Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum, Galveston

About Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum

Ocean Star is a retired jack-up drilling rig that operated in the Gulf of Mexico from 1969 to 1984, drilling over 200 wells before being refurbished and opened as a museum in 1997. Visitors board the actual rig to explore exhibits on the science and history of the oil and gas industry through self-guided exploration. The museum features videos, information displays, and interactive exhibits throughout the structure, including demonstrations of drilling equipment and offshore operations technology. Most visitors spend approximately 1.5 hours touring the rig completely, examining the derrick, mud systems, and crew quarters. The facility functions as an education center designed for independent exploration rather than guided tours. Visitors interested in industrial history, offshore energy production, and hands-on learning about marine drilling operations can examine how the rig functioned during active service in the Gulf of Mexico.