USS Silversides Museum

Behind the Scenes Tour: June 19, 2025
2025-06-19 16:00 - 19:00 (America/Detroit) | Silversides Museum, USS Silversides Museum, 1346 Bluff St, Muskegon, MI, 49441, United States
Learn more & purchase tickets: https://silversidesmuseum.org/events/behind-the-scenes-tours/

Community Sub Science Class
2025-06-26 10:00 - 11:30
In Sub Science, kids ages 7–12 will build their own remotely operated vehicle (ROV) kit, dive it through water challenges, and discover how submarines explore the deep. Through exciting, hands-on missions, students will unlock the secrets of ballast, buoyancy, and submarine science – all inspired by the legendary USS Silversides (SS-236), one of the most famous Gato-class submarines from World War II.

Fun Fact: The USS Silversides completed 14 patrols during WWII –now it’s your turn to dive into history and discovery!

$20 | Here’s what Sub Science Explorers can expect at this 90 minute class:

Build and pilot your own ROV
Hands-on experiments and water challenges
Explore real-world submarine science
Learn about ballast, buoyancy, and underwater missions
Inspired by the USS Silversides (SS-236)
Includes access to our two-story museum and the historic Silversides Submarine

GET TICKETS: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/subscienceclass/event/subscience/

Behind the Scenes Tour: July 19, 2025
2025-07-19 10:00 - 13:00

Behind the Scenes Tour: July 31, 2025
2025-07-31 17:00 - 20:00
Explore the hidden depths of naval history with our exclusive and intimate Behind the Scenes Tour of the World War II Gato-class USS Silversides Submarine! Led by knowledgeable guides, dive into the inner workings of the legendary vessel, uncovering stories of bravery and innovation. Discover the challenges faced by submariners and marvel at the technology that powered these remarkable machines.
From the cramped quarters of the crew to the precision-engineered control, you will have access to areas not open to the public – walk where only the crew has walked! Highly sought after tours, book today!
Veterans discounts available! Get Tickets: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/btstours/event/behindthescenestourofusssilv

V is for Victory: Salute to Silversides Fundraiser 2025
2025-09-20 17:30 - 21:00
An Evening of Honor, History, and Hope
Join us for a powerful evening celebrating service, sacrifice, and the enduring legacy of the USS Silversides—one of the most successful submarines of World War II. V is for Victory: Salute to Silversides is more than a fundraiser—it’s a tribute to those who served beneath the waves and a call to preserve their stories for generations to come.
Dive into history with drinks, dinner, music, and a program highlighting the courage of our veterans and the vital mission of the USS Silversides Submarine Museum. Every dollar raised helps maintain and dry dock this historic vessel, ensuring her hull remains strong and her story lives on.
Your support is a salute.To the heroes of the past. To education and remembrance. To victory.
LOCATION:
USS Silversides Submarine Museum
1346 Bluff Street
Muskegon, MI 49441

SCHEDULE:

Doors Open at 5:30pm
Silent Auction Opens at 6PM
Dinner at 7pm
Awards at 8pm

RSVP BY SEPTEMBER 12, 2025!

Click Here to Purchase Tickets and Sponsorship

CLOSED CHRISTMAS EVE
2025-12-24
USS Silversides Submarine Museum will be Closed on Christmas Eve 12.24.25

CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY
2025-12-25
USS Silversides Submarine Museum will be Closed on Christmas Day 12.25.25

CLOSED NEW YEAR'S EVE
2025-12-31
USS Silversides Submarine Museum will be Closed on New Year’s Eve 12.31.25

CLOSED NEW YEAR'S DAY
2026-01-01
USS Silversides Submarine Museum will be Closed on New Year’s Day 1.1.26

Lights of Honor: Remembering Our Heroes
2026-05-23 16:00 - 22:00
Join us for a powerful Memorial Day weekend event as we honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The USS Silversides Submarine Museum invites the community to an unforgettable day filled with history, remembrance, and unity. Come out for the entire day or just a piece!
Family Fun at the Sub 4pm – 6pm

Free Admission
Sub Science
Torpedo Launch
Build Your Own Jumpin’ Joe

Memorial Celebration Service 6pm – 10pm

Flyover
Tolling of the Boats
Engine Start
Music
Free Tours
Food and More!

Join us for a moment of silence and walk as we pay tribute to the honor and sacrifice with luminaries lit for service members who made the ultimate sacrifice.

DRY DOCK NOTICE: SUBMARINE CLOSED
2026-07-09 - 2026-07-13
Friendly reminder that the USS Silversides Submarine will be closed to the public starting Wednesday, July 8th – Monday, July 13th, the day of her scheduled departure to dry dock. While the crew continues to prepare the sub for her big journey across the lake, the museum building remains open to explore from 10am-5pm.

