The Astrodome is the world's first domed stadium and is currently home to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Visitors can roam through the crew's quarters, engine rooms and decks, or climb the small-caliber guns or onto the Navigation Bridge. Open Wednesdays through Sundays. Visitors may tour historical homes and witness demonstrations of pioneer life, blacksmithing, farming and ranching. The world's largest pari-mutuel greyhound racing complex resides just south of Houston.
Races are also simulcast at parks throughout the nation.
In addition, fire fighting vehicles dating from the 19th century are displayed. A one and a half hour narrated boat tour of the Houston Ship Channel takes visitors aboard the inspection vessel, the MV Sam Houston, to experience the wonder of one of Houston's main industries in the Port of Houston. The Port is the second busiest in the nation and the eighth busiest in the world. Home to more than 3,000 animals representing more than 700 species and the most-visited zoo in this region. See the pygmy hippo exhibit and refurbished giraffe exhibit.