% for families. We are open on Mondays.
Written 22 September 2015
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