Groton, Connecticut - Submarine Capital of the World

When crossing the Thames River into Groton Connecticut on I-95, visitors are greeted by a submarine-shaped billboard claiming for Groton the title "Submarine Capital of the World." Indeed, Groton is home to a large submarine factory, as well as the U.S. Submarine Force Museum.

The museum features a number of historic submarines and submarine parts on display in the parking lot. They have hidden the missile on display behind a sub tower. Inside, there are more exhibits ranging from flags with kill-marks, to a submarine used in the Revolutionary War, to sub-launched nuclear weapons. There is also a gift shop selling all kinds of submarine-themed junk, especially bath toys. I bought a sub-shaped cookie cutter. The real attraction here is the U.S.S. Nautilus, the first nuclear submarine and the first submarine to reach the North Pole. Visitors can tour the Nautilus, receiving their audio-tour wands from an active duty Navy service member who I can only assume would be embarrassed to admit his rather unglamorous assignment to other soldiers. Inside, mannequins have been positioned performing various submarine tasks--loading the torpedoes, sleeping in their bunks, and eating (or preparing) fake food in the mess. For some reason, the museum has placed a working "bug juice" fountain behind the glass in the kitchen. [Dominic Ryan, 07/19/2006]