Dive into the USS Silversides Museum
U.S. naval history comes alive in Muskegon at the USS Silversides Museum. Explore the depths of a World War II submarine, as well as a prohibition-era Coast Guard cutter. A two-story museum building accompanies these two vessels to tell the experiences of local heroes and the story of World War II from the water.
USS Silversides was one of the most successful submarines in the Pacific Theater of WWII, with 23 confirmed sinkings. This Gato-class submarine was commissioned in December 1941, and set sail on 14 war patrols before ending her war service in July 1945. Following her naval career, the sub was docked in Chicago, where she underwent significant restoration. She was ultimately brought to the Lake Michigan lakeshore in Muskegon in 1987, for continued preservation. Here, her mission is to honor the men and women of the military, preserve military history, and provide experiences that educate the public about military history and technology.
When visiting the USS Silversides Museum, you also can climb aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter McLane. This vessel served America through Prohibition and WWII, and provided assistance in many search-and-rescue operations. She was commissioned in April 1927, as a patrol boat to hunt rumrunners and bootleggers operating along the U.S. coastline during the prohibition era. During WWII she patrolled the Bering Strait. She came to her new home in Muskegon in 1993, when she was acquired by the museum.
An admission ticket to the museum allows guests to immerse themselves in WWII history through permanent and temporary exhibits that highlight the role of submarines in wartime, as well as submarine technology and construction. Guests will see artifacts such as torpedoes, depth charges, uniforms and personal effects that once belonged to soldiers, sailors, pilots and submariners. Visitors can further engage with WWII and submarine history through lectures, classes and immersive events.
“A good Navy is not a provocation to war. It is the surest guaranty of peace.” — President Theodore Roosevelt
