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Cedar Crossing Casino STEM Center Blasts Off With New Interactive Astronaut Exhibit

Posted on: October 1, 2026, 12:29h.

Last updated on: October 2, 2026, 05:26h.

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Devin O'Connor Devin O'Connor is a senior reporter for Casino.org, covering politics, casino business, and gaming news. Devin came on board with Casino.org in 2014...
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Key Points

Cedar Crossing Casino will open its Compass Center STEM lab in November with an immersive astronaut exhibition
“Astronaut” lets children and adults experience simulated spaceflight, astronaut training, and mission-control challenges
The $275 million Cedar Rapids casino will debut with 700 slots, 22 table games, a sportsbook, and a concert hall

Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center is launching its inaugural exhibition this week at the property’s new on-site STEM center, bringing an interactive space experience to visitors.

Cedar Crossing Casino Astronaut exhibit — A promotional photograph shows a young girl experiencing “Astronaut,” an immersive exhibit that’s coming to Cedar Crossing Casino. The casino in Iowa is set to open in November 2026. (Image: Scitech)

Set to open in November in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Cedar Crossing Casino is a $275 million project from Peninsula Pacific Entertainment (P2E). The developers of the destination have always pledged that Cedar Crossing would be much more than a casino, but a place that would integrate with the community.

Along with committing 8% of its annual gross gaming revenue to support nonprofit organizations in Linn County—far exceeding Iowa’s 3% state-mandated charitable requirement—Cedar Crossing features a 5,000-square-foot STEM lab with a dedicated entrance separate from the gaming floor.

Cedar Crossing, which recently named the STEM lab the Compass Center, says the 5,000-square-foot facility will open with “Astronaut,” an immersive, interactive, and hands-on exhibition that explores the physical and mental challenges involved in space exploration.

We want Cedar Crossing to be much more than a casino. The Compass Center is a big part of that,” said Aaron Gomes, president of P2E.

“[Compass Center] gives us a chance to bring something completely different to Cedar Rapids,” Gomes continued. “An exhibit like [‘Astronaut’] can spark a child’s curiosity and inspire a lifetime of learning.”

Space Exploration Program

Scitech, a non-profit organization supported by the Western Australian government, is bringing “Astronaut” to the U.S. heartland. Scitech noted the exhibit lets participants experience what it’s like to sleep, eat, shower, and use the restroom in microgravity.

The exhibition combines problem-solving and teamwork tasks, such as communicating with mission control and landing a space capsule. Visitors can experience physical training regimens, test space clothing materials, and feel simulated gravitational force (g-force) during launch sequences.

While Scitech tailored “Astronaut” primarily for children ages 5 to 12, the experience is open to guests of all ages.

Casino & Entertainment Amenities

Cedar Crossing Casino is set to open next month with 700 slot machines, 22 live dealer table games, and a sportsbook. The casino will offer five bars and restaurants, including Clubhouse by Zach Johnson, a steakhouse concept developed alongside the Iowa native, who won the 2007 Masters and 2015 Open golf championships.

Another non-gaming amenity at Cedar Crossing is the 1,500-seat Event Center. The concert hall already has several major country and Southern rock music acts booked, including Old Dominion (Dec. 5), The Marshall Tucker Band (March 13, 2027), and Trace Adkins (April 16, 2027).

Notable stand-up performers booked for Cedar Crossing include Brooks Wheelan (Dec. 10), Steve-O (Dec. 12), Josh Blue (Dec. 17), Carlos Mencia (March 6, 2027), and Carrot Top (May 15, 2027).