USS Cod Submarine Memorial
Explore a meticulously preserved WWII submarine, honoring brave submariners and offering a unique historical adventure on Lake Erie.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more immersive
USS Cod Submarine Memorial
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more immersive
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a meticulously preserved WWII submarine, honoring brave submariners and offering a unique historical adventure on Lake Erie.
"A fantastic, faithfully maintained WWII fleet submarine that is amazing to tour."
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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
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
Near the submarine
The USS Cod serves as a poignant site for the Pearl Harbor memorial, honoring submariners lost in WWII.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Access
Navigating the Submarine
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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:
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
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
What People Dislike
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. +1
Yes, there is a paid parking lot located near the submarine. It's advisable to factor in parking costs when planning your visit.
Absolutely! The USS Cod is a popular attraction for both locals and tourists. Many visitors find it a highly recommended stop when visiting Cleveland.
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!
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, the admission booth often has souvenirs available for purchase, allowing you to take a memento of your visit.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
During certain times, especially on weekends or special events, you might encounter reenactors who demonstrate life aboard the submarine and answer questions.
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. +1
The USS Cod is often described as one of the most restored submarine museums, meticulously maintained to reflect its WWII era.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
Yes, photography is generally permitted inside the submarine. However, be aware of the low light conditions in many areas.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes for everyone. The self-guided tour allows you to move at your own pace, which is great for younger attention spans. While the spaces are tight, many children find it fascinating rather than claustrophobic. Consider bringing a small flashlight for kids to explore darker corners (if permitted).
⚓ History Buffs & Military Enthusiasts
Highlights for enthusiasts: The detailed restoration, the opportunity to sit on the deck gun, and the informative audio tours provide rich historical context. Engaging with the knowledgeable docents can offer even deeper insights into the submarine's operational history and the broader context of WWII.
📸 Photographers
Photography tips: Bring a camera with good low-light capabilities or a wide-angle lens to capture the cramped spaces effectively. The deck gun and the exterior shots with Lake Erie provide excellent opportunities for striking images. Be mindful of the historical nature of the site and respect any restrictions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into WWII Submarine Life
Exploring the USS Cod offers a visceral understanding of the cramped conditions submariners endured. Visitors can see the tight bunks, the compact mess hall, and the nerve center of the submarine – the control room. The engineering spaces, with their complex machinery, highlight the technical prowess required to operate these vessels. The experience is often described as stepping directly into a piece of history, with the submarine meticulously maintained to appear as if the crew had just left for shore leave.
Beyond the physical structure, the USS Cod serves as a powerful memorial. It honors the bravery and sacrifice of the over 3,900 submariners who lost their lives throughout the U.S. Navy's submarine history. The presence of reenactors and the audio tours further enhance the educational aspect, bringing the stories of these brave individuals to life for visitors.
Navigating the USS Cod: A Unique Experience
Inside, the spaces are intentionally kept tight to reflect the reality of submarine life. While this can be a challenge for some, many visitors find it adds to the authenticity of the experience. The USS Cod is known for its excellent preservation, with many original features intact. You can explore the living quarters, the galley, the torpedo room, and the engine room, gaining a firsthand appreciation for the ingenuity and resilience of the submariners.
Comfortable footwear is essential for this tour. The surfaces can be metal and sometimes slippery, and you'll be doing a fair amount of climbing and maneuvering. While the experience is incredibly rewarding, it's important to be aware of the physical demands before you go.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit