Founded in 1970 as the Manitowoc Submarine Memorial Association, the Wisconsin Maritime Museum has grown into one of the largest maritime museums in the Midwest. In addition to commemorating the maritime heritage of the Manitowoc-Two Rivers area and the submarines built there during World War II, the Wisconsin Maritime Museum is now a leader in preserving the maritime history of Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region.

     With more than 60,000 square feet of space, the Wisconsin Maritime Museum explores the rich maritime history of Wisconsin through exciting and interactive exhibits, a unique collection of model ships, an operating steam engine and displays of historic vessels and marine engines.

     Moored along the Manitowoc River, adjacent to the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, is the World War II fleet submarine USS Cobia (SS-245). Cobia has local and national significance as an icon of Wisconsin’s shipbuilding heritage.

     Get an up-close look at life in the “silent service” by touring the USS Cobia. Tours are conducted seven days a week, weather permitting, throughout the year. Each tour lasts 45 minutes. The Wisconsin Maritime Museum is handicapped accessible; the USS Cobia, a 1943 original boat, is not.

     Begin your visit to the USS Cobia in the Cobia Interpretive Center. Hi-tech exhibits and a multimedia theater will help you learn about the six war patrols of Cobia, the important role that US Navy submarines played in World War II, and how Manitowoc came to build 28 submarines during the war. Explore more exhibits and look through the periscope of a Manitowoc-built submarine in the USS Rasher Concourse before stepping onboard Cobia.

 

     Cobia is a GATO-class fleet submarine similar to the 28 subs built in Manitowoc during World War II. Even though it is the same class of submarine built by Manitowoc shipbuilders, Cobia was a product of the Electric Boat Company of Groton, Connecticut. Visitors are led by a tour guide through the submarine and given a complete 45-minute tour containing historic excerpts about submarines and their role in World War II.

     Cobia was launched in November 1943. In June 1944, it began the first of six war patrols in which it sank 13 Japanese vessels for a total of 20,000 tons of enemy shipping. By July 1944, Cobia had established itself in the annals of World War II sub history by attacking an enemy convoy bound for Japanese-held Iwo Jima.

     As a National Historic Landmark, Cobia has been restored to its original 1945 configuration. You can go on board and tour its topside and inside. You will see the torpedo rooms, wardroom, crew’s quarters, engine rooms and much more. No movie can match the real thing, so do not miss Cobia when you visit the Museum.

     The Wisconsin Maritime Museum is open seven days a week, year round, with the exception of New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. It is also closed for the Museum’s annual fundraising event, Commodore’s Ball, which falls in early October each year.

     Total time for the walking tour of the museum and guided tour of the Cobia is approximately three hours. The walking tour is usually self-guided, but may include a guide on request when available.

     Complimentary bus and vehicle parking is available in the lots located to the east, west and north of the Museum. The Wisconsin Maritime Museum is happy to extend a discounted group rate admission along with free admission for tour directors and bus drivers with prior reservations. Sharing a parking lot with the Wisconsin Maritime Museum is the Best Western Lakefront Hotel. Try the Boat Yard Café for delicious dining overlooking the Manitowoc River and beautiful Lake Michigan. For more information on the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, visit www.wisconsinmaritime.org or phone Dawn Eggers at (866) 724-2356, Ext. 106 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .