Meteor Crater & Barringer Space Museum

Meteor Crater & Barringer Space Museum

Meteor Crater & Barringer Space Museum
4
Speciality MuseumsNatural History MuseumsGeologic Formations
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
Visit the world’s first proven, best preserved meteorite impact site just minutes from Interstate 40 in Northern Arizona near Winslow. Meteor Crater is the breath-taking result of a collision between a piece of an asteroid traveling at 26,000 miles per hour and planet Earth approximately 50,000 years ago. What scientists have learned here has helped them unlock secrets of the formation of our solar system and the universe! New 4D Adventure now open at Meteor Crater! Journey into space on the STS Barringer! Meteor Crater invites young and old on a space flight mission to save the Earth. Join Commander Perseus and First Officer Jackie, as they fly down into the Crater, and then off into space to intersect an asteroid that is on a collision course with Earth. By combining HD film with special effects and full motion seats, guests enjoy a one-of-a-kind 4D experience on an epic journey through space. Located in the Meteor Crater Discovery Center.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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The area
Address
I-40 and Exit 233 I-40 off Route 66 on the way to the Grand Canyon, Winslow, AZ 86047
Reach out directly
See what travelers are saying
  • Wish2BretiredRN
    155 contributions
    More to see than expected
    We watched the film, climbed to the several view spots, , did the simulator ride and museum. Discounts given for seniors and Veterans. Thank you very much. Gift shop extensive with a 10% discount for completing the survey.
    Visited December 2022
    Written December 11, 2022
  • Karl B
    Minden, Nevada331 contributions
    Out of this World Experience
    Visited during the offseason. My brother had visited it a few years back and he had a good time. There is a fairly large museum associated with the Crater and a theater that had an informative video on the history of the crater. FYI, there are several discounts available--you just have to ask for them. For example, they offer a military discount.
    Visited December 2022
    Written December 20, 2022
  • SteveK28762
    Worcestershire, United Kingdom95 contributions
    Very interesting and stunning to see.
    Fascinating place. Trying to comprehend how this hole in the ground was created is incredible. The museum provides loads of information. Particularly interesting to see that the crater was used by NASA for astronaut training, so plenty of information about that. Really nice place to visit.
    Visited September 2022
    Written January 10, 2023
  • Kflaverson
    9 contributions
    A bit expensive but glad we went
    Really enjoyed visiting this site! The only reason I gave it a four is because the price seemed a bit high for what it was. Nice small museum, clean bathrooms, and a cute coffee shop. The short video was worth it.
    Visited March 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written March 15, 2023
  • Cheryl Ross
    5 contributions
    Extremely pricey
    Sad that this is owned by a family who obviously want to be rich and not care about the parents who want to take their children here to get educated or retired people who are traveling around to see The Wonders of America. Very, very pricey to stand and look at a hole in the ground. So sad.
    Visited March 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 18, 2023
  • fungramma51
    178 contributions
    Expensive but great to see if you’ve never been there
    Great big hole in the ground. If you’ve never been there, it’s worth a stop. It’s amazing to see. They have a small museum and three levels of viewing platforms right at the edge of the crater. They do offer short rim tours at time, weather and staff permitting. We were there in the late afternoon and they weren’t doing any more due to the wind. It is rather expensive however. Note the rim is huge, the tours just go a short walk from the visitor center. We’ve been about three times over the years, but they extremely raised the price of admission. We probably wouldn’t go again.
    Visited March 2023
    Written March 20, 2023
  • JKes
    Gettysburg, Pennsylvania3 contributions
    It’s a big hole in the ground
    OK, it is a pretty cool stop for space geeks (I’m one). It’s an impressive sight; 500 feet deep and 4000 feet across, but it’s a bit pricey for what it is. The entry admission includes all entertainment options at the sight. I found the video to be very superficial and I found myself wanting more detailed information. The guided tour was rigorously scripted and I found it boring. The 4D ride was entertaining, but short (10 minutes). The museum was small but pretty interesting. I’m glad we stopped by to check it out but I wouldn’t go back.
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 6, 2023
  • Bonnie E
    San Diego, California121 contributions
    Buy a postcard instead
    This spot is a little off the beaten path and then you pay $27/person which seems a bit steep. There are guided tours every half hour or so which are interesting but be advised that if it seems a bit windy in the parking lot, you will literally be blown away on the tour. I've never experienced such wind in my life.
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 7, 2023
  • angeleyes27
    Brigantine, New Jersey5,053 contributions
    Was told no senior discount. Crater was nice. Museum was a ripoff
    We only spent about 25 minutes here. The crater was an awesome sight and I enjoyed that. However the film was only 7 minutes long. The museum exhibits were no more than a small visitor center. The tours were over for the day early. Only other things here were a coffee shop and overpriced gift shop. I feel they were capitalizing on the crater and I felt ripped off . Give it a miss
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 19, 2023
  • Hooked_on_travel77
    Franklin, North Carolina3,096 contributions
    Getting pricey. Fun visit. Starman fans, take the tour for the actual filming area.
    We have been here several times over the years and this latest price increase to $25 per person is getting 'up there'. It's still wonderful to visit with so much factual info available to you. We suggest taking the tour which walks you partially around the crater and points out the filming location of Starman if you have seen the 1980's movie. Plenty of parking and the gift shop is nice too, again on the high side though.
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 6, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions

