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USS Blueback OMSI Submarine

4.8
·259 reviews·Portland, United States

Explore a decommissioned 1959 U.S. Navy submarine at OMSI, offering a unique, guided journey into submariner life.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more personal tour

CrowdLow
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#westmichigannewhorizonsmusicensembles #smittenwiththemitten #red #white #blue #imwiththeband #m

USS Blueback OMSI Submarine

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more personal tour

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore a decommissioned 1959 U.S. Navy submarine at OMSI, offering a unique, guided journey into submariner life.

4.8
(259 reviews)

"The USS Blueback tour was the absolute BEST PART of OMSI! Tickets were only 8 bucks and well worth it."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Secure your spot for the USS Blueback tour in advance, especially during busy periods.

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be navigating tight spaces and metal decks, so comfy footwear is a must.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.8 · 259 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Life Aboard the USS Blueback

Life Aboard the USS Blueback

Inside the submarine

Experience the tight quarters and operational areas of a decommissioned U.S. Navy diesel-electric submarine.

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Expert Guided Tours

Expert Guided Tours

Throughout the submarine

Knowledgeable guides, often with naval experience, share insights into submarine life and history.

InstagramReddit
A Piece of Naval History

A Piece of Naval History

Docked at OMSI

Explore the last non-nuclear powered submarine to join the U.S. Navy's fleet, serving from 1959 to 1990.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Submarine Tour in Advance

While not always strictly necessary, booking your USS Blueback tour ahead of time, especially for group visits or during peak OMSI hours, can save you hassle. Tours are guided and have limited capacity, so securing your spot ensures you don't miss this unique experience. Instagram

Prepare for Tight Spaces

Life aboard a submarine is famously cramped. If you or anyone in your group experiences claustrophobia, this tour might not be for you. Be ready to duck, squeeze, and navigate narrow passageways. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more personal tour
Crowd
Low
When
During OMSI special events
Why
Unique programming
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Thank you to everyone who tagged us in this audio!! Our Silvy Girl is pretty cool 😎 #USSsilversides #silversides #submarine #museum #museumtok #visitmuskegon #puremichigan #westmichigan #muskegonchannel #WWII #236 #DBF #muskegon #michigan
@silvygirl236
36.2K likes • 473.7K views

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Secure your spot for the USS Blueback tour in advance, especially during busy periods. Instagram

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be navigating tight spaces and metal decks, so comfy footwear is a must. Reddit

You can take a tour of the USS Blueback at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) + find out whether you could endure life under the sea within a steel tube with no windows. Learn more about the last non-nuclear powered submarine to join the Navy’s fleet by tapping the link in our bio. #PDXtoday // 📸: PDXtoday
thepdxtoday
200 likes • 4.2K views
Portland Submarine Tour 🚢⚓ 📍 Location: Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) 
🎉 Adventure Highlight: Exploring the depths of history aboard the USS Blueback Submarine! 🌊 Today’s Adventure: Step aboard the USS Blueback, a retired U.S. Navy submarine that served from 1959 to 1990. It’s docked right here in Portland, and we had an incredible time learning about life under the sea. From the t...
ourtinytravel
39 likes • 2.1K views

❓ Ask Your Guide Questions

Guides are incredibly knowledgeable; don't hesitate to ask about life on the sub! Reddit

⚠️ Be Mindful of Claustrophobia

The submarine is a confined space; consider this if you're prone to feeling uneasy. Reddit

We got a guided Submarine tour! In the USS Blueback (SS-581) @omsi We had an exciting and interesting time inside this 1959 Vessel. . . . Follow us @themendolorians For geek, nerd and foodie feeds! Also on Facebook and YouTube! . Social links: . Instagram https://instagram.com/themendolorians?igshid=YWVjMmZiZjg= . Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mendolorians?mibextid=LQQJ4d . YouTube https...
themendolorians
6 likes • 69 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Secure your spot for the USS Blueback tour in advance, especially during busy periods. Instagram

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be navigating tight spaces and metal decks, so comfy footwear is a must. Reddit

❓ Ask Your Guide Questions

Guides are incredibly knowledgeable; don't hesitate to ask about life on the sub! Reddit

⚠️ Be Mindful of Claustrophobia

The submarine is a confined space; consider this if you're prone to feeling uneasy. Reddit

📸 Capture the History

Bring your camera to document this unique historical vessel. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(259 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the USS Blueback tour as a highlight of their OMSI visit, citing the incredibly knowledgeable and engaging guides, often veterans, who bring the submarine's history and life aboard to life. The experience is described as unique, well-priced, and a must-see for history buffs, though potential visitors should be aware of the confined spaces.

