It’s not every day that you get to go behind the scenes to see where scientists work on Mars, count craters on the Moon, and test aircraft in wind tunnels! Join this tour for that opportunity! Our first stop will be Parks College of Engineering, Aviation, and Technology at Saint Louis University the alma mater of Gene Kranz, legendary Apollo Flight Director. See where many Space pioneers attended school and visit the CubeSat Lab and Wind Tunnels.

From Parks College we will head, by bus, to the Delmar Loop, one of the 10 Great Streets in America according to the American Planning Association. The Delmar Loop, with more than 145 specialty shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and galleries, boasts a Solar System walk. The Loop Planet Walk is one of about 50 Solar System walks on Earth and is a “must do.” We will take a quick look at the Moonrise Hotel which offers fine dining, a rooftop bar, and unique decor, all centered on the Moon. Outside the Moonrise we will find the Sun and walk down the street towards Neptune. Along the way we will observe the planets, walk on the St. Louis Walk of Fame stars, eat lunch at Fitz’s while watching the bottling of Fitz’s Premium Sodas, and, finally, meet the bus at Neptune.

From Neptune, we will drive to Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL). Professors and graduate students at WUSTL’s Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences make up the science team for Mars Curiosity and other Mars rovers. See where they work; visit the Moon and Mars labs; and study the university’s collection of meteorites, minerals, and gems.

Photos Credits: Bill Kranz and Delmar Loop Planet Walk