About

Constructed in 1969, the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum has drilled around 200 wells in the Gulf of Mexico. The rig was built at the Bethlehem shipyard in Beaumont and operated in depths up to 175 feet from 1969 to 1984.

Located less than an hour from downtown Houston, the museum is a historical monument and an educational hub. In 1995, the Offshore Energy Center (OEC) recognized the rig's potential beyond its operational life.

Purchasing it from the brink of being scrapped, the OEC transformed it into a museum that opened in 1997. Today, the Ocean Star stands moored off the end of 19th Street, transformed into a three-level museum. It serves as a vibrant educational center, offering insights into both the benefits and challenges of offshore oil exploration.

This impressive facility offers a unique blend of history, technology, and hands-on experiences about offshore drilling. It is also close to popular landmarks and attractions, making it easy to visit more than one location. Seawolf Park features naval ships, a submarine, and fishing, while East End Lagoon Nature Preserve will appeal to nature and bird lovers.

Whether you're a history buff, a technology enthusiast, or curious about offshore drilling, the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum is a must-visit destination in Bolivar Peninsula.

Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum: Fun Facts & Cool Features

The museum's main attraction, "Offshore Drilling: The Promise of Discovery," takes visitors on a behind-the-scenes exploration of the technical intricacies of offshore oil and gas extraction.

This exhibit provides a comprehensive look at the processes and technologies involved in drilling beneath the ocean floor. It is a rare glimpse into an industry crucial to our modern lifestyle.

Outside the museum, the Pipe Deck displays oversized drilling equipment, such as a blowout preventer, drill pipe, and cementing unit. These exhibits provide a tangible sense of the scale and complexity of offshore drilling equipment.

The museum showcases the daily life of rig workers through its "Life on a Rig" exhibit. This section includes ship-style cabins, recreational areas, and even kitchens, giving visitors an idea of the living conditions on a drilling rig.

The museum educates visitors about the evolution of offshore drilling through interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, and detailed scale models. The towering derrick rises 193 feet, giving guests a real sense of the scale of offshore drilling operations.

Afterward, head to any of the Galveston or Bolivar restaurants for a delicious meal. Crystal Beach Café serves Vietnamese cuisine with a Texas twist, while Stingaree Restaurant & Marina is your go-to for seafood and Intracoastal Waterways views.

Add Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum to your Bolivar vacation itinerary for an immersive adventure.

Getting There

Here's how you can reach the museum from Galveston:

Start from central Galveston.
Head southeast on 21st St toward Avenue E.
Turn right onto Harborside Dr.
Continue on Harborside Dr until you reach 20th St.
Turn right onto 20th St.
The entrance to the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig Museum is located one block from Harborside Drive on 20th Street at the east end of Pier 19.

Local Tips

Consider parking near the Railroad Museum, which offers free 2-hour parking and is about a 15-minute walk from the museum.
Parking near the museum is available at a flat rate of $10 per day, but spaces may be limited.
No need to make reservations for individual and small groups.
The museum features three levels, with outdoor exhibits on the 1st and 3rd levels. There's a 15-minute movie that cycles through, providing an overview of the museum's themes.

Staging environment