Ardmore Welcome Center in Alabama – Saturn 1B rocket
- Date Visited: January 18, 2020
- Address: 28232 Upper Elkton Rd - Elkmont, AL 35620
- GPS: 34.95379, -86.89237
- Phone: (256) 423-3891
- Website
For miles on the I-65 heading from Tennessee to the Alabama border you can see the #1 attraction of the Ardmore Welcome Center in Alabama…a rocket!
The massive Saturn 1B rocket is stationed at the center to welcome all incoming travelers. The rocket was installed in 1978 and is a whopping 168 feet high and 22 feet in diameter. Near the Saturn 1b, there are several plaques and displays describing “The Saturn Legacy.”
This welcome center also does an amazing job of honoring our soldiers.
There is a Vietnam Veterans War Memorial honoring all the fallen Alabama residents. A Korean War Memorial just feet away does the same. There is also a gravestone structure honoring all of Alabama’s combat infantrymen.
There is a standing plaque in front of the restrooms stating this is part of the Blue Star Memorial Highway which honors those who served in World War 2.
If that isn’t enough for you to look at there is a kiosk with information on the DeSoto Trail and you haven’t even walked into the welcome center yet.
Inside there are more brochures detailing everything to do in Alabama than I have ever scene. There are displays and information on the U.S Space and Rocket Center, Huntsville and artifacts from the Tennessee Valley.
This is a welcome center you just don’t want to miss.