Located on Norfolk’s waterfront beside the Elizabeth River, Nauticus is far more than a maritime museum—it is an immersive naval, science, and ocean discovery center where adults and children can actively engage with ships, sea life, naval technology, and maritime history. Visitors move through hands-on galleries designed to explain how ships work, how oceans shape global trade, and why Norfolk became one of the most important naval centers in the world. One of Nauticus’s most popular family areas is its marine science section, where children and adults can interact directly with sea life. Visitors often enjoy: touching horseshoe crabs, observing local Chesapeake marine, and Learn about ecosystem supports both wildlife and naval activity. There is a large screen theatre that features maritime films and educational presentations, giving visitors a chance to sit briefly while still experiencing dramatic naval footage, ocean exploration films, and educational programming.

A tour aboard Battleship Wisconsin is an unforgettable journey into one of America’s most powerful naval warships. Towering beside Nauticus, this massive battleship invites visitors to walk beneath towering 16-inch guns, explore preserved crew quarters, and stand on decks where sailors served during World War II, Korea, and the Gulf War. The highlight is the exciting Command & Control Tour, which leads into restricted operational spaces where radar tracking, tactical decisions, and battle coordination once occurred. Guests step inside authentic command rooms, view original consoles, and learn how Wisconsin launched Tomahawk missiles during Desert Storm. From the bridge, sweeping harbor views complete the experience, making visitors feel the scale, power, and history of one of the last great battleships ever built. On the weekends VIP tours can be arranged but sell out quickly.