We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
Free Newsletter

Interested in Flagstaff?

We'll send you updates with the latest deals, reviews and articles for Flagstaff each week.

  • Save Lowell Observatory
  • E-mail this page

Lowell Observatory


TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.0 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #9 of 43 attractions in Flagstaff
Traveler Description:
Lowell Observatory, founded in 1894, is a non profit astronomical research and educational outreach institution located on Mars Hill one mile west of...... more » Lowell Observatory, founded in 1894, is a non profit astronomical research and educational outreach institution located on Mars Hill one mile west of Flagstaff, Arizona. For visitors, the Observatory offers telescope viewing, exhibits and science center, daytime guided tours, safe viewing of the Sun, multimedia programs, shows in the McAllister Space Theatre, special events throughout the year, and an astronomy gift shop. « less
Familiar with Lowell Observatory? Write your own description and share what you know with other travelers.
Attraction type: Observatory/planetarium, Other
Address: 1400 Mars Hill Road Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Tel: 928-774-3358

Reviews you can trust

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
Save Review
4 of 5 stars
Donna_MO   9 contributions
St. Louis
Nov 5, 2009

We participated in the daytime tour of Lowell Observatory as well as the evening telescope viewing. I give it a mixed review, agreeing with many other reviewers - but overall it's worth the time to visit. Just don't go there expecting it to be like Disney World or Epcot. It is not fancy - it is a real place with... more

Save Review
4 of 5 stars
PULAOKHAO   32 contributions
ARLINGTON
Sep 13, 2009

nice visitor center; $5-7 per visitor; short video on large screen in visitor center on current research; i enjoyed tour, about one hour. contrary to other reviews, my guide, though also a young student, was engaged and helpful. tour consists of seeing original telescope, which is no longer used for research and a large circular hall with various exhibits. you... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
BoriquaWifey   3 contributions
Seattle
May 16, 2009
1/1 found this review helpful

If you are staying in Flagstaff to see the Grand Canyon, why not stop by and see this fascinating, man-made attraction as well! My husband has taken us to many observatories around the Western Hemisphere, but this is my favorite because it was one of the first built in the western USA, so the history of the place is awe... more

Save Review
2 of 5 stars
5Places   1 contribution
Elyria, Ohio
Apr 26, 2009
2/2 found this review helpful

We recently visited the observatory to veiw Saturn. We paid the admission just as they were closing the main telescope; the staff said the reason was weather related.. Since the sky was clear, and weather calm, there were many unhappy guests standing around, confused as to why it was closed.. Finally, a staff member/student brought out a backyard size telescope... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
RonaldTampa_FL   13 contributions
Tampa, FL
Apr 18, 2009
1/1 found this review helpful

We visited on a Saturday evening. Guests were permitted to look through the large telescope and actually view Saturn with its rings. Through another telescope, I was able to see the craters on the moon - not on television - not in a picture - you can actually see these things yourself. It was incredible. There is a nice museum... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
Flybird141   1 contribution
Oregon
Apr 16, 2009
1/1 found this review helpful

We weren't able to go at night, but the day trip was very informative. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and kept the tour interesting. Not only is the site full of history, but there are about 20 astronomers actively working at the site still exploring the our galaxies. A must see for all star gazers. more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
youngboo   15 contributions
San Diego, Cal.
Apr 16, 2009
1/1 found this review helpful

We visited twice on April 9th. We did the tour in the afternoon and came back to look out of the telescopes at night. The tour was fun even for the 4 tween girls with us. they loved seeing the odd parts in the clark telescope and being able to particiapte in the tour. I loved the library with Lowell's... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
catdoc   1 contribution
Vet in Waterloo, Ontario
Mar 24, 2009
1/1 found this review helpful

The Lowell Observatory is a must see for all amatuer and seasoned astronomers visiting Flagstaff. We visited last night on a cold clear March evening. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed it and found the staff very enthusiastic and knowledegable. Seeing Saturn and its rings and moons on the Clark telescope was breathtaking, as was the view of the Orion... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
ugalisa   3 contributions
Acworth, Georgia
Oct 21, 2008
1/1 found this review helpful

My husband and I had the greatest time visiting the observatory and looking through the various telesopes throughout the campus. The volunteers working the telescopes were so enthusiastic and helpful at explaining what exactly we were looking at. It was an awesome experience being able to look through the actual Lowell telescope as well. This is a must-see if you... more

Save Review
2 of 5 stars
MomRocco   44 contributions
Chicago, IL
Oct 4, 2008
0/1 found this review helpful

I can't remember the exact cost of admission, but think it was $6 or $7 per person. The staff really seem bored with their jobs and aren't interested in answering questions. The exhibits are suprisingly amateurish. Skip the "multi-media" film which will put you to sleep, but do take the tour as it is mildly interesting to see the telescope... more

Travelers Who Viewed This Attraction Also Viewed
No photo provided
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Price not available
No photo provided
Price not available
No photo provided
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Price not available
Write Your Own Attraction Review

Been to Lowell Observatory? Share your experiences!

Write a Review
Add Photos
Add Videos

Lowell Observatory: Management Resources

TripAdvisor has free and easy resources to help you enhance your listing and promote your property.

  • Start Here - Visit Your Owners' Center
  • Add Photo
  • Add Video

Lowell Observatory Address

1400 Mars Hill Road, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Tel: 928-774-3358