If you’re traveling U.S. Route 1 through Florida, few stops are as awe-inspiring as Cape Canaveral, home to the Kennedy Space Center and the launch site of one of America’s most significant achievements in space exploration. On February 20, 1962, astronaut John Glenn made history by becoming the first American to orbit the Earth aboard Friendship 7.

John Glenn’s Historic Mission

Glenn’s launch aboard a Mercury-Atlas 6 rocket marked a turning point in the Space Race. After the Soviet Union had successfully sent a cosmonaut into orbit, the U.S. needed a major success. Glenn’s three orbits around the Earth, lasting just under five hours, reassured the world that the U.S. was firmly in the race for space exploration. The mission wasn’t without challenges—technical issues forced NASA to cut the flight short, and there was a nerve-wracking moment when it was unclear whether Friendship 7’s heat shield would hold during reentry. Fortunately, Glenn safely splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean, cementing his place as a national hero.

Visiting Kennedy Space Center on Route 1

Families driving along U.S. Route 1 can experience this history firsthand by stopping at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Here, you’ll find exhibits on Project Mercury, a full-scale replica of Friendship 7, and interactive experiences that bring the excitement of space travel to life. The Heroes & Legends exhibit offers an in-depth look at early space pioneers like Glenn, complete with artifacts and footage from the mission.

For an unforgettable experience, don’t miss the Rocket Garden, where you can walk among the very rockets that launched America’s first astronauts into space, or the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, which showcases the next era of space exploration.

Why This Stop Belongs on Your Route 1 Journey

Cape Canaveral isn’t just a destination—it’s a gateway to the stars. Whether you’re a space enthusiast or simply looking for an educational and exciting family stop, visiting the Kennedy Space Center lets you stand where history was made and imagine where the next great mission will take us.

Plan Your Visit: Kennedy Space Center Official Site