Spend the night aboard a World War II submarine at this Wisconsin museum in August

Brandon Reid, Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter
·2 min read
The USS Cobia as seen, Thursday, July 4, 2024, in Manitowoc, Wis.
The USS Cobia as seen, Thursday, July 4, 2024, in Manitowoc, Wis.

MANITOWOC – The lakeshore isn’t short on unique things to do (like Snowfest July 26-28 in Two Rivers or Sputnikfest Sept. 7 in Manitowoc).

In August, Wisconsin Maritime Museum, 75 Maritime Drive in downtown Manitowoc, will offer its own unique activity — a chance to spend the night aboard its World War II submarine the USS Cobia.

Here’s what to know about a pair of overnight programs the museum is offering in August.

Jimmy Carter visits the USS Cobia: Jimmy Carter visited Manitowoc in 1976. He laid a wreath aboard the USS Cobia and spoke at the Senior Center. Here's a look back at his primary campaign stop.

Submarine Sleepover for Grown-Ups is Aug. 2

Sunset view from Sub Pub in downtown Manitowoc
Sunset view from Sub Pub in downtown Manitowoc

The museum will hold a “Submarine Sleepover for Grown-Ups” from 6 p.m. Aug. 2 to 9 a.m. Aug. 3.

The special program includes the following:

  • An extended tour of the USS Cobia;

  • A drink ticket for Sub Pub on the Water, the Wisconsin Maritime Museum’s rooftop bar;

  • A submarine-themed movie screening;

  • After-hours exploration of the museum; and

  • A night sleeping aboard the USS Cobia.

Tickets are $75 per person with a 10% discount for Wisconsin Maritime Museum members.

The program is limited to 40 participants and is exclusively for ages 21 and older.

Family Overnight Program is Aug. 17

Inside the USS Cobia submarine at Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc.
Inside the USS Cobia submarine at Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc.

The museum will offer a Family Overnight Program from 7:30 p.m. Aug. 17 to 9 a.m. Aug. 18 that includes the following:

  • Learning the process for diving the submarine;

  • Discovering the mechanics of firing torpedoes;

  • Participants trying their hand at aiming the deck guns; and

  • Exploring hidden areas of the submarine usually off-limits to the public.

The experience continues with a morning visit to the museum galleries to delve into Wisconsin’s maritime heritage.

Cost is $50 per person with a discounted price for Wisconsin Maritime Museum members.

A WWII Heritage City: Manitowoc, with rich shipbuilding history, is the only city in the state designated a WWII Heritage City

How to sign up

Reservations are required for both programs.

To secure a spot, contact the Wisconsin Maritime Museum at 920-684-0218 or go online to wisconsinmaritime.org.

Brandon Reid is editor of the Herald Times Reporter. Contact him at 920-686-2984 or [email protected], or follow him on X at @breidHTRNews.

This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Spend the night on a submarine at Manitowoc Wisconsin Maritime Museum

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