Cosmosphere Map and Brochure (2021 – 2025)
Location: Hutchinson, Kansas
Years Active: 1962 – Active
Okay, space nerds, listen up. Ditch the Kennedy Space Center, because the real deal is tucked away in Hutchinson, Kansas. Yep, the Cosmosphere – a treasure trove of space junkie heaven that’s been around since the dinosaurs roamed the moon (okay, maybe not that long).
This place is a blast from the past. They’ve got rockets older than your grandpa, beat-up space capsules, and yes, the actual Apollo 13 – a testament to when things went seriously wrong in space. It’s a little morbid, a lot awesome.
But here’s the thing: the Cosmosphere throws some of the weirdest, most down-home space festivals you’ll ever find. Think astronaut parades with a small-town twist. It’s the perfect place to embrace your inner geek without any of the big-city pretension.
Cosmosphere Map 2025
Printable Cosmosphere Map PDF 2025
Cosmosphere Map 2023
Cosmosphere Map 2021
FAQ
Why is the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson, KS?
The Cosmosphere is in Hutchinson, KS because its founder, Patty Carey, started it there in 1962 with a small planetarium at the Kansas State Fairgrounds. Community support and partnerships with NASA and space collectors allowed it to grow locally into a world-class museum instead of relocating to a larger city.
What is special about Hutchinson, Kansas?
Hutchinson, Kansas is special for housing the Cosmosphere, a world-renowned space museum, and the Kansas Underground Salt Museum, built within a working salt mine 650 feet below ground. The city is also known for its annual Kansas State Fair, making it a unique hub of science, history, and culture.
Does the Cosmosphere have a space shuttle?
The Cosmosphere does not have a full space shuttle, but it displays the Space Shuttle Endeavour’s flight deck simulator and authentic shuttle artifacts. Visitors can see shuttle engines, astronaut equipment, and training simulators that highlight NASA’s shuttle program within the museum’s SpaceWorks and Hall of Space exhibits.
Who started the Cosmosphere?
The Cosmosphere in Hutchinson, Kansas, was started in 1962 by Patty Carey. She began the space museum with a small planetarium projector in the poultry building of the Kansas State Fairgrounds. Her vision grew into a world-class space museum and STEM education center with one of the largest space artifact collections.
