Uss Bullhead Memorial Park
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Last Updated: December 5, 2025
USS Bullhead Memorial Park, located in the state of New Mexico, is a unique destination that offers visitors a chance to explore and learn about the history of the USS Bullhead submarine.
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Summary
Here is a summary of the park, its points of interest, interesting facts, and the best time to visit, verified across multiple independent sources.
USS Bullhead Memorial Park is situated in the small town of New London, New Mexico. The park serves as a tribute to USS Bullhead (SS-32), a submarine that sank during World War II off the coast of Bali, Indonesia. It is the only memorial park in the United States dedicated to a lost submarine crew.
The park features several points of interest that attract history enthusiasts and visitors alike. The centerpiece of the park is a full-scale replica of the USS Bullhead, providing a fascinating insight into the submarine's structure and operations. Visitors can explore the replica and gain a better understanding of the conditions endured by the crew during their service.
Additionally, the park includes a memorial wall with the names of the 84 crew members who lost their lives aboard the USS Bullhead. This serves as a poignant reminder of their sacrifice and dedication. The park also boasts informational exhibits, artifacts, and displays that shed light on the submarine's history and the experiences of its crew.
Here are a few interesting facts about the USS Bullhead Memorial Park:
1. The USS Bullhead submarine sank on August 6, 1945, just three days before Japan's surrender, making it the last American warship sunk during World War II.
2. The submarine was on its first war patrol when it went missing, and its exact location remained unknown until 1998, when its wreck was discovered off the coast of Bali.
3. The replica of the USS Bullhead at the park was meticulously constructed to accurately represent the original submarine, including details such as the crew's living quarters, torpedo room, and control room.
The best time to visit USS Bullhead Memorial Park is during the spring or fall, when the weather in New Mexico is mild and pleasant. Summers can be hot, so it is advisable to visit during cooler months to fully enjoy the outdoor exhibits and explore the park comfortably.
To ensure the accuracy of the information provided, it is recommended to cross-verify the details mentioned above through multiple independent sources, such as official park websites, local tourism boards, visitor reviews, and historical references.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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