Be a part of History! Donate towards USS Silversides preservation on our website: https://silversidesmuseum.org/dry-dock-uss-silversides/
and join us as we Send Of Silversides as a community: https://www.facebook.com/share/1B6hy5CxMb/

Silversides' Send Off to Dry Dock
2026-07-13 16:00 - 19:00
Join us as we bid farewell to the USS Silversides before she begins the next chapter in her remarkable history. Don’t worry, she’ll be back later this year!
Tentatively scheduled for Monday, July 13, the USS Silversides will depart for dry dock to undergo essential maintenance and preservation work. This is a rare opportunity to witness the historic submarine leave her home port, a moment that won’t happen again for many years.
Bring your family, friends, and cameras as we gather along the channel to celebrate this important milestone and show our support for preserving one of America’s most iconic World War II submarines for future generations.
Please note: The departure is weather and lake condition dependent, and the schedule may change if conditions are not favorable. Follow the USS Silversides Museum’s social media channels and website for the latest updates and confirmation of the departure date and time.
Help us give Silversides the send-off she deserves, and be part of this historic moment! Donate towards Silversides’ preservation on our website: https://silversidesmuseum.org/dry-dock-uss-silversides/

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Even better – follow the submarine out into Lake Michigan for the first mile of her journey! Purchase a ticket to be on a charter boat that leaves from the museum and follow the submarine during this historic event.
5:00pm – 5:30pm – Arrive at Museum and check-in.
5:30pm – 6:00pm – Board the charter boat.
6:00pm – Follow the submarine.
7:00pm – Return to the Museum.
*All proceeds go to support the preservation project.

SEATING IS VERY LIMITED.
Book online now!

DRY DOCK NOTICE: SUBMARINE AWAY FOR DRY DOCK
2026-07-14 - 2026-10-16
USS Silversides Submarine Museum Announces Major Dry Dock Preservation Project
Historic WWII submarine to undergo critical restoration for the first time in decades
Muskegon, MI — June 5, 2026 — The USS Silversides Submarine Museum today announced the launch of a major dry dock preservation project for the USS Silversides (SS-236), one of the most decorated submarines of World War II. This significant effort will ensure the long-term preservation of the vessel and safeguard its legacy for future generations.
In July 2026, USS Silversides will begin a carefully planned journey across Lake Michigan to Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, where she will undergo essential preservation work for the first time in decades.
For more than 80 years, USS Silversides has stood as a symbol of American courage, innovation, and sacrifice. Today, much of the vessel lies below the waterline, making it impossible to fully inspect critical structural components while afloat.
This complex, multi-phase project is being led by Valkor Energy Services, serving as the Project and Construction Management Team. Valkor brings significant experience in historic maritime preservation, having served as the project management and engineering firm for the multi-year restoration of the Battleship Texas—one of the most complex ship preservation efforts in the United States.
Once in Sturgeon Bay, restoration will take place at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding, a leading Great Lakes shipyard with the capacity and expertise to accommodate a vessel of Silversides’ size and historic significance. The submarine will be transported under tow by Basic Towing, Inc. of Escanaba, Michigan, an experienced marine transportation provider specializing in Great Lakes towing operations.
During dry dock, specialists will conduct a comprehensive evaluation and restoration effort, including hull cleaning, structural inspection, steel repair, and the application of advanced protective coatings to ensure long-term stability.
“USS Silversides is more than a historic artifact—she is a powerful, living connection to the men who served and the communities that supported them,” said Veronica Campbell, Executive Director of the USS Silversides Submarine Museum. “This project represents our commitment to preserving that legacy with care and integrity. By taking action now, we are ensuring that future generations can continue to experience her story firsthand.”
The submarine has not undergone full dry dock preservation in over 50 years, and delaying this work increases the risk of structural deterioration, safety concerns, and significantly higher repair costs. The estimated $3.5 million project is supported by a $750,000 grant through the Save America’s Treasures Grant Program, administered by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Through this grant and the incredible generosity of our major donors and sponsors, this preservation project has come to fruition. The Museum Board and Staff sincerely thank those that stepped up to ensure the submarine’s lasting impact on future generations.
The towing of USS Silversides is tentatively scheduled for July 13, 2026, with a return anticipated in mid-October 2026. During this time, the museum building in Muskegon will remain open to the public, continuing to offer exhibits, programming, and educational experiences.
While USS Silversides undergoes preservation, the Museum is preparing to introduce new waterfront experiences for visitors, including plans for a visiting tall ship. A formal announcement with additional details is expected soon.
USS Silversides welcomes community members, donors, and supporters to be part of this historic effort. Contributions directly support critical preservation work and help ensure that this national treasure remains accessible for generations to come.
