USS Silversides

USS Silversides is a World War II attack submarine preserved as a floating museum along the shore of Lake Michigan in Muskegon. The 311-foot vessel contains ten torpedo tubes and a four-inch deck gun that show visitors the combat equipment used during that era.

During the Pacific War, the submarine sank multiple enemy vessels in significant naval operations before the war ended. Following the conflict, the vessel was preserved and eventually converted into a memorial for naval history.

The Great Lakes Naval Memorial and Museum maintains this submarine as an educational center, teaching visitors about naval operations and military service.

Visitors can board and explore the interior compartments to understand how crews lived and worked in cramped conditions during wartime. The visit tends to be less crowded during weekday afternoons.

The submarine's original diesel engines remain operational and are started several times yearly to maintain their functionality. These periodic activations create a tangible connection between the vessel's working past and present-day preservation efforts.

Location: Michigan

Inception: January 1, 1941

Reference: SS-236

Operator: USS Silversides Museum

Website: https://museumships.us/subs/silversides

GPS coordinates: 43.23000,-86.33278

Latest update: December 14, 2025 20:21