Planning a day trip in southeastern Connecticut? The Submarine Force Library and Museum in Groton, CT is one of the region’s most rewarding stops, and one of the best values. Admission and parking are both free, so families, history lovers, students, and veterans can explore more than a century of submarine history without buying a ticket.

Located on the Thames River at One Crystal Lake Road, the museum is home to Historic Ship Nautilus, the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine. It is also the only submarine museum operated by the United States Navy, which makes it the primary repository for artifacts, documents, and photographs related to U.S. Submarine Force history.

Yes, Admission and Parking Are Free

There is no admission fee to visit the submarine force library and museum, and parking is free as well. The museum is supported by the Submarine Force Library and Museum Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, along with its members, donors, and volunteers. That support helps keep the museum open to the public at no cost.

What You Can See During Your Visit

Free entry does not mean a small experience. Here are some of the highlights:

  • Historic Ship Nautilus (SSN 571): Launched in 1954 at the Electric Boat shipyard in Groton, Nautilus became the first commissioned nuclear-powered ship in the U.S. Navy. In 1958, she became the first ship to reach the geographic North Pole. Check with the museum before your trip for current access to the submarine.
  • Museum exhibits: The collection includes more than 33,000 artifacts, 20,000 significant documents, and 30,000 photographs. Exhibits trace the “Silent Service” from David Bushnell’s Turtle, used in the Revolutionary War, to today’s Ohio and Virginia class submarines. Displays change frequently, so a return visit can feel like a new experience.
  • Self-guided tours and scavenger hunts: Ask at the information desk about self-guided tours and scavenger hunts, or use the Augmented Reality Experience in the Nautilus room to tour USS Nautilus by QR code.
  • Library and archives: The Submarine Force Library and Archives holds more than 6,000 titles and over 2.5 million archival documents and photographs. Research visits are by appointment.

Museum Hours to Know Before You Go

The museum is open Wednesday through Monday and is closed on all Tuesdays.

  • Summer hours (May 1 – October 31): 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Winter hours (November 1 – April 30): 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The museum is also closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day, and closes for about two weeks in the spring and fall for routine maintenance. If you plan to use the library, appointments are required and are scheduled separately from a regular museum visit. See the full museum information page for details.

Tips for Planning Your Free Visit

  • Getting there: From I-95, take Exit 86 and follow the USS Nautilus signs to the museum.
  • Call ahead: Because of seasonal maintenance closures, a quick call before your trip helps confirm the museum is open.
  • Take something home: Stop by the Nautilus Ship Store for books, apparel, and submarine-themed gifts.
  • Give back: Since admission is free, you can help support exhibits and education by choosing to become a member or make a donation.

Visit the Submarine Force Library and Museum in Groton, CT

Free admission, free parking, and a world-class collection make this museum an easy choice for your next outing in Connecticut. Whether you are a lifelong submarine enthusiast or visiting with kids for the first time, there is always something new to learn.

If you are planning a trip to the Submarine Force Library and Museum in Groton, Connecticut, the Submarine Force Library & Museum Association invites you to explore more than a century of U.S. Submarine Force history.

Have questions before your visit? Call the museum today at (800) 343-0079.