Background

Davidson Center for Space Exploration: A Journey Through Space History

Explore the wonders of space at the Davidson Center in Huntsville, home to the Saturn V rocket and a treasure trove of space exploration history.

4.8

The Davidson Center for Space Exploration in Huntsville, Alabama, is a museum dedicated to the history of space exploration, with a focus on the Saturn V rocket. Visitors can walk alongside and underneath the Saturn V Dynamic Test Vehicle, one of only three remaining Saturn V rockets in the world. The center also features Apollo program artifacts, interactive exhibits, and displays about the future of space exploration.

A brief summary to Davidson Center for Space Exploration

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Allow at least 3-4 hours to fully explore the Davidson Center and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center complex.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking between exhibits and outdoor areas.
  • Check the U.S. Space & Rocket Center website for special events, discounts, and updated hours of operation before your visit.
  • Consider purchasing tickets online in advance to save time and guarantee entry, especially during peak season.
  • Take advantage of the interactive exhibits and demonstrations to enhance your learning experience and engage with the history of space exploration.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Driving

    The Davidson Center is located at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, easily accessible from Interstate 565. From I-565, take Exit 15 for US Space & Rocket Center and follow the signs to One Tranquility Base. Parking is available on-site. Expect to pay around $5 for parking. From the parking area, the Davidson Center is a short walk. The center is easily spotted from miles away by the 38-story replica of the Saturn V rocket.

  • Ride Share

    From downtown Huntsville, a ride-sharing service (Uber/Lyft) to the Davidson Center will cost approximately $15-25, depending on traffic and demand. The drop-off point is at the main entrance of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.

  • Public Transport

    For visitors using public transportation, Huntsville's public transit system, the Huntsville Orbit, has several routes that serve the area. From Cummings Research Park, board the Route 11 bus towards Huntsville and get off at the stop nearest to the Davidson Center. Check the latest schedules and route information on the Huntsville Orbit website. A one-way fare is around $1.25.

Unlock the Best of Davidson Center for Space Exploration

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Davidson Center for Space Exploration

The Davidson Center for Space Exploration, located within the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, is a monument to human ingenuity and the ambition to explore beyond Earth. The centerpiece is the Saturn V Dynamic Test Vehicle, a colossal rocket that played a vital role in the Apollo program. Designated as a National Historic Landmark and a National Mechanical Engineering Landmark, this Saturn V is one of only three remaining in existence. The 476-foot-long rocket is suspended in a breathtaking display, allowing visitors to walk directly underneath, providing an unparalleled perspective on its immense scale and intricate engineering. Exhibits detail the rocket's development, testing, and its crucial role in launching astronauts to the moon. The displays highlight the challenges overcome and the technologies developed during this pivotal period in space exploration. Beyond the Saturn V, the Davidson Center showcases artifacts and exhibits that vividly portray the story of space exploration. Visitors can view moon rocks collected during the Apollo 12 mission, a lunar module mockup, and the Apollo 16 command module. Interactive displays demystify the science and technology behind space travel. The center also explores the future of space exploration, showcasing plans for missions to Mars and beyond.

Popular Experiences near Davidson Center for Space Exploration

Popular Hotels near Davidson Center for Space Exploration

Select Currency