Be part of history, with a unique stay aboard a restored World War II sub, floating proudly in Wisconsin's historic Manitowoc River.
  • Sleeps: 16
  • Bedrooms: 9
  • Bathrooms: 3
  • Minimum stay: 1 night

Launched in 1943, USS Cobia was vital to the American effort during World War Two, sinking thirteen Japanese vessels.

These days, the iconic submarine is the best-preserved in the country, meticulously restored, and boasting added comforts including soft bedding, toiletries, heating and aircon. 

Now floating in the vast Manitowoc River, just behind the famous Wisconsin Maritime Museum, you’ll have a unique opportunity to rest your heads onboard, take a personalised tour, and imagine just what knife-edge military life must have been like all those years ago.

The museum itself is an immersive time-capsule, with fascinating exhibits on submarines, car ferries, shipwrecks, and model boats.  You’ll embark USS Cobia directly via the museum, by stairs, and through seven bulkhead doors that will make you feel like a wartime sailor preparing for battle.

Once aboard, you’ll get to take charge of your very own adventure… with access to the entire submarine, and with 65 sleeping spaces to choose from, in sailors’ bunks dotted throughout, your stay will be utterly unique!

You’ll be accompanied by a dedicated member of staff, who will be your point of contact throughout your stay, and who will also be sleeping aboard the submarine (though not directly with you, of course!) They will be on hand to take you on a personalised, story-filled tour, if you feel like getting to know your mesmerising surroundings a little better.

Otherwise, why not relax with a laughter-filled board or card game in the crew’s mess? You could also head back to the museum to watch a World War Two movie, view the exhibits during opening hours, or use the private bathroom facilities (although there are bathrooms on board the submarine, they are over 75 years old and not functional!)

Keep reading

At a glance

  • A unique opportunity to sleep aboard a floating piece of history – the restored USS Cobia, a former World War Two submarine.
  • The sub is part of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, through which you’ll gain access to your sleeping quarters, and which also offers bathroom and basic kitchen facilities.
  • There are 65 sailors’ bunks dotted throughout the sub… so you can tailor your own adventure!
  • You’ll have access to the museum and the sub throughout your stay (view the exhibits during opening hours only), and there are historic sites, bars and restaurants within easy walking distance. The museum has its own scenic rooftop bar, the Sub Pub.

Features

  • Large Groups

Facilities

Historic submarine and maritime museum, sleeps up to 65 guests in sleeping bunks dotted throughout the submarine, with bedding, toiletries, board and card games provided.  Bathroom and basic kitchen facilities (fridge, microwave, kettle, hot drinks, light snacks) are located in the museum, along with a selection of World War Two-themed movies.

Local Activities

Historic sites, maritime activities, walking, bars, restaurants, museums

More information

Store food and supplies in the museum’s catering kitchen, which you’ll also find stocked with hot drink making facilities and light snacks to enjoy during your stay. In the morning, you’ll be treated to coffee from a veteran-owned company, to help start your day with military focus!

What to do? Take a walk in just about any direction to discover even more historic maritime tales, with the lighthouse, shipyards, bustling harbour, and the sparkling Lake Michigan all close by. 

There’s also a lively selection of bars and restaurants to choose from in the surrounding area. But if you don’t want to stray too far, simply kick back in the Sub Pub, the museum’s impossibly scenic rooftop bar, and plot your next battle over a cocktail or local craft beer.

Things to note

Check in after 3pm, check out by 10am. This experience is not suitable for children under two, and pets are not permitted. You are not permitted to eat or drink (except water) on board the submarine. Please note that access to the submarine is gained via stairs and bulkhead doors. As the museum and submarine are open to the public, your luggage and valuables will be securely locked up during the day.

Where you'll be staying

Manitowoc, Wisconsin

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