Movie road trip: A cinematic site per state for all 50 states

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Alabama: Space Camp

The ability to gaze down on Earth in a weightless state has been accomplished by only a few. As people rediscover space exploration with Space X, the history of space exploration is becoming more popular. Back in the ’80s, everyone was intrigued with the idea of going to space. The 1986 movie Space Camp let many young kids dream about a chance of going into orbit.

Space Camp starred many actors that went on to have successful careers. Kelly Preston, Lea Thompson, and Tate Donovan are just a few of the many stars. The movie’s popularity inspired many kids to ask their parents for a trip to Huntsville’s Space Camp.

The subject of the movie, Space Camp, is real. Huntsville, Alabama is home to Space Camp and the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. While Space Camp may not be a possibility for everyone, a visit to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center is an entertaining and educational visit for all ages.

The U.S. Space and Rocket Center features the Rocket Park, Shuttle Park, and a main exhibit area. The rocket park features 27 missiles. Walking through the rockets shows the magnitude of the space program. Even more impressive is the Shuttle Park. While an actual Space Shuttle is not in the exhibit, the grounds feature a large collection of space related vehicles.

Admission to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center starts at $24 for adults. The museum is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m., but it is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.