Infinity Science Center

The Mississippi NASA infinity space center is located right at the Mississippi/Louisiana state line on Hwy. I-10. It is about 25 miles west of Biloxi and 35 miles east of New Orleans.   It is a very easy drive from Biloxi and will take one about half an hour to make the trip. 

One might ask what there is to do at the center.  WOW!!  That’s hard to answer in a short article.  There are so very many things to attract the attention of adults and children alike.   Let’s start.  First there is the gigantic Saturn V5-1C authentic rocket booster, which stands outside of the pavilion and is there for guest’s inspection.  Then there is a fine café and gift shop for snacks and souvenirs.  Thirdly, one may choose to take the bus tour through the Stennis Space Center, which will take about 45 minutes.  This center is the main command/research center for US space travel.   It is very large but there will be a guide to lecture and explain all which you see.

There is the electric tram “Possum walk nature excursion”, which leaves from the infinity center on the hour.  Again, it will take about 45 minutes to enjoy this outdoor excursion which includes demonstrations and narrations.  The tram is open sided, but it does have a roof.

Two of the “must see” items at the center are the 3-D movie theater, ( Topics shown there are rotated periodically. ),  and the Apollo II VR simulator, which allows one to actually feel as though he were piloting a space craft.  One will have the opportunity to put on a real space suit and manipulate the controls. Almost everything at the center is pretty much “hands on”.   They really want you to learn as much about Earth and Space science as possible.  Children and adults alike can participate in, understand and enjoy all the exhibits, of which there are many.  Almost everyone knows what a 3-D movie is and what a space suit looks like, but until you have experienced being at this NASA center you will never really know.  Even the adults get butterflies in their bellies when they touch, see and experience the vast scientific exhibits and demonstrations.  (don’t leave without having your family’s picture taken by the side of the massive rocket booster, located outside.)

A few of the exhibits charge a small fee ($3). Some of these are the Possum walk nature excursion, the 3-D movie, and the Apollo II simulator.  The fees assist with the maintenance of the facility and are certainly worth every penny of the cost.

The Center also hosts Birthday parties.  They charge $275 for up to 20 people.  They provide lots of extras but not the birthday cake.  The Center also has several summer camps which include pond microbiology, wheat germ DNA, microscope basics and more.  Inquire about these camps while you are at the center.  There are also other longer summer camp classes such as 1. Bridge building, 2. Meglev vehicles, 3. Robotics 1 and 2, and a scouting summer camp.

The Center hosts what they call “Astro Camp”.  This is a series of week- long summer camps which are held in June and July.   They include “walk through space stations”,” viewing new rockets”, “new space suits”, and much more.

 

The admission cost for the basic center and exhibits is $18-adults;  $15- children over 13;  $11-children under 13; and Free to those under 3.  There is also special discounts for groups, which is $9 per person.  Senior Wednesdays also provide a discount admission for seniors.  The center is open from Monday thru Saturday.  It includes over 72,000 sq. ft. of facilities and over 50 years of NASA history.  In order to completely appreciate this wonderful attraction, a family should expect to spend most of an entire day visiting the center.  It is also possible that you may want to go back for a second days adventures.   Since the temperature here in Biloxi is so mild, the science center is open all year round.  You should check for their being open on special holidays

For more information about Infinity Science Center, visit their website.    Like most everything that you will find on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the staff and workers at the Infinity Center are among the friendliest and most helpful people around.  They will attempt to teach you about many scientific topics and they enjoy seeing your enthusiasm and joy over learning.  

I personally am an avid fisherman.  I do realize, however, that there are other things to life than the slimy, stinky fish that so many of us love to catch.  There are so very many draws and attractions for adults and children in Biloxi that to list them seems endless.  I could just stand with my bare feet in the cool sand, with the gentle Gulf waters lapping over them, watching the gulls and the beautiful sunrise or sunset which occurs over the Gulf daily, and I would be totally satisfied.  If I were to choose, however, a single attraction within easy reach of Biloxi, it would have to be the NASA Infinity science center.   Like going to Rome, it is difficult to see it all in one day.  That which you do see will certainly impress you to a point of taking your breath away.

The only real problem with your visiting this center is that when you tell your friends about it, and they plan a trip to see it for themselves, you will want to come with them.  Don’t be too pushy.  We would always love for you to come back and visit us again.  We hope to be, and to make, good friends.  Good friends are always welcome to Biloxi, even those who are not good friends yet.  We have a way of making you want to stay, or at least come back soon.

Until next visit,   TIGHT-LINES        Hank Roberts