The Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, is a must-visit destination for any RV traveler interested in space exploration, science, and technology. This world-renowned facility is one of the top attractions in the area and offers an immersive experience for visitors of all ages. From historic rockets and spacecraft to interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, the Space and Rocket Center has something for everyone.
The Space and Rocket Center is conveniently located off of I-565 in Huntsville, making it an easy-to-get-to destination. The facility offers ample parking for RVs and other large vehicles, and there is a campground right on the grounds. The sites are $30 a night with full hookups. It’s a short drive (or bike ride) over to the center.
The campground is a great way to stay close to the space center and makes it easy to come and go especially if you want to spend more than one day exploring the center and you probably will because there is so much to see and do, one day just won’t be enough. Trust me, we only allocated one day to see everything and although we got to a lot of it, we just couldn’t see everything.
Upon arriving at the Space and Rocket Center, you are immediately greeted by the iconic Saturn V rocket, which is displayed in all its towering glory outside the facility. And can be easily seen from I-595 as you drive in! This awe-inspiring rocket is the largest ever built, standing over 363 feet tall and weighing over 6 million pounds. You can take a guided tour of the rocket and learn about its history and engineering, we chose to just marvel at its impressive size and power.
Inside the Space and Rocket Center, there are a wide range of exhibits and activities that explore the history and science of space exploration. Enough to more than fascinate any space buff. In fact if you are lucky, you can even speak with an actual rocket scientist! We were lucky enough to speak to one of them and it was very interesting and you could tell he really enjoyed explaining the science of rocket engines to us newbies!
One of the most popular exhibits is the Apollo 16 capsule, which was used by NASA astronauts to return to Earth after the fourth manned mission to the moon. Jeff climbed inside the capsule and to experience what it was like for the astronauts during their journey back to Earth. At his age, exiting the capsule was quite the challenge and he wasn’t even wearing a bulky space suit! It was definitely built with younger, more agile bodies in mind.
Another must-see is the International Space Station (ISS) exhibit, which provides an immersive experience that lets you to explore the interior of the ISS and learn about the science and technology that makes it possible. We saw first hand how astronauts live and work in space, and they can even try their hand at some of the experiments and activities that astronauts perform on the ISS. The space bathroom was especially interesting, as RV’ers we can all relate!
If you are traveling with kids, the Space and Rocket Center offers a variety of hands-on activities and interactive exhibits that are both fun and educational. The center's Kid's Cosmos exhibit is designed specifically for children, providing them with a chance to explore the wonders of space in a way that is engaging and age-appropriate. Children can climb aboard a model space shuttle, explore a mock-up of the ISS, and participate in a range of interactive activities that help them learn about space and science.
In addition to the exhibits and activities, the Space and Rocket Center also offers a variety of special events and programs throughout the year. These include space camps for kids, rocket launches, and educational workshops and seminars. RV travelers can check the center's event calendar to see what programs and events are happening during their visit.
For those who want to dive deeper into the history and science of space exploration, the Space and Rocket Center also offers a variety of tours and educational programs. These programs range from guided tours of the center's exhibits and facilities to in-depth workshops and seminars on space technology and engineering. RV travelers can choose the program that best fits their interests and schedule, and they can even book private tours and events for their group.
After a day of exploring the Space and Rocket Center, RV travelers can enjoy the many other attractions and activities in the Huntsville area. Huntsville is known as the "Rocket City" due to its history and ongoing contributions to space exploration, and visitors can experience this legacy firsthand by visiting the nearby Marshall Space Flight Center and the U.S. Space and Rocket Center's Davidson Center for Space Exploration. Other popular attractions in the area include the Huntsville Botanical Garden, the Huntsville Museum of Art, and the Monte Sano State Park, which offers hiking, camping, and scenic vistas of the surrounding area.
