US Space and Rocket Center

Overview

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is home to interactive exhibits, historic artifacts and one-of-a-kind attractions that tell the story of America's space program. It is also home to Space Camp, a weeklong camp for kids with an interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

It is the official visitor center for NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and a Smithsonian Affiliate.

Space Museum Educational Center

Location

Address

1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, Alabama

Neighborhood: Cummings Research Park

Coordinates

34.730226, -86.689872

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

sunday 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Admission

Adults

$25

Children

$12 (ages 5-12)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May, September-November

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds, cooler weather

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

2 hours

Recommended

4-5 hours

Full Experience

full day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

mild to warm

• Spring Break Camps
• Easter Egg Hunt

summer

hot and humid

• Summer Space Camps
• Outdoor Rocket Launches

autumn

cool and pleasant

• Fall Break Camps
• Halloween Events

winter

cold

• Winter Break Camps
• Holiday Lights

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book tickets online in advance
Arrive early to avoid crowds
Check the schedule for special events

What to Bring

essential

Printed or digital tickets ID Water bottle

seasonal

Jacket (winter) Umbrella (spring and fall) Cooler (summer)

not allowed

Large bags or backpacks Weapons Drones

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate (some walking and standing)

• Stay hydrated in summer
• Wear sunscreen

Medical facilities: First aid available on-site

Payment Information

Accepted

Credit/Debit Cards, Cash

Currency

USD

Typical Costs

entry $25 (adults), $12 (children)

parking $10

food $10-$20

souvenirs $10-$50

Dress Code

Casual, Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, Comfortable walking shoes, Inappropriate or offensive clothing

Booking Tips

• At least 1 week in advance for popular dates
• Official website
• 48 hours in advance for full refund
• Available for purchase online

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

First aid

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

U.S. Space & Rocket Center App

Size: 50 MB

Features: Interactive map, Event schedule, Ticket purchase, Augmented reality experiences

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor Center, Cafeteria, Outdoor areas

Charging Stations: Visitor Center, Cafeteria

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Huntsville International Airport (HSV)

Distance: 15 miles (24 km)

Travel Time: 20-30 minutes

Taxi

$35-$45 20-30 min

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)

$25-$35 20-30 min

Public Transport

$2 45-60 min

From City Center

Distance: 5 miles (8 km)

Bus

$1.50 20-25 min

Taxi

$15-$20 10-15 min

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)

$10-$15 10-15 min

Bike

30-40 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: It's a unique and educational experience that showcases local history and innovation

Historical Significance: The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is a historic site that played a significant role in the development of the U.S. space program

Insider Tips

Visit on weekdays for a less crowded experience
Arrive early to see the rockets in the morning light
Check the schedule for special events and rocket launches

Local Recommendations

• Try local BBQ at a nearby restaurant
• Visit the nearby U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum
• Check out the Huntsville Botanical Garden

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello

thank_you Thank you

where_is Where is

how_much How much

beautiful Beautiful

ticket Ticket

excuse_me Excuse me

exit Exit

restroom Restroom

help Help

information Information

Guide Languages: English, Spanish, French

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Saturn V Rocket

Best Time: Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon)

Tips: Low angle for the full height of the rocket

Result: Iconic shot of the massive Saturn V Rocket

#SpaceRocket #SaturnV #SpaceCenter

Space Shuttle Park

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Wide angle to capture the full shuttle

Result: Stunning shot of the space shuttle

#SpaceShuttle #NASA #SpaceCenter

Rocket Park

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Low angle for a dramatic view of the rockets

Result: Impressive shot of the various rockets on display

#RocketPark #SpaceRockets #NASA

Photography Rules

allowed areas Outdoor areas, Public spaces

prohibited areas Exhibits with restricted access, Special events without permission

flash photography Not allowed in some indoor exhibits

commercial photography Permit required for commercial use

drone policy Prohibited without special permission

tripod policy Allowed in outdoor areas, restricted indoors

selfie sticks Allowed

Nearby Attractions

U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum

Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km)

Walking: 40 min

Type: Museum

Huntsville Botanical Garden

Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km)

Walking: 1 hour

Type: Garden

Early Works Children's Museum

Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km)

Walking: 20 min

Type: Children's Museum

Burritt Museum of Natural Science and History

Distance: 4 miles (6.4 km)

Walking: 1 hour 20 min

Type: Natural History Museum

Huntsville Museum of Art