Battleship USS Iowa Museum

This was our second trip to see Iowa, we were here 2 years ago and seeing the ongoing restoration of her is absolutely amazing. Last time we also did the gun tour (highly recommend!!) The staff is always friendly and telling stories of the artifacts.

My brother in law, my father, and I had an incredible time aboard the USS Iowa, and with our excellent tour guide. We spent a scant four hours aboard and nearly got the whole run of the ship on our $75 guided tour. And we all concluded we have to return to see even more. What a great experience to see such a ship like that, and go through it in such detail. Special commendations to our tour guide, Bob Abelson, for letting us go in, out, up, down, and all around this great ship! A very worthwhile experience.

That said, the website is a mess, and something must be done about the experience. The site says the general access pass must be bought before the tours, but it doesn't say that the page will take you to the add-on page following checkout. Clear as mud overall. Same with scheduling for the tours; not the most clear. Also, the hot dog stand was closed early. But everyone aboard the ship was nice, we bought our add-on tour once we there, and everything is in fairly good condition. Will return again!

If you are in the area this is a self guided tour that is amazing. I would give yourself a couple of hours at the minimum. Make sure to knock out restrooms before you start the tour. However, there are restrooms, food, beer and an awesome place to relax at the end of the tour. Enjoy.

We were there today and we met Don at the gangway. We got talking and found the engine room and boiler room tour was only on the weekend.
In the conversation, I had mentioned I was a Canadian navy engineer veteran, Don offered to take me and my wife down below even though it was close. He was a great tour guide for us I can't thank him enough it was a great tour experience.
Thanks again

Anyone interested in local and world history should definitely pay a visit to the USS Iowa. The knowledgable and captivating docent shared tales about the building and operation of this enormous vessel. He exuded infectious energy. Wearing non-slip shoes or low heels is helpful for those walking. The safety instructions provided at the beginning of the trip were very useful in navigating the ship's steep steps. The ship tour was excellent overall, very interesting, and had excellent markings for each area.

For those who are interested in local and world history, a trip to the USS Iowa is a delight. The guide was highly educated and engaging as she related the tales of this enormous ship's construction and use. His passion was infectious. It is imperative that individuals wear non-slip walking shoes or low heels. Although the ship has high steps, the safety instructions provided at the beginning of the trip were very useful in navigating the stairs. Overall, the ship tour was excellent with explanations of each chamber, well marked, and really engaging.

A visit to the USS Iowa is a treat for people who are interested in local and global history. The docent who relayed the stories about the construction and use of this massive ship was very knowledgeable and interesting. His enthusiasm was contagious. It is important for people to wear walking shoes that are not slippery or high heels. The steps are steep on the ship, but the safety reminders at the start of the tour were very helpful on how to negotiate the steps. All in all the ship tour was well marked, great with explanations of each room, and very interesting.

The only downside was the lack of a real place to eat that wasn't a hotdog stand. But, that didn't really matter with the number of local restaurants within walking distance.