Wisconsin Maritime Museum Inc

Founded in 1969 as the Manitowoc Submarine Memorial Association, the Wisconsin Maritime Museum has grown into one of the largest maritime museums in the region. In addition to commemorating the maritime heritage of the Manitowoc-Two Rivers area and the submarines built here 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 over 60,000 square feet of space, the Wisconsin Maritime Museum explores the rich maritime history of Wisconsin through exciting and interactive exhibits. An operating steam engine, along with displays of historic vessels and marine engines, and the Wisconsin Waterways Room provide a special place for individuals of all ages to learn and play.

The Wisconsin Maritime Museum is also home to the USS Cobia, a World War II submarine.

USS Cobia (SS 245) was launched November 28, 1943, in Groton, CT. In June 1944, it began the first of six war patrols in which she sank thirteen Japanese vessels. 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. Cobia sank two vessels, including a troop transport carrying a Japanese tank battalion of twenty-eight tanks. U.S. Marines considered this sinking critical to their success in capturing Iwo six months later.

In 1970, Cobia was brought to Manitowoc to serve as an international memorial to submariners. In 1986, Cobia was incorporated as a part of the Manitowoc Maritime Museum, declared a National Historic Landmark, and placed on the National Register of Historic Places. As a National Historic Landmark, Cobia has been restored to its original 1945 configuration.

Visitors of all ages can enjoy a guided tour through the submarine to see where the crew slept, ate, and prayed to make it out alive.

The Wisconsin Maritime Museum connects all people with Wisconsin’s waterways, by engaging and educating the public about the Great Lakes, Wisconsin’s maritime history, Wisconsin’s World War II submarines and USS Cobia. 

All people are connected by the waters surrounding us. Between the mighty Mississippi River and the Great Lakes bordering our state, a network of creeks, lakes and rivers traverse Wisconsin, linking our individual stories to create a larger epic that resonates with all of us. The Wisconsin Maritime Museum invites all people to create personal and meaningful connections with our waterways through engaging programs, interactive exhibits and a world-class collection.

Wisconsin Maritime Museum Inc is a Charity participating in the NASCAR Day Giveathon 2024 a Giving Day event, presented by The NASCAR Foundation.