Muskogee War Memorial Park USS Batfish
Explore the historic USS Batfish submarine and a rich wartime museum, honoring naval heroes and preserving military history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Museum and outdoor exhibits are open
Muskogee War Memorial Park USS Batfish
Best Time
Museum and outdoor exhibits are open
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the historic USS Batfish submarine and a rich wartime museum, honoring naval heroes and preserving military history.
"A charming little museum with a tribute to every U.S. submarine that has fallen."
Check Submarine Access
The USS Batfish submarine is currently closed for interior tours. Check for updates on future access.
Donate to Preservation
Entry is affordable, but donations are crucial for moving the sub to a new home.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
USS Batfish Exterior View
Park grounds
Admire the imposing silhouette of the WWII submarine from the outside, a powerful reminder of naval history.
Wartime Memorabilia Museum
Adjacent museum building
Explore artifacts like torpedoes, naval mines, and guns, alongside personal stories of service.
Tribute to Lost Submarines
Outdoor memorial area
Discover detailed stories of every U.S. submarine lost in WWI, honoring their crews' bravery.
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Planning Your Visit
USS Batfish Access & Hours
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Insider Tips
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USS BATFISH - Oklahoma
Check Submarine Access
The USS Batfish submarine is currently closed for interior tours. Check for updates on future access.
Donate to Preservation
Entry is affordable, but donations are crucial for moving the sub to a new home.
Chat with Volunteers
The volunteer curator is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. Ask questions!
Look for Wildlife
Keep an eye out for local wildlife; visitors have spotted bald eagles!
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Submarine Access
The USS Batfish submarine is currently closed for interior tours. Check for updates on future access.
Donate to Preservation
Entry is affordable, but donations are crucial for moving the sub to a new home.
Chat with Volunteers
The volunteer curator is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. Ask questions!
Look for Wildlife
Keep an eye out for local wildlife; visitors have spotted bald eagles!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Muskogee War Memorial Park a valuable and affordable historical site, despite the current inaccessibility of the USS Batfish submarine's interior. The museum and outdoor exhibits are praised for their informative content and impressive artifacts, with the knowledgeable and friendly volunteers being a significant highlight. Many appreciate the low entry fee and the opportunity to contribute to the submarine's preservation.
"Nice little wartime museum. The submarine was neat to see but due to the current condition we couldn't go inside. However, the museum curator provided a discount, which was unnecessary, but a nice gesture.
We were told that the museum will be getting a new facility in the near future so hoping to make a day trip down to see it when that occurs."
Ryan Snyder
"Even though the boat itself is closed, the rest of the memorial is still open Friday to Sunday! There's more to see than just the Batfish, including over a dozen different artifacts ranging from torpedoes, to naval mines, to 5-inch naval guns, and more! The volunteer there was extremely friendly and was happy to answer any questions I had.
If you're visiting I recommend donating extra, as entry is only $3/person at the moment due to the submarine's closure, and they're trying to raise funds in preparation to move her to a permanent, more submarine friendly, location down the Arkansas River."
Charles White
"Very informative and interesting. Lots of original memorabilia both inside and outside to peruse. The only downside is that being in a flood plain, you cannot get onto the ship at this time as it’s not safe to. The volunteer Curator said there are federal funds allotted to secure it, but won’t happen overnight.
PS— we saw a bald eagle overhead too."
Wolf Gugler
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is located in Muskogee, Oklahoma. It's accessible by car, and parking is available on-site. Specific directions can be found using GPS or mapping services.
Yes, the park is generally well-marked. Using a GPS or mapping app with the address 'Muskogee War Memorial Park, Muskogee, OK' should guide you directly.
Driving is the most common method. If coming from further afield, you might fly into a regional airport like Tulsa International Airport (TUL) and then rent a car for the drive to Muskogee.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum and outdoor exhibits are typically open Friday through Sunday. It's always best to verify current hours directly with the park before your visit, as they can change.
Admission is currently a very affordable $3 per person due to the submarine's closure. Donations are highly encouraged to support future preservation efforts.
Unfortunately, the interior of the USS Batfish is currently closed to visitors due to its condition and safety concerns related to its location in a flood plain.
Advance booking is generally not required for the park. You can typically pay the admission fee upon arrival. However, for any special events, it's wise to check their website.
While the admission is already very low, some visitors have reported receiving unexpected discounts from the curator as a gesture of goodwill.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Beyond the USS Batfish exterior, you can explore a wartime museum filled with artifacts like torpedoes and naval guns, and a memorial dedicated to lost U.S. submarines from WWI.
The outdoor exhibits and museum are generally accessible. However, access to the submarine itself is not possible. It's advisable to contact the park directly for specific accessibility details.
Yes, you can walk around the exterior of the USS Batfish to get a good sense of its size and historical presence.
The museum features a variety of original memorabilia, including torpedoes, naval mines, 5-inch naval guns, and other significant wartime items.
While not a dedicated children's attraction, the outdoor exhibits and the historical context of the museum can be educational and engaging for older children interested in military history.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no on-site dining facilities at the park. Visitors are advised to bring their own snacks and drinks or plan to eat at restaurants in nearby Muskogee.
Muskogee offers various dining options, from fast food to local eateries. You can find restaurants in the downtown area or along major roads.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the USS Batfish offers dramatic photo opportunities. The outdoor exhibits and the memorial area also provide compelling subjects.
Photography is generally permitted inside the museum, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific signage or ask a volunteer if you're unsure.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on the exterior view of the submarine and the impressive artifacts in the museum. The low admission fee makes it an affordable outing. It's a good opportunity to spark conversations about history and the importance of remembering those who served.
💰 Budget Travelers
Your visit directly contributes to the park's mission of preserving the USS Batfish and its associated exhibits. The opportunity to see a historic submarine, explore a museum of wartime artifacts, and learn about naval history makes this a highly rewarding and affordable experience.
📜 History Buffs & Military Enthusiasts
Don't miss the detailed tribute to U.S. submarines lost in WWI, offering a comprehensive look at naval sacrifice. Engaging with the knowledgeable volunteers, especially those with personal stories like POW survivor James A. Erb, Jr., will undoubtedly enrich your understanding and appreciation of these historical events.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The USS Batfish: A Submarine's Story
Despite its wartime successes, the USS Batfish has faced significant challenges in its post-service life. Located in a flood plain, the submarine has been susceptible to damage and deterioration. This has led to its current closure for interior tours and ongoing efforts to secure funding for its relocation to a more stable and permanent home. The park's mission is to preserve this vital piece of naval history for future generations.
Visitors can still appreciate the USS Batfish's imposing exterior and learn about its history through the adjacent museum and outdoor exhibits. The park also features a poignant tribute to all U.S. submarines lost during World War I, highlighting the bravery and sacrifice of submariners across different eras.
Exploring the Wartime Museum
One of the most impactful aspects of the museum is the personal stories shared. Visitors have highlighted the presence of a POW survivor who shares his incredible experiences, making the history come alive. The museum also features a dedicated tribute to every U.S. submarine lost during World War I, detailing their missions and the crews' service. This section is particularly moving for those interested in naval history.
The museum is described as manageably sized with some hands-on exhibits, making it an engaging visit for history buffs. The volunteer curator, often identified as Jim or James A. Erb, Jr., is frequently praised for his passion, knowledge, and friendly demeanor, enhancing the visitor experience significantly.
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