USS Cod Submarine Memorial
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USS Cod Submarine Memorial

4.8
·1k reviews·Cleveland, United States

Explore a meticulously preserved WWII submarine, honoring brave submariners and offering a unique historical adventure on Lake Erie.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more immersive

CrowdLow
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USS Cod Submarine Memorial

USS Cod Submarine Memorial

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more immersive

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore a meticulously preserved WWII submarine, honoring brave submariners and offering a unique historical adventure on Lake Erie.

4.8
(1k reviews)

"A fantastic, faithfully maintained WWII fleet submarine that is amazing to tour."

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be climbing and navigating tight spaces. Good grip is essential! :athletic_shoe:

Self-Guided Audio Tour

Enhance your visit with the provided audio tour for historical context. :iphone:

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.8 · 1,549 reviews

Type

Historical Landmark

👶 Good for kids🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Inside the Historic Submarine

Inside the Historic Submarine

Throughout the vessel

Explore the cramped living quarters, control room, and engine room of a WWII Pacific Theater submarine. It's like stepping back in time!

Deck Gun Experience

Deck Gun Experience

On the main deck

Sit on the deck gun and imagine life at sea during wartime. A truly interactive and memorable photo opportunity.

Pearl Harbor Memorial

Pearl Harbor Memorial

Near the submarine

The USS Cod serves as a poignant site for the Pearl Harbor memorial, honoring submariners lost in WWII.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Access

The USS Cod Submarine Memorial is only open for tours from May 1st to September 30th. Plan your visit within this window to explore this historic WWII vessel. Check their official website for specific operating hours, as they can vary.

Navigating the Submarine

Be prepared for a unique, self-guided tour experience. Access involves climbing down hatches and navigating tight spaces. While educational and immersive, it may be challenging for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia. Wear comfortable shoes!

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more immersive
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends, afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere, reenactors
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Visited a WWII Sub in Cleveland, Ohio! The USS Cod is such a cool piece of history to go aboard! The older vets who worked there got a kick out of how much my boys enjoyed exploring this sub. One of my boys may or may not have accidently found a way to turn off the lights inside the sub & sound an alarm! A bunch of men rushed into the sub so I’m wondering what alerted them on the outside? 🙈 If you...
@hellojennabee
48 likes • 644 views

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be climbing and navigating tight spaces. Good grip is essential! :athletic_shoe:

Self-Guided Audio Tour

Enhance your visit with the provided audio tour for historical context. :iphone:

USS Cod. #Cleveland #Ohio #usscod #submarine ##wwii ##wwiihistory #lakeerie
@arizonatimelesstourist
83 likes • 4.5K views
We spent some time on board the USS Cod Submarine Memorial for last week’s newscast. Where should we shoot TV20 News next? #wearecleveland
tv20cleveland
7 likes • 390 views

Check Operating Hours

Open seasonally (May-Sept). Always verify hours before your visit. :clock1:

Be Prepared for Tight Spaces

It's a submarine! Expect narrow passages and low ceilings. :woman_shrugging:

USS Cod Submarine Memorial is the most exciting place to visit in Cleveland, from my point of view 😉 I couldn’t imagine that so much staff could fit into such a small place! The way people slept there is a new level of survival 😅 People spent under water for 3 months!!! Just imagine: no sun, no fresh air, no family around. If anything happens, God bless you! Terrifying (to sleep above a missile...
maryna_didenko
51 likes • 1.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be climbing and navigating tight spaces. Good grip is essential! :athletic_shoe:

Self-Guided Audio Tour

Enhance your visit with the provided audio tour for historical context. :iphone:

Check Operating Hours

Open seasonally (May-Sept). Always verify hours before your visit. :clock1:

Be Prepared for Tight Spaces

It's a submarine! Expect narrow passages and low ceilings. :woman_shrugging:

Friendly Docents

Engage with the knowledgeable staff for fascinating insights. :man_teacher:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the USS Cod Submarine Memorial for its impressive preservation and educational value, offering a unique glimpse into WWII naval history. The self-guided tour allows for an immersive experience, though the tight spaces and climbing involved may pose challenges for some. The friendly and knowledgeable staff enhance the visit, making it a highly recommended attraction for history enthusiasts and families alike.