4.0
3,959 reviews
Excellent
1,772
Very good
1,285
Average
531
Poor
186
Terrible
185

pd9
2 contributions
Dec 2020
We visited the meteor with the intention to take the 1 hour guided tour as the rest of the museum is more tailored towards young kids. We actually called a few times beforehand to make sure we knew the tour hours and plan the rest of our trip around that. When we got to admissions we asked specifically about the tour and we were shown where to wait for the guide. We were also told that there would be an equivalent indoors program if the tour were to be cancelled. This was the first time we heard about the possibility of the tour being cancelled, but there was another tour after ours so we figured we could still catch the next one in a worst case scenario. 15 minutes later the guide shows up and tells us that the tour is cancelled and that the trail is also inaccessible. She seemed completely resigned and bored and the "indoors program" ended up being 2 minutes of staring at a photograph of the crater . The guide also told us that afternoon tours are routinely cancelled, something that would have been useful to know when we called. After wondering around, we asked about the next tour and were told that it was also cancelled. We were offered the opportunity to revisit and try retaking the tour within 2 weeks, but that's impractical being out-of-state visitors. I'd say normally this is overpriced for what it is, but with the main event being cancelled and the rest of the "museum" consisting of things like an oversized gift shop and a cartoon movie, unless you're traveling with young kids, you should probably keep driving.
Written December 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are truly sorry. During this time of year we can get snow at Meteor Crater. And depending on how much falls and what the condition of the trail is, we may have to make a short term decision to close the trail and tour to protect the safety and well being of our customers. We are sorry, and the truth is we do not have a need to cancel tours to often, and day after day our wonderful visitors get to enjoy the tours every hour. Sadly, nature doesn't always keep a schedule and can throw us the occasional curve. Please come back and see is soon because the tour is one of the best parts!
Written March 1, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Gina K
6 contributions
Oct 2020 • Solo
They advertise no pets aloud but that they have air conditioned kennels for your pets. There is even a big sign at the entrance letting you know.....until you walk in. Once your inside, they inform you they don’t allow pets and they don’t have kennels. It was too hot to leave my dog in the car so I wasted about 30 min of my day driving out and back just to be turned away. Also, I noticed the admittance fee was really expensive. If you really want to go, make sure you have no pets or it’s cool enough to leave them in the car and be willing to spend some money.
Written October 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback. I am so sorry on this day we were unable to accommodate your four legged friend. WE LOVE DOGS! To be clear, we absolutely have kennels and they are wonderful. If we could not accommodate you on this day it was because we were full. We are so sorry. Meteor Crater is very popular and on rare occasion we do fill up our Pet Ramada. Since our popularity has grown, and demand has increased, we have now budgeted an expansion of our kennel to double our capacity in 2021. Again we are so sorry. Like every business we continually compare our admission fee to be fair to our customer. Our admission is on par with Lowell Observatory, Bearizona, and other science attractions in our region. We are privately funded and admission keeps the maintenance and operation of our museum and attraction in top shape, as well as fund research and provide scholarships. I hope you come back again soon and try a visit again. -Matthew Kent
Written October 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Yu-Ting C
Nanuet, NY41 contributions
Sep 2019
$$$$$$$$

This definitely is a place worth to visit. We drove from Sedona to this crater and then to Petrified Forest National Park, and drove back to Sedona in the same day... very tired. Super strong wind blows through the crater.

Honestly, I understand it is expensive, but if you plan to go to Petrified Forest National Park and go back to hotel in 1 day like us, I don't recommend to spend more than 30 min here. Petrified Forest National Park is much more fun.

This is NOT national park and is privately owned.

The trail has stairs so it is not stroller friendly. Actually, stroller or wheelchairs may be dangerous under such a strong wind.

The movie playing in their theater is great.
Written June 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

drharrisonx2
San Antonio, TX15 contributions
Dec 2021 • Couples
This place was FANTASTIC! Buy tickets ahead of time to avoid ticket lines. They were super courteous, no nickel and diming customers — one flat fee and everything is included (cute interactive ride, intro to the crater movie, tour, and museum). Dorothy was a very knowledgeable, personable, and professional tour guide — try to go on her tour. There were a ton of hands on exhibits — something for the whole family. There is also an observation deck which you do not need a guide to access which provided additional views. We felt that they really wanted guests to learn and enjoy their experience.

