Visiting The U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama
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The U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, is a premier spaceflight museum and an essential destination for anyone interested in space exploration, aeronautics, and the history of NASA.
About the U.S. Space & Rocket Center: (Jump To)
How To Get to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is located in Huntsville, Alabama, and is easily accessible by car, plane, or rocket. (Not really!)
Visiting the U.S. Space & Rocket Center By Car
If you're driving, the center is conveniently located just off Interstate 565. Once you're near Huntsville, you can simply use GPS or a map to get to the center. There's plenty of free parking available on-site.
Map: Google Maps
U.S. Space & Rocket Center Closest Airport
Huntsville International Airport (HSV) is the closest airport to the center. After arriving at the airport, it's a relatively short drive (approximately 15-20 minutes) to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. You can rent a car, take a taxi, or use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft. You could even visit on a long layover in Huntsville.
Public Transportation
From downtown Huntsville, board the number 3 bus. The bus runs once an hour and will get you to the Space and Rocket Center in about 40 minutes.
Transit Map: City of Huntsville
Before planning your trip, it's a good idea to check the U.S. Space & Rocket Center's official website or contact them directly for any special directions, guidance on parking, or any other logistical updates.
U.S. Space & Rocket Center Tickets
Prices:
Adults (Aged 13+) - $30
Kids (Aged 5-12) - $20
Kids 4 & under - FREE
What’s Included:
A visit to both museum buildings including the impressive Saturn V Hall.
All parts of the Shuttle Park including the Moon Crater, Military Park, and Rocket Park.
ISS: Science on Orbit: The large and immersive International Space Station exhibit.
G-Force Accelerator: This spinning ride is meant to simulate the feeling of a G-force rocket launch.
Moon Shot: A carnival-style drop tower is reimagined as a launch simulator. It’s located among the rockets in the outdoor shuttle park.
Spark!Lab: A super-fun and imaginative hands-on area for kids.
National Geographic Theater: Daily scheduled regular film screenings ranging in length are included.
Various changing exhibits.
Certain daily guided and/or audio tours.
What’s Not Included:
INTUITIVE Planetarium: World-class informative, entertaining, and immersive shows (typically $12, depending on the show.)
Multi-Axis Trainer: This large three-wheeled gyroscope is meant to simulate a free fall in outer space. ($12 per ride)
Flight Simulator Experience: A fighter-pilot simulator. ($12 per ride)
HyperShip: High-definition simulator ride with surround sound. There are multiple different programs to choose from. ($10 per ride)
Max Flight: A fully interactive flight simulator with the ability to move in nearly any direction. ($12 per ride)
VR Explorer: An immersive virtual reality ride simulating a trip to the Moon. ($12 per ride)
U.S. Space & Rocket Center Ticket Discounts
Smithsonian Affiliate Reciprocal Membership - Free admission for two people.
ASTC Affiliate Reciprocal Membership - Free admission for one adult and two children.
INTUITIVE Planetarium tickets are discounted for Seniors, military (active duty, retired, and veterans), and some NASA-affiliated persons.
Where to Stay When Visiting the U.S. Space & Rocket Center
Hotels near the U.S. Space & Rocket Center
There are several hotels close to The U.S. Space & Rocket Center to accommodate visitors. The links will take you to Google Maps for more information, pricing, and reservations. You can also book via our partner Booking.com.
Drury Inn & Suites Huntsville at the Space & Rocket Center: Located quite close to the center, this hotel offers a range of amenities including an indoor pool and a complimentary evening reception.
Huntsville Marriott at the Space & Rocket Center: Directly adjacent to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, this hotel offers convenient access for visitors, with upscale amenities and a fine dining restaurant.
Element Huntsville: Located in the Bridge Street Town Centre, this modern hotel is just a short drive from the Space & Rocket Center.
Hilton Garden Inn Huntsville/Space Center: This hotel is also located fairly close to the attraction and offers an outdoor pool and on-site restaurant.
Hampton Inn Huntsville/Village of Providence: A bit further out but still a convenient option with standard amenities typical of the Hampton Inn brand.
Residence Inn by Marriott Huntsville: Suitable for longer stays, this hotel offers spacious suites with kitchens and is a short drive from the center.
Courtyard by Marriott Huntsville University Drive: Located not too far from the museum, this hotel has a modern feel with a fitness center and outdoor pool.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Huntsville: This is another extended-stay option, with kitchen facilities in every suite.
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Huntsville Research Park: A budget-friendly option relatively close to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
Campgrounds near the U.S. Space & Rocket Center
If you're considering camping or traveling with an RV near the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, there are several campgrounds and RV parks in the vicinity.
Please note that the Space & Rocket Center RV Park, formerly located directly on the grounds of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, is no longer open. (As of December 2023.)
Monte Sano State Park: Located atop Monte Sano Mountain, this state park offers beautiful scenic views, hiking trails, and both tent and RV camping spots. It's a relatively short drive from the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. They encourage booking online in advance, but campsites can also be rented day-of on-site.
Map: Google Maps
Reservations: Alabama State Parks
Driving Distance to U.S. Space & Rocket Center: 24 Minutes
Sharon Johnston Park: Located in New Market, just northeast of Huntsville, this park provides both RV and tent camping sites. It also features a fishing lake, swimming pool, and other amenities.
Map: Google Maps
Reservations: By telephone only. (more info)
Driving Distance to U.S. Space & Rocket Center: 36 Minutes
Ditto Landing & Marina: Situated on the Tennessee River, Ditto Landing offers RV camping, marina facilities, boat rentals, and fishing. It's south of downtown Huntsville but provides a serene setting near the water.
