U.S. Space & Rocket Center

13 Incredible Space Museums in the U.S. Every Traveler Should Visit

"Although places like Houston and Cape Canaveral, Florida, often steal the limelight when it comes to U.S. aerospace history, Huntsville, Alabama, has also played a big role in the nation's rocketry and spaceflight development and is now known as "Rocket City." While you're here, plan at least a half-day to explore the U.S. Space & Rocket Center—general admission starts at $30 per person. Take some time to walk beneath the National Historic Landmark Saturn V Moon Rocket in the Davidson Center for Space Exploration. Outside in Shuttle Park, Pathfinder is one of only two full-stack space shuttle displays in the world, and it stands vertically in launch configuration. Daily programming includes shows at the Intuitive Planetarium, with its stunning 67-foot dome theater, and STEM on Stage presentations, which help bring the magic of science to life. But science can be fun, too. On-site, you'll also find Moon Shoot, a ride that simulates what a rocket launch feels like by lifting riders 140 feet up in the air in 2.5 seconds, as well as the G-Force Accelerator, which lets you experience 3 Gs of force pushing on your body. The center is also home to Space Camp, which inspired the 1986 movie of the same name—it was actually filmed on-site. Since 1982, over 1 million campers have trained here, including alumni who became NASA and ESA astronauts. Space Camp runs year-round." - Iona Brannon Iona Brannon Iona Brannon is a journalist with a love for food and travel. Her work has appeared in Afar, Bon Appétit, Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and Business Insider, among other publications. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines