Key West USCGC INGHAM Maritime Museum
Description
The USCGC INGHAM was the longest continually serving, most decorated ship in Coast Guard History. Serving in active duty from 1936 to 1988. Only remaining American ship afloat to have fought in the Battle of the Atlantic. Command ship for several Philippines landings including General Douglas MacArthur's return to Corrigedor, he was aboard during this action. First allied vessel into Chinese waters at wars end. Two Presidential Unit Citations for support missions in Viet Nam. Also part of the Mariel Boatlift, when tens of thousands of Cuban refugees left their island home seeking refuge in the U.S. Now a National Historic Landmark and Coast Guard National Memorial to Guardsmen that have lost their lives in World War Two and Viet Nam. The Ingham also offers one of the best sunset views in Key West.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Self-guided tour the most decorated ship in Coast Guard history! 327' long Cutter commissioned pre- World War II. World War II, Viet Nam, Mariel Boat Lift Learn about the large part the Coast Guard played in World War II and Viet Nam.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Wheelchairs are able to get up on the main deck but unable to get below.
- Small service animals may be carried below. Larger animals are asked to remain on main deck. This is for their own safety.
- Guests may not enter the restricted areas
- Senior tickets are for guests 65+ and will require ID upon entry
- Wear comfortable shoes, no high heels permitted
Reviews(82)
As a retired Army officer, I found this interesting but the kids were fascinated. Definitely a worthwhile stop for vets and families.
Low key but well done self tour. Worthwhile preservation of important and unappreciated branch of our military--The Coast Guard
Very nice solo tour setup, great historical dialogue and resourcing of materials. Docents provided helpful and friendly advice.
Former U.S. Coast Guard ship, used in many missions, including in Vietnam, disabled for many years, today serves as a museum and restaurant, in my opinion is a fantastic and mandatory visit for those who love history and will visit Key West. You will have the opportunity to know how the ship worked, walk through it and know how things were on the ship, its missions, cabins of the commander and sailors, nursery, cafeteria and many other cool things, I highly recommend this visit, 1h30m is more than enough time to complete the tour.
When I travel to KW, am always looking for a new experience, this time I chose this ship. A well presented historical self tour of the ship, was a bit disturbed that the surgery was in the mess hall, efficient I guess! Very narrow and steep stairs throughout, keep that in mind if wearing flip flops, hand rails throughout…there is a small bar for refreshments and weather permitting, a sunset happy hour on Friday and Saturdays.
The cutter was absolutely amazing and very detailed with the history that follows the ship to this day. Micheal was great!
Free for military members. Cool experience with lots of history. The video they play you is very informative. You're welcome to explore at your leisure. Bathrooms on board, however, not soooo clean but if you're desperate. Just respect it's an old ship.
It is an interesting two hour event. The ship has a lot of history. I will say, It would be better on a cooler day. A hot day can be brutal in the parts of the ship without AC
We love going to tour ship museums. This was the first Coast Guard one we have ever done. Lots of similarities, but WOW the size of the Captains quarter suite was HUGE! Many other surprises as well. Great battlefield true stories of what this ship & crew did.
I was surprised at how many tours the INGHAM has had, this ship has such a storied legacy. It was active and in Korea. It also saved many Cuban lives in the eighties as it also rescued many Cubans during the Mariel boat life. This small but mighty cutter has a storied to tell. It was also in active duty in Korea. I loved meeting 'Perk" he made the tour! If you tour the ship please engage with him, he has a wealth of the ship and I loved his recommendations for where to eat in Key West!
