Attention aviation and space enthusiasts, the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson, Kansas is calling your name! About a 3.5-hour drive from Kansas City, those who visit should prepare to marvel at humanity’s quest for the stars. Its impressive exhibits, interactive displays, and commitment to education make it a must-visit destination for anyone fascinated by the wonders of the cosmos!
Guide to the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson, Kansas
General Information
Address: 1100 N Plum St, Hutchinson, KS 67501
Tickets can be purchased in two ways:
- The best value is an all access pass which provides entry on the day of your visit to the Hall of Space Museum and CosmoKids, one Carey Digital Dome Theater documentary, one show in the Justice Planetarium, one show in Dr. Goddard’s Lab and one ride on the naviGATOR Flight Simulator.
- Each of the different attractions listed above also have the option of being purchased individually.
Allow at least four hours to adequately explore the museum on the day of your visit.
The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
All public areas are ADA compliant, making it wheelchair and stroller friendly.
Ticket holders can find snacks and drinks at the Cosmosphere Cafe and small concession stand. Items are limited, so consider eating before or after instead. No outside food or drink is allowed in the museum.
Guided tours are available, but not necessary. In fact, we found it more enjoyable to go at our own pace.
Visit the gift shop for space-themed souvenirs, educational toys and unique memorabilia to commemorate your visit. They have some really fun items!
Attractions
An SR-71 Blackbird greets visitors as they enter the Cosmosphere, spanning the entire length of the lobby. This impressive jet will catch the attention of any plane lover. Once beyond the entrance, you will head to the Hall of Space Museum. 
The Hall of Space Museum is home to several fascinating exhibits showing the evolution of space exploration. You’ll see the actual Apollo 13 command module, an X-Plane, explanation of the Cold War and race to space, astronaut gear and flight suits, rocket engines, rare V-1 and V-2 rockets and so much more. This is the most impressive part of the museum! The meticulous preservation of the Apollo 13 command module, which played a crucial role in the dramatic mission, allows visitors to re-live the tension and triumph of the historic event. With entrance, kids can also take part in a stem learning experience called CosmoKids, an experience definitely worth trying. It’s great to run off energy, with hands-on play.
The Justice Planetarium takes visitors on an awe-inspiring journey through the cosmos, and is a delight for kids. You’ll leave knowing exactly what planets and stars will be over Kansas that evening and how to find them in the night sky. There are usually only two showings per day, so make sure to schedule your visit around one of the times.
Dr. Goddard’s Lab provides a glimpse into the experiments and innovations of rocketry pioneer Dr. Robert H. Goddard. The interactive exhibits engage visitors of all ages, shedding light on the early days of rocket science and the determination that paved the way for modern space exploration. Prepare to maybe get a little messy, but also amazed at the fun experiments children and adults can partake in. Hint: think explosions, bright lights and surprises! This section of the museum also houses a rotating interactive show. Seats are very limited, so reserve in advance if possible, especially if visiting during the weekend.
The Carey Digital Dome Theater is another chance to be immersed in science. It’s an amazing two story dome that shows newly released science documentaries during the weekdays and popular feature films on the weekend. Several showings take place throughout the day, and they are easy to pop in and out.
Important to Note
Thanks to grants and generous donations, the Cosmosphere will be under construction until Winter 2024. During that time parts of the Hall of Space and certain galleries will be closed. If you still decide to visit, a discount off the single-venue Hall of Space ticket will be applied.
While in Hutchinson…
The drive to Hutchinson from KC can make a day trip hard to manage. Stay the night and take advantage of a few other fun attractions.
The Strataca, or underground salt museum is something like you have never seen before. A double-decker hoist will whiz you 650 feet underground in less than 90 seconds! Once you arrive at the bottom, you’ll enter into the middle of one of the largest salt deposits in the world. Here you can explore environs carved from salt deposits formed more than 275 million years ago. Take a self-guided tour, a 15-minute ride on The Salt Mine Express train, or a guided tour for anyone over the age of four.
The Dillon Nature Center is also worth visiting. There you can enjoy the 100 acres of National Recreation trails, fishing on the stocked upper pond, canoeing and bird watching. There’s also an outdoor playscape for kids to run wild.
