USS Wisconsin (BB-64), Norfolk (must see)
The USS Wisconsin (BB鈥�64) is a majestic Iowa鈥慶lass battleship turned floating museum-that graces the Elizabeth River. This imposing vessel is one of the largest battleships ever constructed by the U.S. Navy and offers an unforgettable window into America鈥檚 naval legacy. Commissioned in 1944, the USS Wisconsin earned it stripes in some of World War II鈥檚 most vital operations, including the Philippines campaign, and the fierce battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa, even engaging in bombardments of the Japanese homeland as the war drew to a close.
It service didn鈥檛 stop there, returning to action during the Korean War and was reactivated in the 1980s to play a pivotal role in Operation Desert Storm. After retiring in 1991, it was decommissioned for good in 2006 before being gifted to Norfolk to serve as a museum-welcoming visitors from around the world aboard it teak鈥慸ecked decks since the early 2000s.
As a museum, the USS Wisconsin offers both self-guided and guided experiences that bring naval history to life. Visitors can freely explore the main and upper decks, stepping into spaces where sailors once stood watch. For a deeper dive, specialized tours such as "Command & Control" and "Life in the Engine Room" take you into the heart of the ship-from the Captain鈥檚 Cabin and Combat Engagement Center to the bowels of the engine room, descending seven decks.
The ship鈥檚 interior-featuring the mess hall, crew bunks, ship's post office, and brig-is a walk through real naval life and indispensable for a hands-on appreciation of life aboard a WWII-era battleship. Beyond her decks, the USS Wisconsin is part of a cultural center. It forms one leg of the Nauticus center, which blends interactive maritime exhibits, aquaria, and STEM-focused programming.
It service didn鈥檛 stop there, returning to action during the Korean War and was reactivated in the 1980s to play a pivotal role in Operation Desert Storm. After retiring in 1991, it was decommissioned for good in 2006 before being gifted to Norfolk to serve as a museum-welcoming visitors from around the world aboard it teak鈥慸ecked decks since the early 2000s.
As a museum, the USS Wisconsin offers both self-guided and guided experiences that bring naval history to life. Visitors can freely explore the main and upper decks, stepping into spaces where sailors once stood watch. For a deeper dive, specialized tours such as "Command & Control" and "Life in the Engine Room" take you into the heart of the ship-from the Captain鈥檚 Cabin and Combat Engagement Center to the bowels of the engine room, descending seven decks.
The ship鈥檚 interior-featuring the mess hall, crew bunks, ship's post office, and brig-is a walk through real naval life and indispensable for a hands-on appreciation of life aboard a WWII-era battleship. Beyond her decks, the USS Wisconsin is part of a cultural center. It forms one leg of the Nauticus center, which blends interactive maritime exhibits, aquaria, and STEM-focused programming.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Norfolk. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: 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.
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USS Wisconsin (BB-64) on Map
Sight Name: USS Wisconsin (BB-64)
Sight Location: Norfolk, USA (See walking tours in Norfolk)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Norfolk, USA (See walking tours in Norfolk)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Norfolk, Virginia
Create Your Own Walk in Norfolk
Creating your own self-guided walk in Norfolk 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.
Norfolk Introduction Walking Tour
The Southern forces were left dumbfounded when one of their own, Norfolk native Mary Louvestre, revealed their plans to the Union government. Mary's act gave the Union navy an upper hand in the sea battle against Confederate ships.
In 1636, English colonists established a small settlement along the Elizabeth River, recognizing the area鈥檚 natural deep-water harbor as a vital asset for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
In 1636, English colonists established a small settlement along the Elizabeth River, recognizing the area鈥檚 natural deep-water harbor as a vital asset for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles