The Ardmore Rocket…Will It Be Replaced ?

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is the best option to supervise the construction of a replacement rocket at the Alabama welcome center on Interstate 65 in Ardmore, according to authorities.

The replacement rocket will be discussed this week. The replacement rocket will be a replica of the Saturn IB that stood at the now renovated welcome center on the Tennessee state line for several years welcoming visitors to Alabama.

The previous rocket, developed at Huntsville’s Marshall Space Flight Center, had been in place at the rest stop since about 1979 before it was dismantled in 2023.

The new welcome center reopened in October 2024 after being closed nearly two years. It underwent renovations to update the lobby and facilities and improve the sidewalks and outdoor grounds totaling $14.6 million. But, the iconic rocket that welcomed so many, was gone…