The USS Cod is a retired WWII SS-224 submarine, moored in Cleveland’s North Shore Harbor, near the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The USS Cod, a National Historic Site, is the only ship that remains intact and visitors climb the vertical ladders through its hatches, just as sailors did during active duty.
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The USS Cod was launched in March 1943. The 1,526-ton, 311-foot submarine saw five turns of service during World War II and was credited with sinking twelve enemy ships. Later, the USS Cod was used for reconnaissance missions during the Cold War.
The USS Cod was decommissioned in 1971. In 1976, a group of Cleveland investors brought her to Cleveland and opened the ship to the public as a museum. The USS Cod is a memorial to the more than 4,000 service personnel who have died serving on American submarines.
Shore Exhibits
On the shore, next to the USS Cod, there is a Mark 14 steam torpedo, of the type used in World War II. Also on land is a 2,080 lb five-blade propeller, of the type used on the USS Cod. In addition to this, there is a vintage periscope from the 1950s, aimed at the Port of Cleveland.
Visiting the USS Cod
The USS Cod is located in downtown Cleveland on North Coast Harbor, between the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Burke Lakefront Airport. The attraction has limited free parking adjacent to the site, but asks that you use the adjacent public lot if you plan to visit other nearby attractions. Please note that because the USS Cod does not have the visitor corridors cut off, it is not suitable for disabled visitors or very young children.
Restaurants near the USS Cod
A couple of blocks from the USS Cod, inside the Gallery, is Café Sausalito, known for its excellent salads, burgers, and grill dishes.
Hotels near USS Cod
The USS Cod is within walking distance of major downtown hotels such as the Renaissance Cleveland, the Ritz-Carlton, and the Marriott Key Center. The Holiday Express and Suites (check rates) is another convenient option, especially if you’re also visiting the Great Lakes Science Center and / or the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. For less expensive accommodations, try one of the hotels in the I-77 / Rockside Road corridor.
