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Celebrate The Battleship

Join us in celebrating the Battleship Wisconsin's 80th anniversary of her commissioning. There are many ways to celebrate this historic occasion!
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BATTLESHIP WISCONSIN TURNS 80!

April 16, 2024, marks the 80th anniversary of the commissioning of the Battleship Wisconsin, the largest and last Battleship built by the U.S. Navy that is now the historical icon of Downtown Norfolk and centerpiece of Nauticus. To celebrate the milestone, Nauticus will host over 80 events/programs throughout the month of April. 


April 1 – April 30

Free Military Admission

Nauticus has partnered with World of Warships to offer complimentary admission to active duty & veteran services members (dependents receive $3 off admission).
Must be reserved online, select terms and conditions apply.


Saturday, April 13

Birthday Weekend

Join us April 13 for the Battleship Wisconsin‘s Birthday celebration! Great for all ages, we’ve opening NEW SPACES aboard the ship and offering special programs such as meet & greet’s with Wisconsin Veterans, guided tours and more.

Bookings Begin April 4th

Battleship VIP Experience

Experience an exclusive VIP guided tour hosted by our Battleship Operations Manager (& Desert Shield/Desert Storm Veteran of the Wisconsin), Keith Nitka, as he takes you on an exploration of the Wisconsin touring spaces not accessible on any other tour.

Thursday, April 25th

Nauticus After Dark

Nauticus After Dark returns with a speciality theme to honor the Battleship Wisconsin’s Birthday: Battleship Blast! This exclusively 21+ event will feature the Battleship Wisconsin‘s fantastic views, the Battleship Wisconsin Commemorative bottle of Ironclad Bourbon, and more!


Additional Programs & Events

The Navy’s Secret Weapon

Celebrate the Battleship Wisconsin‘s 80th birthday in a truly sweet and educational way! Join us for our special workshop featuring everyone’s favorite treat – ice cream! This ice cream workshop will be hosted on Saturday, April 13th.

Did you know that the Battleship Wisconsin has its very own ice cream shop? Discover the fascinating history and science behind ice cream and learn how this delicious dessert played a role in the U.S. victory during World War II.

The workshop fee includes a hands-on ice cream making session and culminates in a private tour of the historic Battleship Wisconsin‘s ice cream shop. After the workshop, you’ll also have access to explore the rest of the Battleship and the new, captivating exhibits at Nauticus. This event is perfect for families and promises to be filled with fun, learning, and of course, ice cream! Join us as we celebrate the Battleship’s Birthday in a unique and memorable way.

All participants under 14 but be accompanied by a paying adult.

Two Sessions:
12PM
2PM

Tickets:
$35 Adult
$25 Child (12 & Under)

Members get $20 off tickets. Not a member? Join Today!

During your visit, make sure to stop by Sail Nauticus for an open house! Our sailing team will be offering complimentary 30-min sails along the Elizabeth River for all visitors.

Save the date – additional details to be added soon!

Battleship Wisconsin will celebrate her 80th commissioning on April 16, 2024 with a time capsule ceremony. This event is closed to the public but a live stream will be available at 10AM on Tuesday, April 16th.

Featuring an artifact from every decade of the Battleship, the time capsule is set to be opened on the Battleship Wisconsin‘s 100th anniversary in April, 2044.

Please click here to stay up to date on the livestream!

Nauticus After Dark returns with a speciality theme to honor the Battleship’s Birthday!

Nauticus After Dark: Battleship Blast is an exclusive event for 21+ to enjoy the Battleship Wisconsin‘s views and historic features after hours. From 6PM – 9PM on Thursday, April 25th, you and your friends will be able to enjoy Battleship Wisconsin’s fantastic view of the sunset, the Battleship Wisconsin Commemorative bottle of Ironclad Bourbon, and more!

To purchase your tickets, please click here!

Join us for a special overnight experience aboard the Battleship Wisconsin on Saturday, April 27. Enjoy a discounted rate of $80 per person. For more information, please visit click here.

While visiting in April, enjoy tons of programs ranging from tabletop demonstrations to presentations from our engaging educators, all included in your admission ticket. There is something for visitors of all ages to enjoy!

To view the full schedule, please click here.

Take a deeper look into the Battleship Wisconsin with a guided-tour! Our experts will show you areas not open to the public and share the stories of the WisKy.

Three different guided tours are available: Life in the Engine Room, Command & Control and the VIP Battleship Experience.

To learn more or to schedule your tour, please click here. Please note, you must purchase general admission to book a tour.

Explore the Elizabeth River with friends or family on a 2-hour introductory sail with an experienced instructor. Part of US Sailing’s First Sail Experience, learn the basics of sailing in a safe and relaxed setting. Enjoy Downtown Norfolk from a different viewpoint as you discover your passion for sailing. 

To learn more or to sign up, please click here.

Earn a U.S. Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification–the industry’s best–taught by our certified instructors. At the end of our course, you’ll walk away with a solid understanding of sailing upon completion of our course.

To learn more or to sign up, please click here.

Support the Battleship Wisconsin

Support the Battleship

A Piece Of History

Join the Navigator’s Circle and receive a handcrafted gift made from the 1944 teak deck from the USS Wisconsin.

*Only available while supplies last

Support The Battleship

Gift Shop

All proceeds from purchases at the Gift Shop benefit the Nauticus Foundation, which helps fund many of our ongoing education and restoration projects including the Battleship Wisconsin.

Support The Battleship

Commemorative Plaque

Honor your veteran, first-responder, relative or friend with a permanent plaque aboard the historic Battleship Wisconsin. Military or civilian, living or deceased – an engraved plaque placed aboard the last battleship built by the United States Navy.