"Wow, what a great experience. We would highly recommend a visit here. The staff was very friendly. The sub is really cool, still very maintained. It's a little hard getting into and out of the sub, but if you want the experience, that's how you do it! It's a self guided tour, but they have audio that you can listen to alone the way. Very educational. Check it out. You won't be disappointed."

Brenda Burgess

"Visited Saturday afternoon during the Cleveland Air Show. The submarine is very impressive, as is the atmosphere with a jeep, the original periscope and propeller on display outside the sub. The access they give to visitors is very impressive, as you are able to climb down the fore hatch, tour inside through the entire sub and exit through the aft hatch. The main areas have audio tours telling you about the area you are in, as well as reenactors giving demonstrations and answering questions. They also fired off the 5" cannon, which was amazing. The admission is $15 for adults, and the admission booth also has some souvenirs. There is a paid parking lot nearby. Be aware that climbing down into the sub, walking through and climbing back out, while not difficult for the able bodied will definitely pose a challenge to anyone with limiting disabilities or the elderly. An amazing experience."

Matt Burks

"As a former 688 class submariner, the tour was absolutely fantastic. The boat is in really good condition, the docents were engaging and informative.
The last time I was on this boat I was 10 years old. That was 46 years ago.
I highly recommend visiting if you have a chance whether you are from out of town or local.
Well done shipmates!"

Daniel Curran Jr

What People Like

Immersive historical experience
Well-maintained vessel
Knowledgeable docents

What People Dislike

Tight, confined spaces
Physical demands of tour

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The USS Cod Submarine Memorial is located on the shores of Lake Erie in Cleveland, Ohio. It's accessible by car, with paid parking available nearby. Public transportation options may also be available; check local transit schedules for routes serving the downtown Cleveland area near the East 9th Street Pier. TikTok+1

Yes, there is a paid parking lot located near the submarine. It's advisable to factor in parking costs when planning your visit. Reddit

Absolutely! The USS Cod is a popular attraction for both locals and tourists. Many visitors find it a highly recommended stop when visiting Cleveland. Reddit

Many visitors arrive by car and utilize the nearby paid parking. Some have even arrived by jet ski on Lake Erie, though this is less common for typical visitors! TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission fees are typically around $12-$15 for adults. It's always a good idea to check the official USS Cod website for the most current pricing information. Reddit

Generally, you can purchase tickets on-site. The tours are self-guided, so advance booking is usually not required, but it's wise to confirm during peak season. Reddit

The USS Cod Submarine Memorial is open for tours seasonally, typically from May 1st to September 30th. Hours are usually from 10 AM to 5 PM daily, but it's best to check their official website for exact times. TikTokReddit

The tour involves climbing down hatches and navigating narrow spaces. While educational, it may be challenging for individuals with mobility issues, the elderly, or those with claustrophobia. InstagramReddit

Yes, the admission booth often has souvenirs available for purchase, allowing you to take a memento of your visit. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

It's a self-guided tour where you can explore the entire submarine, from the fore hatch to the aft hatch. Audio guides are available to provide historical context for each area. TikTokReddit

Photography is generally allowed inside the submarine, but it can be quite dark in some areas. Be mindful of others and use flash sparingly if needed. TikTok

During certain times, especially on weekends or special events, you might encounter reenactors who demonstrate life aboard the submarine and answer questions. Reddit

The USS Cod is a Gato-class submarine that served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. It's a memorial to submariners who lost their lives in service. TikTok+1

The USS Cod is often described as one of the most restored submarine museums, meticulously maintained to reflect its WWII era. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no food or dining facilities directly on the USS Cod. Visitors are advised to eat before or after their visit. There are many dining options in downtown Cleveland. TikTok

It's generally not recommended to bring food and drinks inside the submarine to preserve its historical integrity. Water bottles might be permissible, but check for specific rules. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The deck gun offers a great vantage point. Inside, the control room and engine room are visually interesting, though lighting can be challenging. The exterior shots with Lake Erie in the background are also scenic. TikTokInstagram

Yes, photography is generally permitted inside the submarine. However, be aware of the low light conditions in many areas. TikTok

A camera with good low-light performance or a wide-angle lens can be beneficial for capturing the confined spaces. A smartphone camera can also capture great shots. TikTok

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