U.S. Space & Rocket Center

Why visit

After the Second World War, Wernher von Braun and his team of rocket engineers came to Huntsville to work for the U.S. Army, and later for NASA. At the Marshall Space Flight Center they built the Saturn V, the rocket that sent the Apollo astronauts to the Moon. The U.S. Space & Rocket Center tells this story with real rockets, engines and spacecraft. It is one of the best museums in the South, and it is an easy day out from the lake.

What to see

• The Saturn V: a real moon rocket, hung horizontally in the Davidson Center for Space Exploration, so you can walk beneath its whole length. It is a National Historic Landmark.
• The upright Saturn V: a full-size replica, standing outside, that can be seen from miles away.
• Rocket Park: an outdoor collection of rockets from the early days of the space program.
• The Space Shuttle exhibit: a full-size shuttle stack, with the orbiter Pathfinder.
• Exhibits and simulators: hands-on galleries, rides and films for all ages.

Space Camp

Space Camp, on the same campus, runs programs for children, teenagers, families and adults. They need booking well in advance, and are separate from a museum visit.

Tips

• Allow at least half a day. Many families stay all day.
• Buy tickets online on summer weekends and during school holidays.
• The museum is next to Interstate 565, with plenty of parking.
• Downtown Huntsville and Big Spring Park are about 10 minutes away for lunch or dinner.
• Read our guide to a day trip to Huntsville.