Spend a night in the U.S.S Blueback Submarine!
Time to get out of the classroom and into OMSI for learning and fun! A Submarine Overnight includes four exhibit halls, programming, breakfast, and more!
Experience what it’s like to live on a submarine, explore the torpedo room, peer through a periscope, and sleep in the crew’s quarters. Learn about density and buoyancy as you explore how submarines are designed to dive and surface. Sleep aboard the U.S.S. Blueback, a retired U.S. Navy submarine. Your Submarine Overnight includes hands-on science activities, museum exploration, in-depth submarine tours, and a documentary film the following morning.
Available for grades 3-12 (participants must be at least 7 years old). Reservations may be made for groups of 30 to 50 participants (including chaperones).
Sample Schedule:
5:15-6:00 pm – Check-in and gear drop-off; dinner on your own
6:00-6:30 pm – Introduction to submarine, assign bunks, and fire drill
6:30-7:00 pm – Explore Turbine Hall/ Group leader safety walkthrough
7:00-8:00 pm – Hands-on science activities with OMSI team
8:00-8:15 pm – Last call for indoor bathrooms/ optional snack on your own
8:15-9:15 pm – Guided submarine tour
9:15-9:45 pm – Exploration the submarine on your own! (with chaperones)
9:45-10:00 pm – Settle in and lights out
7:00 Lights on
7:00-7:30 am – Pack-up gear
7:30-8:00 am – Breakfast: Bagel with schmear, Fruit, Juice, Yogurt
8:00-9:00 am – Movie in Empirical Theater
9:00-9:30 am – Optional: Extra Turbine Hall Exploration
9:30 am – Gear out / Optional: Explore Featured Hall
OMSI 4 All
OMSI is committed to making science-fueled fun available for all in our community. Please inquire about our financial assistance programs for school and community programs.
Need Help Planning?
We know what it takes to coordinate groups of students—we’ve been doing it for years! Contact us to find answers and resources for painless planning.
Spend a night in the U.S.S. Blueback on the Willamette River
Booking + Planning
Step 1: Contact our registration team
Work with our registration team to plan your submarine overnight experience. The best way to start with by completing our online request form. Overnight reservations must be booked at least one month in advance for groups of 5 to 50.
Step 2: Contract and Invoice
After you confirm the dates and logistics with our registration team the group leader will receive an email to an online confirmation invoice. Invoices can be paid online, by mailing a check, or over the phone with a program sales coordinator.
Step 3: Finalize logistics
A final headcount is due at least 30-days prior to your event. Submarine Overnights begin at 5:00pm and dinner is not included. Groups can organize catering to be delivered to OMSI or eat prior to arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reservations may be made for up to 30 participants for $3,000. You may bring a maximum of 50 participants. You do not have to meet 30 participants to book. However the base cost remains the same regardless of size -Up to 30. Each additional participant past 30 is $90 per person.
No, the base cost of $3,000 covers up to 30 participants. You may bring fewer and still pay $3,000. You may being up to 50 and pay an additional $90 per participant.
OMSI requires all reservations be confirmed at least 30-days in advance of the event date. Due to the pre-arrival medical forms booking far in advance is recommended.
Breakfast is included. Breakfast contains bagel with schmear, fresh fruit, juice, and yogurt.
Dinner is not included. The program starts at 5:15 pm and groups can bring food to eat upon arrival. OMSI offers catering options if your group arrives early. You can work directly with our on-site restaurant.
Visitors must pass through a small, watertight door to enter the submarine, which requires some bending and stooping. There is a practice door you can try in the OMSI Lobby. Submarine visitors must be able to climb through the lobby hatch in order to participate in the tour.
The submarine has very steep stairs. Visitors must be able to self-navigate. Carrying children is not
allowed.
Drinking water and bathrooms are not located inside the submarine. A porta-potty is available on the dock outside the submarine.
OMSI’s guidelines for conduct are for the safety and protection of your group and OMSI exhibits. Please ensure all members of your group abide by the guidelines.