USS Wisconsin, Naval museum ship in Downtown Norfolk, United States.
The USS Wisconsin is a mid-20th century battleship now moored as a museum at Norfolk's waterfront. The vessel features multiple decks that visitors can explore, massive gun turrets, and various spaces showing the conditions and routines of shipboard life.
The ship entered service in 1944 and participated in the final major campaigns of World War II in the Pacific. After the war, the Wisconsin was later reactivated and saw service again during the Gulf War in the late 1980s.
The name Wisconsin comes from the state where the ship was built, reflecting American regional pride in naval construction during the 1940s. Walking the main deck, visitors can see how sailors once moved through narrow passages and worked together in tight quarters.
The museum ship is accessible from the Nauticus center at Waterside Drive and can be explored on your own or with guided tours. Wear good walking shoes since the stairs between decks are steep and getting a sense of scale requires climbing through various levels.
This vessel was the final battleship ever built by the American Navy, marking the end of an entire era of naval development. Its transformation into a museum shows how a military machine becomes a place where people can directly experience history.
Location: Norfolk
Inception: 1943
GPS coordinates: 36.84833,-76.29528
Latest update: December 6, 2025 22:04
The historic ships of the United States Navy are a direct testament to the country’s naval development throughout the 20th century. These warships, converted into museums accessible to the public, allow visitors to learn about life onboard and the technologies used during major global conflicts. The collections include Iowa-class battleships such as the USS New Jersey in Camden and the USS Wisconsin in Norfolk, destroyers like the USS Laffey in Mount Pleasant, as well as World War II submarines like the USS Cod in Cleveland and the USS Lionfish in Fall River. Visitors can walk the combat decks, examine original weapon systems, and explore preserved interior spaces. The USS Yorktown aircraft carrier at Patriots Point also displays vintage military aircraft, while the Naval Submarine Museum at Keyport features diving equipment and historical torpedoes. These sites, spread across oceans, provide a tangible view of the US Navy's role during Pacific conflicts, the Korean War, and more recent operations, showcasing nearly 80 years of maritime military history.
Nauticus
130 m
Hampton Roads Naval Museum
75 m
Wells Theater
421 m
The Homecoming
246 m
Town Point Park
314 m
Old Norfolk City Hall
453 m
Virginia Bank and Trust Building
305 m
Allmand-Archer House
364 m
Taylor-Whittle House
422 m
Ligne Indeterminee
317 m
Norfolk Now
428 m
Elizabeth River Festival
456 m
Flight of the Seagulls
279 m
Hampton Roads
454 m
Anchor;USS Antietam Anchor
195 m
Lone Sailor
79 m
Norfolk 1682 Plaque
421 m
Norfolk Attractions
277 m
Armed Forces Memorial
213 m
Revolutionary War Cannons
417 m
Ripples
367 m
Sign of the Times Garage
450 m
Waterwork
380 m
Wind and Waves Garage
235 m
Mermaid
355 m
Mermaid
365 m
Owen B. Pickett U.S. Custom House
372 m
Work of art, sculpture
141 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes