The Battleship Wisconsin Marks 82 Years With a Full-Day Celebration

Docked permanently at Nauticus on Norfolk's waterfront, the Battleship Wisconsin — one of the largest battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy — is marking her 82nd birthday this month with a full day of special activities, educational programs, and access to spaces that are usually off-limits to visitors. The celebration features hands-on maritime programs (knot-tying, rope-making, and naval traditions demonstrations), and the Ask a Vet talks give visitors time face-to-face with sailors who served on the Wisconsin and her sister ships.

The Wisconsin saw action in World War II, Korea, and Desert Storm, and standing on her teak decks with the Norfolk skyline behind you is the most visceral way to understand the city's bond with the Navy. Nauticus, the maritime museum she is tied to, has built its programming around connecting visitors to that history in a way that is specific, unflinching, and proud.

If you're going: Nauticus sits at the end of Waterside Drive, a short walk from downtown hotels. Buy combination tickets at the entrance for Nauticus and the Wisconsin. The best photos of the bow come from the Waterside District boardwalk at sunrise.

Sources: VisitNorfolk April events, Norfolk Festevents