We have visited a few times with our three boys as they were growing up. I am not sure if my husband had more fun of the boys. There was so much to explore, see and do!
The main attraction is the USS Massachusetts, which you could spent two hours on, alone. Don't ignore the other exhibits though, as they are all fascinating and illustrate the wide variety of vessels to be found in any mid 20th century navy.Be prepared for the many ladders and confined spaces, particularly on the submarine.
My family and I were amazed when we pulled up to the docks. The ships were massive! My kids were instantly excited. There was also a submarine and 2 helicopters. It was more exciting than I thought it would be. We went from end to end in the submarine and toured the destroyers. It was a fun couple of hours and a unique experience. The price was reasonable and the location was easy to find.
Check out their website for finer info.However if you watched the movie "Battleship" or Wind talkers or any of the WWll movies with the BB's here's your chance to feel and see the real thing. Stand on the Bow like in Titanic, Look out the bridge windows over the 6, 16 inchers. Unguided tour in November. Climb in the turret of the big boy guns, see and feel the 40 mm guns. Go below and check out the steam turbine and boiler parts. Antique electronic equipment plumbing and electricals. If you're a mechanic or electrician its over welmling how these things are built. 2000 men operated this vessel at sea. Jump off the Landing ship, just like at D DayThey are working on the bridge in the background, lots of noise from engines and compressors. Makes the visit seem more real, like the ships are running. Go down into the submarine, 6 torpedo tubes in the front and 4 in the rear, Fairbanks power plant, check out the piston rod cap, it'll make the dodge ram hemi look like a toy.2 PT boats, they look a lot bigger than on McHales navy, 2 choppers, 1 Dukv, thats Duck boat not really civilianized yet. There's a destroyer there, an airplane, a staff car hiding in the background.Would love to see a Navy MB sitting on the deck of the USS MA.
We visited the last Sunday day of 2014. It was a cold day but we were all home and looking for something to do. We decided here as this is my youngest sons favorite place. We used AAA and got a discount on the tickets. We visited all the vessels. The 2 things that should out were the fact that the employees of this museum did not walk through the museum at the end of the day or beginning of the next as trash was strewn about. The second thing is that the Battleship really needs some work. In 2 short years since we have been she is really showing her age as well as neglect. All that aside, it is by far one of the best military museums. The new displays they are putting in the ship is great. We liked that it was so empty we were able to take our time and take in all the history without having to "move along" because it is so crowded as it can be during the vacation months. To explore the ships and take your time to discover and immerse yourself in the history is time worth spent. I have to be honest we learn something each time we go. Still a treasure in our back yard. I think kids about 8+ get the most out of it. It is also heart wrenching to see military men/women come to tears when they see a familiar name, place or face.
I love to visit the Battleship. The staff have a wealth of knowledge to share with visitors. The ship is showing wear but has a special place in my heart.Over the years I have taken many family members. The children loved exploring this big old ship.My grandson had the priveledge of staying on the ship overnight with his cub scout troop. Had fun discovering the ship with his friends.
My family and I came here to see the different ships which included the USS Massachusetts, USS Lionfish and the USS Joseph P Kennedy Jr to name a few. The kids enjoyed touring the different ships and seeing firsthand how they are run. My husband and I enjoyed reading the information and explaining in further detail what life would have been like for sailors. Although it was cold and we were pressed for time, we were able to see quite a bit. We plan to return in the summer when we can truly enjoy every inch of the ships and take advantage of the seasonal areas that were not available this time.
I explicitly went to Battleship Cove to see the USS Massachusetts. I had been to the USS Alabama a couple of years ago and was expecting a similar experience. The battleship is not well maintained. A docent explained that the cold climate required that the ship be heated all year which was taking a lot of money. As a result much of the ship is off limits to tourists. In fact, the ship is in danger of being closed down unless more money can be found to maintain it. The PT boat exhibit is well worth the visit. I enjoyed the chance to wander around these historic naval vessels and learn about their construction and operation during WWII. Being over six feet tall, I did not even attempt to explore the USS Lionfish. I spent a short time exploring the USS Joseph P Kennedy Jr. During the Vietnam War I sailed on a guided missile cruise so it was very educational to compare the differences in the living spaces on the different types of ships.
We are slowly working our way through all of the tour-able battleship and subs in the area. The Massachusetts is an impressive ship and we enjoyed touring it. The displays and museum are old and a little worn, but it is obvious that it is a labor of love for those maintaining it. Everything is clean and neat, there is a lot for the kids to look at and learn, and the information cards keep the adults educationally entertained if they actually get a moment to finish reading them... :)
I always go to visit the USS MASSACHUSETTS (BB59) at Battleship Cove, several times when I am visiting the area. It is one of my all time favorite places, and always will be. As with last year, I was also fortunate to be visiting again this year at the same time as "Battleship Brewfest". This is an annual fundraiser in which local microbreweries, wineries, restaurants and bakeries set up tables with samples of their delicious products. This is set up on the stern of the battleship, and there is also a live band and silent auctions. All the money goes to the never ending task of preserving the ships at Battleship Cove. Whether it is for Battleship Brewfest, or just a regular visit to these historic ships; I can't stress enough the importance of visiting here. Spend money at the gift shop, donate, volunteer, do whatever you can to keep these national treasures around for future generations. Two rabbit ears up!! (\ (\( -.-)o_(")(")