USS Drum SS-228
Explore the USS Drum (SS-228), a historic WWII submarine offering an immersive journey into the lives of submariners and their daring missions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
USS Drum SS-228
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the USS Drum (SS-228), a historic WWII submarine offering an immersive journey into the lives of submariners and their daring missions.
"An amazing experience and gives one a glimpse of what it was like living in a submarine."
🎒 Pack Light for Entry
Large backpacks can get caught in narrow passages. Travel light to easily maneuver through the submarine.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be climbing stairs to board and navigating tight spaces inside. Wear shoes with good grip.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Inside the Submarine
Interior of USS Drum
Experience the cramped living quarters and operational spaces of a WWII submarine crew. A true step back in time.
Historic War Patrols
Exhibits within USS Drum
Learn about the USS Drum's impressive 13 war patrols and its role in sinking enemy ships during WWII.
The 'Concrete Battleship'
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
While not the USS Drum itself, the park's namesake, the USS Alabama, is a massive WWII battleship offering a contrasting scale.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigate Tight Spaces
Combine with USS Alabama
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎒 Pack Light for Entry
Large backpacks can get caught in narrow passages. Travel light to easily maneuver through the submarine.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be climbing stairs to board and navigating tight spaces inside. Wear shoes with good grip.
⏳ Allow 30-60 Minutes
A self-guided tour takes about 30 minutes, but allow extra time for photos and absorbing the history.
👨👩👧👦 Consider Crew Availability
On some days, young people in period uniforms are onboard to answer questions.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎒 Pack Light for Entry
Large backpacks can get caught in narrow passages. Travel light to easily maneuver through the submarine.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be climbing stairs to board and navigating tight spaces inside. Wear shoes with good grip.
⏳ Allow 30-60 Minutes
A self-guided tour takes about 30 minutes, but allow extra time for photos and absorbing the history.
👨👩👧👦 Consider Crew Availability
On some days, young people in period uniforms are onboard to answer questions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the USS Drum for its incredible preservation and immersive historical experience, offering a genuine glimpse into WWII submarine life. While the cramped interior is a highlight for many, some find the tight spaces challenging. The opportunity to learn about the crew's bravery and the submarine's combat history is a major draw.
"First US submarine to enter WWII. This is now an amazing museum for the public to see firsthand topside and inside that shows how the crew lived and worked. The spaces inside are small and sometimes body dexterity is required to walk through various chambers. An amazing experience and gives one a glimpse of what it was like living in a submarine. Very much loved everything about this self tour!"
Reuben Reyes
"This is the second submarine I've had a chance to visit and I highly recommend visiting the USS Drum to everyone.
Built in 1940, this is petite. The quarters are tight and you have to appreciate the space available. I'm on the tall side and I had to literally lift my knees darn near to my chest to get through the port holes. So much history is in this submarine.
The restoration of this vessel is amazing. The hubs and I stopped a number of times to talk through scenarios. Again, this is a self guided tour, but I say you can spend about 30 minutes in this submarine.
Something to note: you have to climb stairs to get to the submarine entrance. You're also going down a small, narrow set of stairs to enter and exit. There were a few times where my backpack got caught on a few things. It's tight but worth it."
Gwendolyn R Houston-Jack
"Incredibly well preserved boat, one of the best museum ships I’ve had the pleasure of visiting."
kyle grothues
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The USS Drum SS-228 is located at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama. It's easily accessible by car and is a popular stop for those driving between Orlando and New Orleans.
Yes, ample parking is available at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. Parking fees may apply depending on the season or special events.
While the USS Drum is part of the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, tickets are often sold separately or as a package. Check the park's official website for the most current ticketing options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for the USS Drum can vary. It's best to check the official USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park website for the most up-to-date admission fees and any potential discounts.
The USS Drum's operating hours generally align with the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. Hours can change seasonally, so it's recommended to verify them on the park's official website before your visit.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance for the USS Drum and the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park is often recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure entry and avoid queues.
The USS Drum is a historic submarine with very tight spaces and requires climbing stairs to board and navigate. It is not considered fully accessible for individuals with significant mobility challenges.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend about 30 minutes to an hour exploring the USS Drum. The self-guided tour allows you to go at your own pace, but the tight spaces can slow down movement.
Inside, you'll find authentic, cramped living quarters, control rooms, and engine spaces. It offers a realistic glimpse into the daily lives of submariners during WWII.
Photography is generally allowed inside the USS Drum, but be mindful of the tight spaces and other visitors. Avoid using flash in areas where it might be disruptive.
The USS Drum is primarily a self-guided tour. However, on certain days, volunteers or staff in period uniforms may be present to answer questions and share insights.
Besides the USS Drum, the park features the USS Alabama battleship, aircraft displays, and various military vehicles, offering a comprehensive historical experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique interior shots of the control room and crew quarters. The exterior shots with Mobile Bay in the background are also iconic.
The interior is dimly lit and very confined, which can make photography challenging. Using a wide-angle lens and a camera with good low-light performance is recommended.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great opportunity to teach them about history in a tangible way. However, parents should be aware that the interior is very cramped and has low ceilings. Younger children might find it difficult to navigate, and it's essential to keep a close eye on them to ensure their safety. Consider bringing a carrier for very young children. The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, where the Drum is located, also offers other attractions like aircraft displays that can appeal to a wider range of ages.
💰 Budget Travelers
While there are no dining facilities directly on the submarine, the park often has concessions or nearby eateries. Packing your own snacks and water can help save money. The self-guided nature of the tour means you can spend as much or as little time as you like, maximizing the value of your admission fee.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Submarine's Service History
+1Her service began just weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor, making her one of the first U.S. submarines to strike back at the enemy. The submarine is named after the drum, a type of fish, continuing a naval tradition. Today, the USS Drum stands as a National Historic Landmark, offering the public a tangible connection to the bravery and sacrifices made by submariners.
Visiting the USS Drum provides a profound understanding of the challenging environment these sailors operated in. The cramped conditions and constant vigilance required are palpable as you walk through her decks, offering a stark contrast to modern living. It’s a powerful reminder of the ingenuity and courage that defined naval warfare during that era.
Experiencing Life Aboard
This intimate experience offers a unique perspective on the daily lives of the 72-member crew who lived and worked in these confined conditions for extended periods. You can see firsthand where they slept, ate, and operated the vessel, gaining a deep appreciation for their resilience and camaraderie.
On some days, you might even encounter individuals dressed in period uniforms who can share stories and answer questions, further enhancing the historical immersion. It's important to note that while the experience is highly rewarding, it can be challenging for those with mobility issues. The entrance and exit involve narrow staircases, and moving within the submarine requires careful maneuvering. However, for those who can manage, it's an unforgettable journey into the heart of a WWII submarine.
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