Things to Do in U.S. Space and Rocket Center
The museum of America's rocket program, beside the arsenal where much of it was built.
See top-rated activities »About the Space and Rocket Center
The U.S. Space and Rocket Center opened in 1970, a year after the first Moon landing, to show the public what Huntsville's engineers had built. It sits just off Interstate 565 at the edge of Redstone Arsenal, and its tall rockets are visible from the highway. Allow at least half a day, and a full day if you have children who want to try the simulators.
The centerpiece is the Davidson Center for Space Exploration, a hall built to hold a Saturn V Moon rocket suspended horizontally overhead, so you can walk the full length of all three stages. This particular rocket is a dynamic test vehicle used in ground testing, and it is a National Historic Landmark. Around it are Apollo artifacts, a capsule, lunar exhibits and displays on the Space Launch System that Marshall engineers are building now. Outside, Rocket Park lines up missiles and launch vehicles from the early space age, and the Pathfinder shuttle stack stands nearby; parts of the outdoor area may be closed while improvement work continues.
The INTUITIVE Planetarium shows films and astronomy programs on its dome, though its schedule can change during equipment work, so check showtimes on the day you visit. Space Camp, which has run here since 1982, offers residential programs for children, teens, families and adults; even if you are not enrolled, you will see trainees in flight suits around the campus.
NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and Redstone Arsenal, next door, are working federal and military sites with restricted access, so the Space and Rocket Center is where visitors learn about their work. Leave time for the Huntsville Botanical Garden on Bob Wallace Avenue, a few minutes away, with a butterfly house, an azalea trail, an aquatic garden and seasonal events such as the fall scarecrow trail and the winter Galaxy of Lights.
Don’t Miss
A Saturn V test rocket hung overhead for its full length, with Apollo artifacts and current NASA programs.
Early rockets and missiles on display outside, plus the Pathfinder shuttle stack. Some areas can close during upgrades.
Residential space-training programs for youth, families and adults, running here since 1982.
Themed gardens with a butterfly house and aquatic garden, plus the fall scarecrow trail and winter Galaxy of Lights.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in the Space and Rocket Center
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Get free trip quotes »the Space and Rocket Center — FAQ
Can you tour Marshall Space Flight Center?
Marshall Space Flight Center and Redstone Arsenal are restricted federal and military sites and are not open for casual visits. The U.S. Space and Rocket Center is the place to see the hardware and history of their work.
Is the Saturn V at the Space and Rocket Center real?
Yes. It is a Saturn V dynamic test vehicle used for ground testing during the Apollo program, displayed in the Davidson Center, and it is designated a National Historic Landmark.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Advance tickets are a good idea on weekends, holidays and during school breaks. Hours change with the season, so check the center's website before you go.
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