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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Entry 126: A Rainy Night, Birds at Dawn, and the Cozy Joy of Glamping at Ozark RV Park

If you’ve been thinking about trying glamping or need a peaceful base to explore Mountain View, Arkansas, let me share a place you’ll want to add to your list: Ozark RV Park and Cabins. Ozark RV Park & Cabins Call: 870-200-9090 The Glamping Tent I recently stayed in one of their glamping tents, and it was such a fun, comfortable experience. The tent is spacious, set up on a platform with a real bed (on a frame), crisp linens, a fan, air conditioning (yes, you get AC in a tent!), and a Keurig for that first warm cup of coffee in the morning. During my stay, it rained gently, and there is something incredible about falling asleep to the sound of rain on canvas while staying warm and cozy in bed. In the morning, I woke up to the sound of birds and crisp air, peeking outside to a misty, peaceful campground that felt like a breath of fresh air. The Big Park Sign & Rooster The bathhouse on-site deserves a shout-out. It has the nostalgic feel of a summer camp bathhouse but is immacul...

Entry 85: A Quirky Stop in Austin, MN: Exploring the Spam Museum and More

If you’re into quirky attractions and unexpected fun, the Spam Museum in Austin, Minnesota is a must-see. Located at 101 3rd Ave NE , this one-of-a-kind destination has been drawing curious travelers and Spam fans since it opened in 1991. After a major expansion and relocation in 2016, the museum now offers an even more immersive and entertaining experience. A Taste of History Spam was first introduced in 1937 by Hormel Foods , and the museum walks you through how this humble canned meat became a global sensation. It played a major role during World War II , feeding troops across the globe and becoming a beloved staple in households everywhere. Inside the museum, you’ll find a blend of history, pop culture, and international flair . Learn how Spam became a hit in countries like South Korea, the Philippines, and Hawaii. You'll also get a glimpse of the role Spam played in post-war culture and its place in today’s culinary world. Interactive Exhibits and More The Spam Museum is...

Entry 131: From Bonsai to Blooms: A Walk Through Portland’s Gardens

A Stroll Through the Portland Japanese Garden On a quiet morning in downtown Portland, a buddy and I decided to walk from our hotel to the Portland Japanese Garden. The route wound through the city and into Washington Park, and while it was uphill in spots, it was not bad at all. By the time we reached the entrance, we felt like we had already eased into the slower pace the garden promises. Even before I took ten steps inside, the city noise seemed to fade. The air felt cooler and fresher, like the garden had its own climate set apart from the bustle just outside its walls. The path curved gently ahead, leading us past moss-covered stones and neatly raked gravel beds. A small stream gurgled quietly under a wooden footbridge, the sound blending with the soft rustle of leaves overhead. Every turn revealed a new scene, a carefully placed lantern, a cluster of maple trees, or a pond where koi fish drifted lazily through the water. We followed the path uphill to a wide view of the city. Th...

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