"The was the absolute BEST PART of OMSI! Tickets were only 8 bucks and well worth it. It’s a 45+ tour of the submarine. You can see every part of the ship from top to bottom and front to back. Every room will having you thinking of questions to ask and what this sub has seen. It’s incredible piece of equipment everyone should see and specially those that are veterans or military history buffs!"

Casey Sharp

"This is such an incredibly cool and unique experience! Touring a decommissioned submarine is one of the coolest things I've ever gotten to do. The very energetic, knowledge, and engaging hosts will give you an inside look of how this class of submarine worked, life inside an underwater submarine, and so much more. Worth every penny many times over!"

Collin Semb

"Earl our guide was wonderful at giving us a tour at this retired submarine that is donated to OMSI. He was great at explaining everything since he served in these submarines during his career and was able to get the kids engaged in the tour making it a more memorable experience. One of my top suggestions if you have a few days in the city and it was reasonably priced unlike other museums we’ve visited recently."

Mike

What People Like

Engaging and knowledgeable guides
Unique historical experience
Affordable ticket price

What People Dislike

Confined spaces can be challenging

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The USS Blueback is located at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) in Portland, Oregon. You can reach OMSI by car, public transportation (bus lines serve the area), or even by streetcar. Parking is available at the museum. Instagram

Yes, OMSI offers parking for visitors. There may be a fee associated with parking, so it's advisable to check the OMSI website for current rates and availability. Instagram

While it's a bit of a walk, you can enjoy a scenic stroll along the Willamette River from downtown Portland to OMSI. Alternatively, consider using public transport or a rideshare service for a quicker journey. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets for the USS Blueback tour are generally very reasonably priced, often around $8 per person, making it a great value for the experience. It's recommended to check the official OMSI website for the most up-to-date pricing. Reddit

Yes, you typically need to have general admission to OMSI to access the USS Blueback submarine tour. The submarine tour is an add-on experience within the museum. Instagram

While same-day tickets may be available, it's highly recommended to purchase your USS Blueback tickets in advance online through the OMSI website to guarantee your spot, as tours have limited capacity. Instagram

The operating hours for the USS Blueback tour generally align with OMSI's museum hours, but it's best to check the official OMSI schedule for specific tour times and availability on your planned visit date. Instagram

OMSI often offers group rates for museum admission and potentially for special exhibits like the USS Blueback. Contact OMSI's group sales department for details if you're planning a visit with a larger party. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The guided tour of the USS Blueback typically lasts around 45 minutes to an hour, providing an in-depth look at the submarine's history and operations. Reddit

Children can enjoy the USS Blueback tour, especially if they have an interest in history or military vessels. However, adults often find it more engaging, and the confined spaces might be a consideration for very young or anxious children. Reddit

The best way to experience the USS Blueback is by taking the guided tour. The knowledgeable guides, many with naval backgrounds, bring the history and daily life aboard the submarine to life. InstagramReddit

The USS Blueback is primarily experienced through guided tours. This allows visitors to access all areas and learn from the expertise of the guides. Instagram

Expect to see cramped living quarters, control rooms, engine spaces, and torpedo rooms. You'll need to duck and navigate narrow passageways, so be prepared for a close-up look at submarine life. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed inside the USS Blueback for personal use. However, it's always a good idea to confirm with your guide on the day of your visit, as policies can sometimes change. Instagram

Key photo spots include the control room, the sonar station, the cramped bunks, and the torpedo room. Capturing the narrow corridors and unique equipment will make for memorable shots. Instagram

While personal photography is usually permitted, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect sensitive equipment or for safety reasons. Be mindful of your surroundings and any posted signs. Instagram

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