Entry 80: USS Batfish and the Best Things to Do in Muskogee, Oklahoma

The USS Batfish (SS-310), a legendary Balao-class submarine from World War II, has one of the most impressive service records in U.S. naval history. Built at the Portsmouth Navy Yard in Kittery, Maine, the Batfish was launched in May 1943 and commissioned that August. She served valiantly in the Pacific theater, completing seven war patrols. Her most famous achievement came during her sixth patrol in February 1945—within just 76 hours, the Batfish sank three Japanese submarines, a remarkable and rare feat in submarine warfare.

In total, the Batfish took down 15 enemy vessels, totaling approximately 37,000 tons of shipping, and earned six battle stars and a Presidential Unit Citation for her service. After WWII, she was decommissioned in 1946, briefly recommissioned during the Korean War, and then retired for good in 1959.

Today, the Batfish rests at the Muskogee War Memorial Park in Muskogee, Oklahoma, where she’s been preserved as a museum ship. Visitors can walk through the sub’s narrow corridors, explore the torpedo rooms, and gain a deep appreciation for the bravery and ingenuity of the sailors who served aboard her.

More to Discover in Muskogee

Muskogee is more than just a stop for history buffs—it’s a dynamic town with a rich blend of heritage, culture, and natural beauty.

Start your visit at the Five Civilized Tribes Museum, which showcases the history, art, and culture of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, and Seminole peoples. Located in an 1875 Indian Agency building, this museum is a deep dive into Native American heritage.

Music fans should swing by the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, which celebrates the musical legacy of Oklahomans like Merle Haggard, Carrie Underwood, and Reba McEntire. The exhibits and memorabilia offer a toe-tapping walk through the state’s influence on country, blues, and rock.

For outdoor lovers, Honor Heights Park is a local treasure. Known for its spring Azalea Festival, the park bursts into color with thousands of blooming flowers. With walking trails, quiet picnic areas, a butterfly house, and a serene lake, it’s the perfect spot for a family stroll or relaxing afternoon.

Getting There

Muskogee is well-connected and easy to reach. It’s about 50 miles southeast of Tulsa, accessible via US-69 and US-62. From Arkansas, it’s a straightforward drive west on I-40, and from Texas, you can take US-69 or I-35. For Missouri travelers, I-44 leads you to Tulsa, with an easy drive south to Muskogee.

Whether you're a history lover, a curious traveler, or a road-tripping family, Muskogee has something worth exploring. The Batfish is just the beginning.

Family-Friendly Things to Do in the Area:

• Honor Heights Park – walking trails, lake, butterfly house, playground

• River Country Family Water Park – seasonal splash park with slides and pools

• The Castle of Muskogee – Renaissance fair, Halloween events, and more

• Muskogee Civic Center – concerts, theater, and seasonal shows

• Muskogee Depot Green and Farmers Market – weekend fun and local produce

Local Places to Eat and Drink:

• My Place BBQ West – classic Oklahoma BBQ with a cozy feel

• American Pie Wood-Fired Pizza – family-friendly spot for handcrafted pizza

• Gino’s Italian Restaurant – local favorite for pasta and comfort food

• Station 1 – gastropub with craft beer and upscale bar fare

• The Break – coffee and brunch with a relaxing downtown vibe

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