Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center
Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center
Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center
4.5
This location was reported permanently closed
About
This private, non-profit science and educational center is a working observatory designed to measure the unique and often extreme weather conditions on Mount Washington. Through guided tours and exhibits, visitors learn more about the science of meteorology.
Duration: < 1 hour
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Full view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Attractions
10 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,091 reviews
Excellent
828
Very good
216
Average
36
Poor
5
Terrible
6
yalibrarian
San Antonio, TX354 contributions
Sep 2021
Many of you know that Mt. Washington has some of the wackiest, most unpredictable weather. The museum on top has great information on the meteorology technology, historical highlights and tragedies, and a plethora of ecological info (flora, fauna, habitats). There's also a restaurant, gift shop, bathrooms, and various viewing spots. It is quite a bit cooler, so be sure to dress in layers. Accessible through hiking (only if you're quite fit), the cog railway, a shuttle bus, or the auto road. We drove and it was $39 for the driver/car and $14 for adult passengers (includes museum entry and a bumper sticker). If you have any fear of heights, do not take this route. It is very steep, very narrow, with lots of curves.
Written October 2, 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.
SuperAdventure
Williamsburg, VA109 contributions
Jun 2021
I almost skipped this on our trip through the Northeast and I am so glad I didn't. We decided to take the auto road. I read a lot of reviews on this and some people describing it as dangerous. I thought the drive was fine. If you are not afraid of heights and can drive in your lane you will be fine. The roads are fine. There is one section that is dirt road, but it was fine driving up and coming down. We took a ton of stops on the way up and down to see the amazing views. Bring warm clothing. I couldn't believe how many people were at the top in shorts or t-shirts. We were bundled up in jackets, hats and gloves and we were still cold. It was 34 degrees with 60 mph winds in the middle of June. We also enjoyed driving because we could take our time at the top and see the museum, take pictures, enjoy the view, and have hot chocolate at the small cafeteria. There is also a little gift shop up there. If your in the area be sure to stop by Mt. Washington and remember to dress warm.
Written June 27, 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.
William Johnson
1 contribution
Oct 2020
The place has an amazing view of the surrounding hills. We had heard that the weather can be a deciding factor, so we used climacell.co for an accurate forecast. We planned our trip when it was sunny and clear. Fortunately, we could go inside, since we made reservations beforehand (there are restrictions due to Covid-19), and the view made the trip worth it. Would love t visit again.
Written October 27, 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.
Amy T
Northampton, MA1,336 contributions
Jun 2021
You don't want to miss a trip to the summit of Mt. Washington if you're in the area. You can drive your car to the summit from Pinkham Notch or you can take the cog railway up the mountain (which is what I did). Bring a hat, jacket and low expectations for a clear view if you're coming. It's VERY cold and windy at the summit no matter what month of the year. The observatory is well done and the museum is worth the time to peruse. With some of the most extreme weather anywhere in the country, Mt. Washington weather discovery area is not to be missed.
Written June 17, 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.
Steven L
Syracuse, NY863 contributions
Sep 2020
This was an interesting and informative center to visit at the summit of Mount Washington.
Before our trip, I had read that making a reservation was a good idea in this COVID atmosphere as the number of visitors was being limited. We had no problems entering and re-entering and noticed that people without reservations had to queue up and wait their turn to go in.
Before our trip, I had read that making a reservation was a good idea in this COVID atmosphere as the number of visitors was being limited. We had no problems entering and re-entering and noticed that people without reservations had to queue up and wait their turn to go in.
Written October 2, 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.
Nirav Banker
22 contributions
Jun 2019
One must visit Mt Washington on repeated occasions depending upon different weather conditions. Surrounded by snow clad mountains it offer magnificent view. Wind velocity is tremendous and the moment you go up hill wind and temperature changes dramatically.
Written February 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.
deepak10561
Ahmedabad, India266 contributions
Jun 2022
We a group of 4 friends visited this and we used railway path to reach observatory. it cost USD 80 per person. there is another way to reach there is by Road and it cost USD 40 per car so much cheaper and more adventurous. Dont decievd by Ground weather as you may find nice warm weather in 90s down but when you reach top it can be in 30s with heavy wind. so take all your winter cloths including hand gloves and head band to protect ear and nose. they have shops where you can buy warm clothes though.
Written June 18, 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.
TravelinSuz
Fernley, NV939 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
We went around the grounds, but can’t go inside due to COVID. It’s still really cool to be on the grounds and learn about the extreme weather. There’s all sorts of information about extreme weather on Mount Washington so you still feel like you get to visit.
