America 250: Places that tell our story
USA 250 Most Treasured Views is a USA TODAY Network- El Paso Times project exploring places across America with historical and cultural significance, created in celebration of the USA 250 initiative marking the nation’s 250th birthday. Get ready for the United States return to the moon’s surface, set for early 2028, by exploring the nation’s history of space exploration and learning about the Artemis mission at Space Center Houston. The center, a nonprofit museum and educational facility at 1601 E. NASA Parkway, is the gateway for visitors to the NASA Johnson Space Center. Walk among rockets, see scientists at work and more during your visit to Space City. The 250,000-square-foot site has over 400 space artifacts, as well as immersive exhibits, that will entertain and educate space fans spanning generations.
Included in general admission is “The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks,” the shuttle replica Independence (mounted on an original NASA 905 shuttle carrier aircraft), the Starship Gallery, the Spacesuit Collection, the Science Deck, the International Space Station Gallery, and films and live presentations. A highlight of any visit is the Saturn V rocket at the Johnson Space Center.
Location / State
Houston, Texashttps://maps.app.goo.gl/U3VCR2twKnnQJ9yA9
Why it matters
Space Center Houston and NASA Johnson Space Center highlight humanity’s courage and curiosity as we make our way to the stars. The exhibits show the leaps in research and development that U.S. scientists have made leading up to our nation’s 250th anniversary. One can only wonder which planet; star system or galaxy humanity will have reached when the United States celebrates its 500th anniversary.
What to see today
Tour the rockets on display to see the advancement of space science and design. Seeing the gigantic Saturn V rocket offers a stunning idea of the heroism of astronauts past and present; imagine entering a small capsule atop the rocket that is taller than the Statue of Liberty and longer than a football field, then being carried beyond the Earth. Touring the working sites at the Johnson Space Center gives a glimpse into the brilliant minds helping humanity conquer space.
Explore more amazing locations that helped define American history with USA 250 Most Treasured Views.
Ask a local
Less than 7 miles away from the space center is the Kemah Boardwalk, a 60-acre theme park in Kemah, Texas. Get a view of Galveston Bay or take a boat ride to experience the water firsthand. The park at 215 Kipp Ave. offers food and plenty of fun rides and amusements for the family. For admission costs and operating hours, which vary by the season, visit https://www.kemahboardwalk.com.
Plan your visit
Best time: Fall and spring offer the best weather for visiting, but the space center is a great place to visit all year, although Houston’s summer heat and humidity can be taxing. Also, plan your drive to avoid rush hour.
Hours/admission: Space Center Houston is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday; hours can change. Visit https://spacecenter.org for hours and admissions. Save booking online: Tickets start at $24.95; a private tour costs $1,500.
Getting there: Flying to Houston? Try using William P. Hobby Airport. It’s closer to the space center and is smaller and easier to navigate than George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Avoid traffic, a longer drive or an expensive cab or rideshare.
Learn more: Visit https://www.fly2houston.com to plan your ride from either airport. Visit https://www.visithoustontexas.com to learn about Houston attractions, including museums and restaurants, and events that will be taking place during your visit. Highly recommended: the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Experience history of US space exploration at Space Center Houston
Reporting by Samuel Gaytan, Special to the El Paso Times / El Paso Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
