If you’re even a little bit of a space geek like I am, then the Johnson Space Center is an absolute bucket list stop.
I totally got my geek on during our visit. This place took me straight back to childhood. My room as a kid was plastered with photos and memorabilia from the Apollo era and early Space Shuttle missions. I even wrote letters to NASA and received packages stuffed with posters and pictures of rockets, astronauts, shuttle launches, and space stations. That enthusiasm hasn’t faded one bit.
If you have even a spark of curiosity about space or space travel, you’ve got to see this place.
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Location
Space Center Houston (Johnson Space Center Visitor Center)
1601 NASA Parkway
Houston, TX 77058-3145
What is Space Center Houston
Space Center Houston is the Official Visitor Center for Johnson Space Center.
The center features more than 400 space artifacts as well as numerous permanent and traveling exhibits, attractions, and theaters related to the exciting future and remarkable past of America’s human space-flight program – all for one admission price.
Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center has served as mission control for the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Apollo–Soyuz, and Space Shuttle missions, and also handles ground control for the American portion of the International Space Station. It is also home to the upcoming Artemis mission return to the Moon. With Artemis missions, NASA will land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon, using innovative technologies to explore more of the lunar surface than ever before.
How Long To Spend At Space Center Houston
Me being a space geek I could spend all day! I would plan a minimum of three hours but that won’t give you a lot of time to get the full experience. The Tram Tours alone are 45-60 minutes each. We spent about five hours at Space Center Houston, did the blue and white tram tours, and saw quite a bit but missed a lot too.
Tram Tours & Surprises
We started our visit by hopping on one of the tram tours. Almost immediately, we passed the new lunar rover at a stoplight! The guide told us it’s rare to catch it out cruising around. Right then, we knew we were in for something special.
Saturn V Rocket
One of the highlights was seeing the massive Saturn V rocket—all 363 feet of it. It’s one of only three remaining in the U.S., and seeing it in person is jaw-dropping. I thought this was going to be the pinnacle of the day.
But then came the second tour…
Apollo Mission Control Center
Now this—this was something truly memorable. We got to visit the original Apollo Mission Control Center, the very room where NASA managed all Gemini and Apollo missions, including the legendary Apollo 11 moon landing and the final Apollo 17 mission.
Located in Building 30, this fully restored control center feels like stepping back in time to July 20, 1969. You sit in the same VIP viewing gallery where astronauts’ families watched the missions unfold. Then the lights dim, and a multi-sensory presentation brings the room back to life.
Everything—from the ashtrays with half-smoked cigarettes to the thick manuals on the desks—makes it feel like the team just stepped out for a coffee break. It’s one of the coolest historical experiences we’ve had on our travels.
Space Shuttle Independence + 747 Carrier
To wrap up our visit, we explored the mockup of Space Shuttle Independence, which is mounted on top of its Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft.
Unlike the real orbiters that are sealed off, this mockup is fully accessible—the only one you can actually go inside. We walked through the:
- 🚀 Cockpit – surprisingly cramped!
- 📦 Cargo Bay – complete with the CanadArm robotic arm
- 🧳 Crew living quarters – complete with lockers and even a sleeping bag Velcroed to the wall
You get a true sense of just how tight and utilitarian life was aboard a Shuttle mission.
We were surprised by how small the cockpit was.
The Space Shuttle Cargo Bay was cool with its CanadArm.
Space Shuttle Crew Living Space with lockers.
Sleeping Bag on the Space Shuttle.
It was a great day!
Final Thoughts
Our day at Johnson Space Center was nothing short of inspiring. Whether you’re a lifelong space enthusiast or just have a casual interest in NASA, this is a destination that sparks wonder.
There’s so much to explore that one day might not be enough. From tram tours and interactive exhibits to historical treasures and futuristic tech—this place is packed with awe-inspiring experiences.
If you’re a space geek like me or just have a curiosity about space travel, Space Center Houston at Johnson Space Center is someplace you are going to want to visit. There is so much to see and do here that one day may not be enough.
Let’s Connect
Have you visited any other cool space-related or off-the-beaten-path spots we should add to our list? We’re always looking for new adventures. Drop your recommendations or questions in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!
Thanks for joining us on this journey to the stars!
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