Plans are underway in St. Cloud, Minnesota, for Inspiration Space Port (ISP), a year-round family attraction built around Shuttle Inspiration — a full-scale Space Shuttle mock-up — to be placed inside a dome measuring 300 feet wide and 175 feet tall. The dome's exterior will be wrapped in an LED blanket, creating a landmark visible for miles on the Minnesota skyline.
Inside the structure, visitors will encounter space-themed simulators, interactive attractions and cinematic storytelling designed to make them feel as though they have stepped off Earth. Jason Bernick, Founder of Inspiration Space Port, said earlier plans had called for a simpler display of the shuttle, but the project evolved into something broader. "We have a chance to create something really special here — something families will want to experience together and kids will never forget," Bernick said.
Cliff Dew, CEO of Jumping Frog Entertainment and the project's Chief Architect and Creative Director, framed the concept around active participation rather than passive observation. "The goal is to erase the line between watching and participating," Dew said. "Our team is creating a destination where you don't just learn about space exploration — you step inside it."
Beyond the fixed venue, ISP's plans include the Shuttle Bus Ambassador, a traveling interactive STEM experience intended to bring space exploration directly to schools, libraries, community centers and malls across Minnesota. The Ambassador will feature interactive STEM experiences and a space shuttle simulator, extending the project's educational reach statewide.
The project is framed explicitly around STEM education — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — with developers describing the goal as demonstrating those disciplines through immersive, hands-on engagement rather than conventional instruction.
As of September 2, 2026, ISP remains in the planning and development stage. Work is currently focused on site evaluation, attraction development, strategic partnerships, educational collaborations and sponsorship opportunities. Further details are expected to be released in the coming months.
Several verified sources, together with artificial intelligence, were used in the preparation of this article. The content was reviewed by our editorial team prior to publication. Disclosure provided in accordance with Article 50 of the EU Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act).
