USS Cod Submarine Memorial, Cleveland (must see)
The USS Cod Submarine Memorial, located on the shores of Lake Erie in Cleveland, is a tribute to the sailors who served on this historic vessel during World War II. This National Historic Landmark features the USS Cod, a Gato-class fleet submarine that remains one of the best-preserved World War II submarines open to the public. What sets the USS Cod apart is its authenticity: visitors enter through the original hatches and descend ladders, as no modern staircases or doors have been added, preserving the submarine’s structural integrity and historical accuracy.
Launched on March 21, 1943, and commissioned on June 21, 1943, the 312-foot, 1,525-ton submarine is equipped with five diesel engines, all built in Cleveland, Ohio. Cod operated primarily out of Australian ports, completing seven war patrols in the Pacific. During these missions, she sank over 12 enemy vessels, totaling more than 37,000 tons, and damaged an additional 36,000 tons of enemy shipping, including the Japanese destroyer Karukaya. Cod’s service earned her a battle star for each of her patrols, but her legacy is also defined by her role in the only international submarine-to-submarine rescue in history. During her final war patrol in the South China Sea, Cod came to the aid of the grounded Dutch submarine O-19, rescuing 56 Dutch sailors before destroying the stranded vessel.
Today, the USS Cod offers self-guided tours that allow visitors to explore the submarine’s interior, marvel at its original equipment, and experience firsthand the conditions that crew members faced. Highlights include a fully restored Mark IV Torpedo Data Computer and a five-inch deck gun that can be rotated by guests and mock-fired by volunteers. On special occasions, the volunteer crew powers up Cod’s engines, giving visitors a rare opportunity to witness the machinery in action.
Docked permanently in Cleveland, the USS Cod Submarine Memorial stands as a poignant reminder of the bravery and sacrifices made by submarine crews during World War II, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and the general public alike.
Launched on March 21, 1943, and commissioned on June 21, 1943, the 312-foot, 1,525-ton submarine is equipped with five diesel engines, all built in Cleveland, Ohio. Cod operated primarily out of Australian ports, completing seven war patrols in the Pacific. During these missions, she sank over 12 enemy vessels, totaling more than 37,000 tons, and damaged an additional 36,000 tons of enemy shipping, including the Japanese destroyer Karukaya. Cod’s service earned her a battle star for each of her patrols, but her legacy is also defined by her role in the only international submarine-to-submarine rescue in history. During her final war patrol in the South China Sea, Cod came to the aid of the grounded Dutch submarine O-19, rescuing 56 Dutch sailors before destroying the stranded vessel.
Today, the USS Cod offers self-guided tours that allow visitors to explore the submarine’s interior, marvel at its original equipment, and experience firsthand the conditions that crew members faced. Highlights include a fully restored Mark IV Torpedo Data Computer and a five-inch deck gun that can be rotated by guests and mock-fired by volunteers. On special occasions, the volunteer crew powers up Cod’s engines, giving visitors a rare opportunity to witness the machinery in action.
Docked permanently in Cleveland, the USS Cod Submarine Memorial stands as a poignant reminder of the bravery and sacrifices made by submarine crews during World War II, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and the general public alike.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Cleveland. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
USS Cod Submarine Memorial on Map
Sight Name: USS Cod Submarine Memorial
Sight Location: Cleveland, USA (See walking tours in Cleveland)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Cleveland, USA (See walking tours in Cleveland)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Cleveland, Ohio
Create Your Own Walk in Cleveland
Creating your own self-guided walk in Cleveland is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Cleveland Introduction Walking Tour
The City of Cleveland dates back to 1796 when the Connecticut Land Company laid out the area into a township. They named the new town after their leader, General Moses Cleaveland.
With its waterfront location, the city became a major center for trade and commerce over the next few decades. When the railroad arrived in the area in the mid-19th century, the town began to evolve into a central... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
With its waterfront location, the city became a major center for trade and commerce over the next few decades. When the railroad arrived in the area in the mid-19th century, the town began to evolve into a central... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Museums in Cleveland
Cleveland, Ohio, boasts a rich cultural scene, with a variety of museums comprising some of the best in the American Mid-West, catering to a wide range of interests.
Among these, the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland (MOCA) stands out as a hub for modern and contemporary art enthusiasts. MOCA features thought-provoking exhibitions, showcasing the work of both emerging and established... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Among these, the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland (MOCA) stands out as a hub for modern and contemporary art enthusiasts. MOCA features thought-provoking exhibitions, showcasing the work of both emerging and established... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Little Italy Walking Tour
Whether you’re new to the Cleveland area or a lifelong resident, there’s plenty to explore in the dynamic “Forest City.” And if you’ve never been to local Little Italy, you’re in for a treat. Apart from historical landmarks and delicious plates of pasta, in this lovely urban enclave you will find plenty of culture.
One of the neighborhood's central features is the Holy Rosary... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
One of the neighborhood's central features is the Holy Rosary... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles