USS LST-325

Imagine a majestic steel giant that hasn't just frozen at the pier but continues to live through its history. USS LST-325 is a unique World War II tank landing ship that has become one of the main points of pride for the city of Evansville. It is not just a museum piece, but the world's only fully functional ship of its class preserved in its original form to this day.

During their active service in the USA, such vessels did not have names, only hull numbers. Among sailors, they earned the ironic nickname "Large Slow Target", yet their role in landing operations was invaluable. Today, this "floating museum" is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and attracts thousands of travelers every year.

Visiting this site allows you to touch the living history of the navy. USS LST-325 serves as a reminder of the outstanding engineering solutions and the heroism of the crews who ensured the large-scale landing of equipment and troops at the world's most intense hotspots in the mid-20th century.

For more details about your visit or to book a group tour, you can use the official communication channels. Museum staff are always ready to help with information regarding current exhibitions and special events.

Stepping aboard, you enter a world where time seems to have stood still. The main activity here is the interactive tours, during which you can explore the ship's most hidden corners. Visitors are allowed to peek into the crew’s living quarters, see the austere daily life of the sailors, and descend into the massive engine room, where the power of the steel machinery can still be felt.

Of particular interest are the enormous cargo holds, designed to carry tanks and heavy weaponry. Here, you can clearly visualize how equipment was unloaded directly onto the shore. Guides provide detailed information about the giant's technical specifications: its ability to reach speeds of up to 12 knots and cover vast distances of 24,000 nautical miles.

Additionally, the ship features a rich collection of artifacts and information stands. You will learn about the revolutionary role of LST-type ships in amphibious operations, which fundamentally changed naval combat tactics. This place is ideal for those who want to do more than just look at exhibits, but literally feel the atmosphere of serving on a warship.

Finding this legendary ship is easy: it is moored right on the banks of the Ohio River in the central part of the city. The exact address is 610 NW Riverside Dr, Evansville. If you are traveling by car, simply follow the signs leading to the riverfront and downtown, where parking spaces are provided for visitors.

For those who prefer public transport, Evansville has bus routes that pass through the business center. From the nearest stops, it is just a few minutes' walk to the ship's gangway, allowing you to enjoy views of the river. You can also always use taxi services or popular ridesharing apps from anywhere in the city.

The history of this vessel began at the height of World War II: the ship was launched on October 27, 1942. It began its service under the command of Lieutenant Ira Ehrensal, crossing the Atlantic to the shores of Algeria. For several months, the crew honed their landing skills, preparing for large-scale operations that would change the course of history forever.

The vessel took an active part in key events of the era, including the famous Invasion of Sicily (Operation HUSKY) and the historic Normandy landings. USS LST-325 proved to be a reliable workhorse of the fleet, capable of delivering heavy equipment and troops directly onto unimproved shorelines under the most challenging conditions.

After the war ended, the ship did not go into retirement; it served in the Greek Navy before finally being decommissioned. However, its journey didn't end there. A group of dedicated veterans achieved the incredible—they brought the ship back to the USA, sailing more than 6,000 miles across the ocean. Today, this "steel veteran" has found a permanent home in Evansville, serving as a reminder of the courage of past sailors.

To leisurely explore all the decks and compartments of this massive vessel, tourists typically need 1.5 to 2 hours. This is enough time to take a guided tour, snap some memorable photos, and carefully examine the exhibits in the museum areas.

If you have a deep interest in naval history or the technical details of ship construction, it’s worth setting aside half a day for your visit. The opportunity to chat with volunteers, many of whom know literally everything about the ship, can make your stay even more engaging and educational.

The museum welcomes guests throughout the week, except for Mondays. This is a convenient schedule for those planning a visit to Evansville on both weekdays and weekends.

Opening Hours:

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday — Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

A stroll along the Evansville riverfront is a great opportunity to see other historical treasures of the city. Within walking distance of the pier are historic buildings and memorials that create a unique atmosphere of the last century.