Written October 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.
peter194940
toms river, new jersey576 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
My wife and I took the cog railway to the observatory. The day we went was sunny at the base of the mountain and very foggy, windy and cold on the observation deck. I lost NY ski cap and one glove from the wind
Written October 24, 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.
Susan B
Hillsborough, NH3 contributions
Oct 2020
On October 6, 2020, we had the experience of a lifetime in that we took a tour van to the top of Mount Washington, NH to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. It was an exhilarating experience, positively breath taking. If you ever have the opportunity to go, the van tour is the way to go for seniors.
Written October 8, 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.
Does each person have to be a member to take the guided tour of the weather station? Can only 1 be an official member to get the others into the tour? We are a group of 3.
Written July 5, 2017
I have a family membership, and I took 1 guest with me for the tour... My guest did not have membership. The Observatory's website says this - 'Family memberships include tours for all individuals living under one roof.'.
When I registered (I registered for the tour after hiking up Mt Washington - I already had the membership at that point), they just asked about how many guests I will be bringing along, and that was about it. Hope this helps.
Written July 9, 2017
does the cog railway operate during weekdays in May
Written April 29, 2017
May schedule: Weekends The biodiesel train runs 10:30 am to 1:30 pm on the following dates; 6th-7th, 13th-14th, 20th-22nd, 30th-31st
27th & 28th: 9 am to 3:30 pm for the steam train, 9:30 am for the biodiesel train to 3:30 pm
29th: 9 am to 2:30 pm for the steam train, 9:30 am to 2:30 pm for the biodiesel train.
Check out the calendar of times and runs at their website.
Written May 2, 2017
The Weather Discovery Center is in North Conway village across the street from the Eastern Slope Inn. It shares a parking lot with the Citizens Bank. If you visit at 11am or 2pm you can see a live video feed fro the observers on the top of Mount Washington.
The observatory itself is on the top of Mount Washington. People often confuse these two facts.
Written March 2, 2017
How long does it take to drive to the observatory from the main entrance at the bottom?
Written May 13, 2016
We had to traffic going up so took maybe 45min to an hour. It's not so bad driving up half way and then the other half if nerve raking. It gets really tight NO GUARDRAILS!! only one car at a time can pass at times. I will never never never ever drive up again it was so scary. I am deathly afraid of heights and looking out my car window and seeing straight down the side of the mountain was so scary.
Written May 16, 2016
What are the choices for getting to the top? Drive, bus, cog rail?
Written October 7, 2015
You can hike drive your car ride a bicycle or take the Cog any of them are enjoyable
Written October 7, 2015
Are winter overnight trips still being offered? if so , how does one get info?
Written September 16, 2015
They are sold out for this winter season (2015-2016). The visits are on a very limited basis and are entirely weather permitting.
They have not opened up the list for next winter yet. But when they do you should call
603-356-2137 ext: 225
Written September 17, 2015
L T
Kittery, Maine
In the past there were educational trips in the winter (Jan., Feb.) where limited participants went up on the arctic cat and spent an overnight learning about the winter conditions. Are those trips still being offered and how do I learn more about them? I oversee a teen program on a military base and would love to have a few of our families involved.
Written September 15, 2015
I believe they are. Not sure who to contact. I've known teachers that have spent a week or so up there so check it out.
Written September 16, 2015
What is there to do if you don't ski?
Written December 28, 2014
Lots tondo if you don't ski. There is snow tubing at Cranmore, King Pine in Madison and Great Glen trails on 16 in Pinkham Notch. You can try exploring some trails snowshoeing in the area. Echo Lake has some nice mellow trails around and behind the lake. Also try up on the Kancaanmagus Hwy....Sabbaday Falls or ride to Lincoln and try shoeing at Lincoln woods trail has awesome scenery. If you do try what are called the wayside trails, there is a daily use fee of only $3 per day and covers all wayside attractions you stop at on that day. Lessons are available in many locations if you wish to try out cross country skiing. Indoor activities, movie theater, live theater, Hartmans model railroad exhibit, Uberblast if you have children, Fryeburg has a bowling alley, you can ride a snow coach ride up the Mt. Washington auto road for some breathtaking views again at Great Glen Trails on 16 in Pinkham Notch. Also check the events calendar in the Conway daily Sun for other activities. There are tons of things to do here in Mt Washington Valley and surrounding areas. Moved here from Mass over 5 years ago and am here to stay. Hope this was helpful. Have fun.
Written January 14, 2015
Showing results 1-8 of 8
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing