### **Immersing Yourself in History: A Night Aboard the USS Cobia**
For history enthusiasts and adventure seekers, staying overnight on the **USS Cobia**, a World War II submarine turned living museum, offers an unparalleled travel experience. Anchored at the **Wisconsin Maritime Museum** in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, this National Historic Landmark lets guests step into the boots of WWII submariners, immersing themselves in life aboard an operational wartime vessel.
### **Preserving a Storied Legacy**
The USS Cobia is not just a museum relic—it’s a war hero with a rich history. In its prime, the submarine completed six patrols, sank 13 enemy ships, and even rescued seven downed American pilots. Its wartime service earned it a revered place in history, and in 1986, it was designated a **National Historic Landmark**. Thanks to Lake Michigan’s freshwater environment, the submarine remains exceptionally well-preserved.
Today, it offers visitors the unique opportunity to engage with the sacrifices and heroism of its crew through **“Sub BnB”**—an overnight experience managed by the museum. The program’s proceeds go directly toward the preservation of both the USS Cobia and the museum’s critical educational efforts.
### **The Submarine Experience**
Booking a night aboard the USS Cobia starts at $500 per group, with total costs reaching $685, making it ideal for families or small groups. Originally built to house a crew of 80, the submarine now accommodates up to 65 overnight guests in repurposed crew bunks, including the cozy **Forward Torpedo Room** and the **Goat Locker**, once reserved for chief petty officers.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by guides like **Mark Becker**, a veteran of the USS Silversides. Through vivid recountings of wartime missions and life aboard a submarine, Becker brings the sacrifices and resilience of the crew to life. As **Kevin Cullen**, director of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, reflects, “When visitors step aboard, it’s…a moment of recognition for the incredible sacrifices WWII submariners made for our freedom.”
### **Living Like a Submariner**
Life aboard the USS Cobia invites guests to explore its narrow hatches, compact compartments, and vintage equipment, offering an authentic glimpse into the daily challenges of the men who served on it. From the ward room, where officers once dined and strategized, to the pump room, typically off-limits to the public, every corner tells a story.
Veterans who’ve walked the submarine’s halls recount tales of camaraderie, sacrifice, and hardship. As Becker recalls, “You could hear sniffles and tearful sighs in the darkness”—a poignant reminder of the emotional toll submariners bore while thousands of miles away from home.
The authenticity of the experience extends all the way to its quirks. Guests must use the museum’s restroom facilities, which require stepping out into the cool night air—an added touch that mirrors the resourcefulness of life at sea. Meals are bring-your-own, enhancing the sense of self-reliance the submariners once exemplified.
### **Immersive Reflection**
One of the most memorable aspects of the **Sub BnB** experience is the ability to trigger the submarine’s **“battle stations” alarm**, providing a visceral connection to the vessel’s wartime purpose. The lingering scent of diesel and the hum of machinery further immerse guests in the atmosphere of WWII submarine life.
A night aboard also includes private, after-hours access to the Wisconsin Maritime Museum’s exhibitions. Guests can explore artifacts and stories of Wisconsin’s shipbuilding legacy, creating a deeper appreciation for the region’s role in supporting the war effort.
As the night unfolds, the experience isn’t just about novelty—it’s a chance to truly reflect on the courage and sacrifices of those who served. Families find meaning in every detail, from navigating the cramped passageways to sleeping in narrow bunks that once held submariners dreaming of home.
### **A Journey Worth Taking**
The next morning, guests emerge from the submarine into the soft light of the Manitowoc River. A continental breakfast featuring classic staples like **oatmeal, muffins, and coffee** welcomes them, offering a peaceful moment to process the night’s impact.
Before leaving, many stop by the gift shop to purchase memorabilia, like a modest magnet reading, **“I stayed the night on the USS Cobia”**—a meaningful token of a one-of-a-kind experience.
For those seeking a truly immersive journey through history, the **USS Cobia Sub BnB** offers more than just an overnight stay. It’s a chance to honor and preserve the stories of the brave men who served aboard this historic submarine. As Cullen aptly reminds us, “Preservation isn’t just about preserving objects. It’s about keeping stories alive for future generations.”
Dive into the past and embark on an adventure unlike any other. Your story aboard the USS Cobia is waiting to be written.
