Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center
Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center
Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center
4.5
Observatories & Planetariums
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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.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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Top ways to experience Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center and nearby attractions
The area
Address
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1 within 3 miles
Attractions
9 within 6 miles
Mount Washington
250
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Bebe River Falls
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Glen Ellis Falls
358
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The Mount Washington Cog Railway
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Caps Ridge Trail
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,090 reviews
Excellent
828
Very good
215
Average
36
Poor
5
Terrible
6
tinaNtravel
San Jose, CA1,747 contributions
Oct 2021
I left a review on the drive up, under the Mt. Washington Auto Road. I’ll just talk about the Observatory/Visitor Center in this review. The Visitor Center has a ranger information station, restrooms, a very small gift shop, a small restaurant and a museum downstairs. To enter the museum, you are given tokens (free, since you already paid to drive up) to enter the little museum. There are a number of short films, but as the museum was fairly crowded and no one was wearing a mask, we did not stay to watch them. On the desk, where you receive the tokens, there is a large display of the weather conditions that was rather interesting. On the other side of the Visitor Center, you can walk slightly up some rocks to take a picture near the Summit sign. You can also walk out on the observatory platform, but when we visited, there was no visibility and the wind was strong enough that it was difficult to even stand. Obviously, if you’ve driven up Mt. Washington, the Visitor Center is worth visiting – but it would not be worth driving up just for the Visitor Center.
Written October 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
e26
New York City, NY491 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
I’ve done many summit/peak drives around the world and this was one of the worthy ones, especially in the North East! Gorgeous views for miles on a summer July day. We had clear visibility though some overcast but it cleared up here and there while we were up in the summit. It was chillier but not too bad. Definitely come w an extra jacket and maybe even a hat and gloves if you tend to get cold easily or have health issues. It wasn’t too windy but was blustery in some parts of the summit. The drive isn’t bad if you’re used to driving in tight conditions (hail from NYC where we are used to this). Shift into low gear on the way down and lots of pull outs to give your car brakes a break on the steep way down (can smell the rubber burn in some areas of the road)!
Spent about two to three hours here (from ascent to descent). Really enjoyed it and highly recommend for those who love beautiful vistas and not too strenuous. Easy walk around the top and there are clean bathroom facilities and food etc. (though better to bring your own food of course)! Wasn’t too crowded on a Sunday and no rsvps needed if driving your own vehicle. Price was expensive (charge by car, driver and # of passengers) but the views are worth it!!! You can also download the app and listen to an audio tour while in your car.
Spent about two to three hours here (from ascent to descent). Really enjoyed it and highly recommend for those who love beautiful vistas and not too strenuous. Easy walk around the top and there are clean bathroom facilities and food etc. (though better to bring your own food of course)! Wasn’t too crowded on a Sunday and no rsvps needed if driving your own vehicle. Price was expensive (charge by car, driver and # of passengers) but the views are worth it!!! You can also download the app and listen to an audio tour while in your car.
Written July 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
gitlaw
Phoenix, AZ65 contributions
Jul 2021
The benefit of the Mt. Washington Auto Road is that you can tell if you will be going to the summit on a clear day or not. You only need about an hour at the summit. The Auto Road provides a downloadable app that gives you a narration for your drive up and down. I recommend this way to get to the summit compared to the Cog Railway - which might be fun for children and people who are afraid of mountain driving. It is certainly more cost effective to drive and you avoid the potential of COVID exposure that you have on the Cog Railway. Great views of the Presidential Range from the mountaintop. It is cold up there!
Written August 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
yalibrarian
San Antonio, TX320 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.
SuperAdventure
Williamsburg, VA110 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.
Amy T
Northampton, MA1,371 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.
deepak10561
Ahmedabad, India232 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.
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.
Steven L
Syracuse, NY862 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.
Nirav Banker
21 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.
A S
28 contributions
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.
Shailaja N
26 contributions
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.
parkz48
Nottingham, UK19 contributions
does the cog railway operate during weekdays in May
Todd L.
Phoenix, AZ207 contributions
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.
pauls_take
Bedford, MA3 contributions
where is it located?
AilsNH
North Conway, NH28 contributions
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.
LoveFunTravels
Orange Park, FL369 contributions
How long does it take to drive to the observatory from the main entrance at the bottom?
EACW111415
New Jersey106 contributions
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.
Michael B
Framingham, MA6 contributions
What are the choices for getting to the top? Drive, bus, cog rail?
Weevaluate
Tewksbury, MA478 contributions
You can hike drive your car ride a bicycle or take the Cog any of them are enjoyable
David F
Naples, FL86 contributions
Are winter overnight trips still being offered? if so , how does one get info?
PortlandBebe
Portland92 contributions
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
L T
Kittery, ME
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.
Jim H
Holderness, NH520 contributions
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.
Seaway17
Rockport, MA17 contributions
What is there to do if you don't ski?
Linda S
North Conway, NH30 contributions
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.
