The U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama is a Smithsonian affiliate museum that showcases rockets and artifacts from the United States space program. The museum opened in 1970, just after the second manned mission to the moon, and was the idea of Dr. Wernher von Braun and his rocket scientists. Today, the center welcomes over 650,000 visitors a year and is one of the largest space museums in the world.
Exhibits
Main Exhibit
In the Main Exhibit Hall you will learn all about the development of the space shuttle program. There are several interactive exhibits, including a flight simulation, climbing wall, and a Mars Play Station to experience the red planet. You can also enjoy astronomy shows and live entertainment in their state-of-the-art planetarium.
Saturn V Hall at the Davidson Center for Space Exploration
The Davidson Center houses an authentic Saturn V rocket, one of only three in the world and designated a National Historic Landmark. There is also a great special exhibit that highlights America’s journey in the “Space Race” and the future of space technology, open through the end of 2019. The center also houses the National Geographic Theater that shows space-themed documentaries throughout the day on its 52-foot screen.
Rocket Park & Shuttle Park
Experience 3Gs of force in the G-Force Accelerator at the Rocket Park. You will also see a mock up of the Apollo 11 landing site, including a model of the lunar lander.
At the Shuttle Park you can go inside an actual space shuttle. There is also a supersonic jet used in astronaut training on display, as well as the only NASA-modified Gulfstream II aircraft on display in the world.
Tours
Marshall Space Flight Center Bus Tour
This bus tour is the only way to get a view of the Redstone Arsenal, headquarters to the Army Materiel Command and home of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. You will also be able to explore the Redstone Test Stand by foot. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and you must be a U.S. citizen.
Aviation Challenge Tour
This one-hour tour is complimentary and occurs at 2pm every day. Guests will be allowed to view a variety of aircraft that are part of the museum’s artifact collection.
Saturn V Hall Guided Tour
The best way to experience the amazing Saturn V rocket is to take this guided tour of the site. The one-hour tour is offered 4 times a day and is included with general admission.
Camps
The U.S Space Camp program offers visitors the chance to stay on the grounds and get in-depth exposure to the space program through simulators, lectures, and training exercises. There are programs for both children and adults. The museum also offers a day camp option for younger children called the Rocket Explorer Program.
Special Events
The center hosts “Stein and Dine” every Thursday through November 21, 2019 from 4:30-7:30 pm in the Saturn V Hall. This festive German Biergarten experience features authentic German cuisine, beer and wine. While you’re there for the Biergarten, you can also enjoy a special after-hours presentation in the planetarium.
BONUS: The Huntsville Botanical Garden is right around the corner from the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. It’s a great spot to see the ever-changing landscape of the area. If you are looking for a treat after your space experience, The Moon Bakeshop in Huntsville has delicious small batch pastries made from scratch.
