Some sailors go engineering.

Most visitors walk her decks. Few ever see what powered them. The Engineering Tour takes you below — into the hidden heart of Battleship IOWA, where eight boilers and four steam turbines once generated 212,000 shaft horsepower, enough to power 650 Ford F-150 trucks, and drove IOWA to a blistering 35 knots — the fastest of any battleship ever built.

Led by a member of today’s dedicated crew, this 2.5-hour journey takes you through areas normally closed to the public: the Anchor Windlass Room, the Engine and Boiler Rooms, the After-Steering Station, and the Oil and Water Testing Labs, along sailor-only passageways. Along the way, hear firsthand stories of the service and ingenuity it took to keep this engineering marvel running in both peace and war.

Your journey continues with the included self-guided IOWA Experience, where you’ll explore exhibits, stories, and sailor life across several decks — plus Vicky’s scavenger hunt for the kids. Finish your day with a stop at the ship’s store, and on weekends, a famous hot dog from Vicky’s.

Ages 10+. Closed-toe shoes required. Advance purchase required — this physically demanding tour involves ladders, tight spaces, and grated decks, and is offered on select days only.