Map: Google Maps
Reservations: CampSpot
Driving Distance to U.S. Space & Rocket Center: 26 Minutes
Northgate RV Travel Park: Located to the north of Huntsville in Athens, this RV park provides full hook-up sites and is within easy access to Interstate 65.
Map: Google Maps
Reservations: Call or Email (more info).
Driving Distance to U.S. Space & Rocket Center: 31 Minutes.
What to see at U.S. Space & Rocket Center
Saturn V Rocket: One of the main attractions, this massive rocket is displayed in its full glory. Visitors can walk underneath and get a sense of its massive scale. It's one of only three Saturn V rockets on display in the world.
This towering artifact is the cornerstone of the center. It was designed to carry astronauts to the moon. As you walk beneath it, you'll see the stages of the rocket that would separate during the launch and ascent.
Space Shuttle Exhibit: Experience the Space Shuttle stack display with the Shuttle, Solid Rocket Boosters, and External Tank. The Pathfinder shuttle, while not a spacefaring craft, offers a full-scale representation.
The Shuttle Pathfinder is a test vehicle used for ground activities. Beneath it are two Solid Rocket Boosters and an orange External Tank. This exhibit serves as a testament to the Space Shuttle program that ran from 1981 to 2011.
Note that the shuttle is currently not on display as it undergoes a refurbishment.
Rocket Park: This outdoor exhibit showcases a variety of rockets, missiles, and space launch vehicles.
Rockets from various eras of space exploration are displayed here. You will see the Saturn 1 rocket, a Chinook army helicopter, various military rockets, and much more.
Apollo 16 Capsule: This authentic command module is from the fifth crewed mission to the moon, and you can get an up-close look at it.
Looking at this capsule, you can imagine the three astronauts – John Young, Ken Mattingly, and Charlie Duke – journeying to and from the moon in 1972. The scorch marks from re-entry into Earth's atmosphere are still visible.
Kidspace and Kids Cosmos Play Areas: Specifically designed for younger visitors, these indoor and outdoor play areas have hands-on exhibits and activities. Children can crawl through model space stations, try on mini astronaut suits, or interact with exhibits that teach them about the principles of flight and space exploration.
Museum Exhibits: Various indoor exhibits detail the history of space exploration, including the Apollo program, life aboard the International Space Station, outer space in popular culture, and plans for future Mars exploration.
Walk through a full-scale Skylab solar observatory or explore a mock-up of the International Space Station's Destiny module. Dive deep into the stories of historic Apollo missions or gaze at the future or space travel. You can even see a real space toilet!
Gift Shop: Don't forget to grab some souvenirs, including space food, apparel, toys, books, and more. Pick up a packet of freeze-dried astronaut ice cream for the ride home or a model of the Saturn V rocket.
Intuitive Planetarium: Experience the universe in a new way with stunning visuals and captivating presentations about our cosmos.
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center continuously updates its exhibits, so there might be new attractions or events not listed here. If you're planning a visit, check their official website (listed below) for the most up-to-date information and any special events or exhibits happening during your planned visit.
Aircraft and Rockets On Display at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center
The museum has one of the best collections of space artifacts in the country. The combination of indoor and outdoor displays is truly mesmerizing. There are some of the major rockets and crafts you can expect to see at the center:
Saturn V: A National Historic Landmark and one of the three on display in the world.
Saturn I: Used in the early days of America's space exploration program.
Juno I & II: The rocket that launched America's first satellite, Explorer I.
Redstone Rocket: Used for the Mercury-Redstone launches and the first steps of human spaceflight.
V-2 Rocket: Captured from Germany after World War II, this rocket played a crucial role in early American rocketry.
Skylab: A model of America's first space station.
Space Shuttle Pathfinder: While not a functional shuttle, it's a representative model stacked with an external tank and solid rocket boosters.
Mercury-Redstone: This carried the first American, Alan Shepard, into space.
Blackbird SR-71: Not a rocket, but a remarkable high-speed reconnaissance aircraft.
The collection also includes Various missiles and defense systems developed during the Cold War era, like the Patriot and Jupiter missiles. Plus airplanes, helicopters, and other flying machines.
Things to do for Kids at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center offers a wide range of attractions and activities suitable for children. If you're planning a family trip, there will be much for the kids to do at the museum.
Kidspace: Tailored for younger visitors, children can explore model space stations, wear mini astronaut suits, and engage in hands-on exhibits about space and flight.
Shuttle Park & Rocket Park: Not only can they see these massive rockets and shuttles up close, but the parks also have interactive displays. The size of these vehicles is often awe-inspiring for kids. Sadly for kids, most displays do not allow climbing and exploring.
Kids Cosmos Outdoor Space: This covered play area is just what the kids will need after holding back the urge to climb the outdoor rockets!
Saturn V Rocket: Walking underneath this colossal rocket helps kids (and adults!) grasp the scale of space missions.
Astronaut Training Simulators: Several simulators replicate the experiences astronauts might face. The Multi-Axis Trainer, which spins on three axes, and the 1/6th Gravity Chair, which simulates the moon's gravity, are highlights. Some of these attractions require an upcharge. Minimum height requirements should also be considered.
Interactive Exhibits: Throughout the center, there are tons of hands-on exhibits. These can range from controlling a robotic arm to trying out different aerospace technologies.
Rocket Building Station: Some areas allow kids to do hands-on science and STEM-related activities.
Restaurants and Dining
There are options for dining within the center if you're planning to spend the whole day exploring. On-site, you will find the Mars Grill with reasonably priced cafeteria-style food with clever space-themed names.
Nearby is the Bridge Street Town Centre a large shopping complex with many dining options for after your visit.
The on-site Mariott hotel has an onsite steakhouse, The Southern Chop, which is a short walk from the main museum buildings.
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