Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum: A Journey Through Naval History

The Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum (AIMM), located in North Little Rock's Riverfront Park, provides a unique opportunity to explore naval history with a focus on Arkansas's contributions. The museum's exhibits include two floating Naval vessels that bookend World War II: the USS Hoga, which is recognized for its service during the Pearl Harbor attack, and the USS Razorback, which was present in Tokyo Bay during the formal surrender of Japan. The USS Razorback (SS-394), a Balao-class submarine, is the museum's primary exhibit. Commissioned in 1944, it served in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Cold War. It was later transferred to the Turkish Navy before returning to the U.S. and opening as a museum in May 2005. Visitors can tour the submarine and experience the sights, sounds, and smells of submarine service. The USS Hoga (YT-146) is a U.S. Navy tugboat known for its actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor. It pushed the USS Nevada out of the channel during the bombing and is one of three vessels from the attack that is now a museum ship. The museum also features exhibits on the USS Arkansas (BB-33), a World War I dreadnought, and the USS Arkansas (CGN 41), a nuclear-powered cruiser. Additionally, the North Little Rock Riverfront Park surrounding the museum features memorials dedicated to submarines USS Snook (SS 279) and USS Scorpion (SSN 589). The museum also holds a collection from the Arkansas River Historical Society featuring the history of the Arkansas River.