Dreaming of Kennedy Space Center? Discover This Alabama Hidden Gem Instead

TripAdvisor just named the Kennedy Space Center as the top attraction in the United States. With increased popularity in space exploration, it’s easy to see why KSC attracts millions of future astronauts and space enthusiasts every year. If you’ve never been to KSC, I highly recommend it even if you’re not interested in exploring the galaxies. 

Some years ago, after visiting the attraction, I walked away inspired by the magnitude of the entire space program. There are no words to fully describe the immense feeling of standing next to a real-life spacecraft like the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Of course, I understand not everyone can make it to Florida to experience it for themselves. But have no worries, just head to Huntsville, Alabama, instead. Here you’ll find the U.S. Space and Rocket Center (Rocket City), the largest space museum in the world, and the perfect dupe for Kennedy Space Center. 

Best known as America's Space Capital, Huntsville is by far one of the most underrated destinations in the country. I can give you so many reasons to plan a trip to this beloved Alabama city, but the most obvious is to visit the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. Located about 10 minutes from downtown Huntsville, the state-of-the-art museum is easily accessible from I-565 and close to the airport and local attractions. 

Opened in 1970, the 432-acre complex serves as the official visitors center for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, a prominent research and development facility. Though Rocket City is considered a very popular attraction in Alabama, you won’t encounter the extreme crowds as you would at KSC. So, I would consider this space museum a hidden gem for folks who live outside of the area. 

No matter if you’re a space enthusiast or you’re simply looking for a cool and unique adventure, Rocket City has something for everyone to love. Similar to KSC, there are several ways to experience this unique attraction. There are large indoor and outdoor exhibits featuring rockets, equipment, spacecraft mockups, interactive displays, and much more. You won’t run out of things to do and see here. Needless to say, have your camera ready as you’ll want to capture every minute of your time at one of the best museums in the country.  

Aside from the endless memorabilia and exhibits, the main attraction at Rocket City is the Saturn V Rocket. The mega-sized rocket is one of the biggest vehicles in the space program and facilitated the launch of the Apollo missions. You’ll be able to walk under the enormous rocket, snap some cool pics, and read all about the missions it completed. Along with the Saturn V Hall, general admission grants guests access to rides, the outdoor parks, space labs, simulators, tours, and more. The museum is currently featuring the Dare to Explore: Frontiers of Space exhibit, a dive into the future of space exploration. Best of all? You can meet a real astronaut every Thursday through the end of August. 

Paid attractions include the planetarium, flight simulation adventures, and the Scuba Experience, just to name a few. Adults, reserve your spot for Cocktails & Cosmos at the planetarium and enjoy “cosmically created cocktails” during the show. Count me in!

My favorite part about the museum? The kids and adults space camp. During these overnight sessions, train like an astronaut and make your fantasies of space exploration a dream come true. For over 40 years, the program has been inspiring and training young explorers and grown folks on team-building and leadership skills. I don’t know about you, but going to space has been on my bucket list ever since I was a kid. So, I think the adult camp is pretty cool.  

Unlike at KSC, there is no rocket launch at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, but this space museum has so much to offer. No matter if you’re a kid or a kid at heart, you’ll find plenty at Rocket City to inspire the inner astronaut in you. A trip to this hidden gem in Alabama will leave you with long-lasting memories, so you don’t want to miss it.

Visit the U.S. Space and Rocket Center website to learn more about all the fun attractions and to start planning your visit.

Have you ever been to this unique museum in Alabama? Do you agree that it’s the perfect dupe for Kennedy Space Center? Tell us your thoughts on our nomination page. 

If you’re visiting or new to the area, check out some more of Alabama’s best-kept secrets. I guarantee you’ll find some more surprises here.