Tips: Make sure you have the QR code pulled up of your online transaction and take a screenshot because there is limited internet connectivity once you get there. We were able to pull it up once we went back out to the parking lot and got a signal.

The guided tours take place once every hour. This will take you out on a rim trail. (Note: they will not guide a tour if weather is super cold or hot — so if it’s around freezing or feels like it or around 100, call before you go.

The movie is shown every half hour. It takes 10 minutes. Watch it before you go on the tour.

The interactive ride takes 15 minutes.
Written December 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Intrepid Traveler
50 contributions
May 2020 • Family
Out of this world experience. Not really, but it is worth a stop in this desolate area of the state. We recommend the short 20 minute video followed by a 30 minute tour of the rim of the crater. They both provide a create scientific and social history of the crater. They have a nice exhibit as well. They have one of the best gift shops for an attractions. Check out their rock collection. The staff is A +. They have good protocols for the corona virus as well. Best to visit in am since this part of the state gets very hot during the daytime in the summer.
Written May 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

VillagerRick
The Villages, FL1,000 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
This is not an inexpensive stop a short drive from the interstate highway. Your admission (ask for a Veterans discount if is appropriate) is all inclusive - you get a movie, a guided tour of the crater (our guide Brandon was excellent), a space museum, and an “4 D” interactive “ride”, as well as a photo opportunity with a Space Capsule. One suggestion if you intend to visit is go as early in the day as you can - less heat, and wind. My suggestion for the venue would be to have the tour guide spend more time inside giving us the necessary information, and less time in the heat and wind. They have a large gift shop, and unfortunately for us the Cafe was closed for remodeling.
Written July 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Colin Archibald
Kingston, TN4,467 contributions
Mar 2020
Don't be mislead by the negative reviews, this is a place like no other. If you have an interest in the history of the earth, the admission cost is well worth it. This is the best preserved and easily accessible example of a meteor crater on earth. The first proven meteor crater. Having been created by a meteor over 50,000 years ago, the sheer size is breathtaking. Take the time to read the exhibits in the museum and try the interactive computer simulations that let you try to create a strike by a meteor, comet or asteroid. The film in the theater shows the story of the crater and shows a simulation of what the crash would have been like. Well worth a visit.
Written March 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ivette N
Port Saint Lucie, FL27 contributions
Aug 2020 • Solo
On August 16, 2020, I finally got to visit the Meteor Crater museum. Located only 5 miles off the I-40 in Winslow, Az. I took the tour out onto the rim of the crater and our guide Priscilla was very informative. She gave the highlites of the history as to how the crater came to be. The tour is only 30 minutes but in temperatures of 113 degrees in the desert of the Colorado of Northern Arizona 30 minutes is enough. After the tour one can tour the museum at your leisure and if your into science you will love it. They have a gift shop that is open and a cafe that one can sit and eat ones meal. Face masks are a must throughout the building and their theater is not open at this time. Plan to spend at least 2 to 3hrs the view of the crater is worth the time you spend there. Enjoy, the history.
Written August 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lonestarbc
Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand602 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
When you’re visiting with your daughter and her kids, meaning a total of 6, it gets expensive. To try and justify that over the years they’ve added things to make it a cross between a museum and a theme park. It’s certainly become a good money maker for the owners. But setting that aside it is interesting, well laid out and the crater is really impressive, so if you’re driving by and want to see something quite exceptional, stop and visit!
Written January 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are so happy that you and your family enjoyed your visit to Meteor Crater. Thank you so much for visiting and have a great rest of your day :)
Written January 27, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Colleen C
Troy, NY2,155 contributions
Apr 2021
Loved being able to see this HUGE piece of Earth History. Our tour guide was Dorothy and she rocked. She told us wonderful stories about a plane crash, the original idea that the crater was a volcano, the first visitor center (that burnt down) and the most amazing that Neal Armstrong trained there before going to the moon and tested out the original space suit that didn't quite work out.

The only thing that was a problem at least on our tour was the amount of people that they let on the tour which lasted 75 mins. The tour and time amount was fine but we had easily over 70 people in our group who were all talking and kids screaming how cold they were and Dorothy had to try to talk over all those people. Plus the path is narrow so if you were in the back of the pack you definitely were not hearing everything that she had to say. For paying that much money (a bit expensive for 2 hrs) to go in and wanting to actually hear the tour~ it was a little upsetting to say the least.

There also is 2 movies to watch besides the tour as well as a walk through museum on the upper deck. Besides that there is a large gift shop and a café that are both open during Covid. plenty of parking is available too.

ohh and get there 2 hour before they close in order to take the tour!
Written April 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Meteor Crater & Barringer Space Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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