Is Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, AZ, Worth it?

Do you ever look up into the sky and wonder what else could be out there? If your answer is yes, then Lowell Observatory is worth a visit.

Whether you are attending during the night or day, there is plenty for you to explore and enjoy. Your daily admission ticket is also good for the evening, so you can make the most of your pass and visit the observatory for daytime and nighttime activities. I visited during their Winter Hours and had the opportunity to do both.

What Makes Lowell Observatory So Special?

Lowell is an astronomical observatory located in Flagstaff, AZ. It was established in 1894, making it one of the oldest observatories and a designated Historic U.S. Landmark. 

Its claim to fame is the discovery of the dwarf planet Pluto in 1930 by Clyde Tombaugh. The Lowell Observatory was founded by astronomer Percival Lowell and is overseen by a sole trustee, which has been handed down through the family.

Another claim to fame is that many astronauts from the Apollo Program visited the observatory in 1963 while mapping the moon.

The main facility on Mars Hill in Flagstaff houses the original 61-centimeter Clark Refracting Telescope. The original 33-centimeter Pluto Discovery Telescope is also located in Flagstaff.

How Much Does Lowell Observatory Cost?

Daily except Tuesdays

• Adults (ages 18+): $29
• AAA/seniors (ages 55+)/Military: $26
• College students (with valid ID): $15
• Children (ages 5-17): %17
• Children 4 and under: Free
• Lowell Members: Free

*Tuesday offers discounted prices since they close at 6 p.m. and do not offer evening programming. This is a great day to go if you only have time to visit during the day.

• Adults (ages 18+): $22
• AAA/seniors (ages 55+)/Military: $19
• College students (with valid ID): $15
• Children (ages 5-17): %13
• Children 4 and under: Free
• Lowell Members: Free

* Flagstaff and Coconino County locals and their guests (daily, with ID):

• Adults (ages 18+): $15
• Children (ages 5-17): $10
• Children4 and under: Free

Buy Tickets HERE

Hours of Operation:

Summer Hours (Memorial Day – Labor Day):

• Monday: Noon – 10 pm
• Tuesday: Noon – 6 pm
• Wednesday: Noon – 10 pm
• Thursday: Noon – 10 pm
• Friday: Noon – 11 pm
• Saturday: Noon – 11 pm
• Sunday: Noon – 11 pm

Winter Hours (Labor Day – Memorial Day):

• (Closed Mondays and Tuesdays)
• Wednesday: Noon – 10 pm
• Thursday: Noon – 10 pm
• Friday: Noon – 10 pm
• Saturday: Noon – 10 pm
• Sunday: Noon – 10 pm

What Kinds of Activities do they Have?

Day Activities:

• Solar Program & Giovale Open Deck Open House
• Lowell Tour
• Story of Pluto Tour
• Putnam Collection Center Open House
• Rotunda Museum Open House
• Totality Film

Night Activities:

• Journey to Pluto Talk
• Colors of the Cosmos Talk
• Totality Film
• Rotunda Museum Open House
• 24” Clark Viewing & Open House
• Constellation Tour
• Giovale Open Deck Observatory Telescope Viewing

Special Events:

• Meteor Showers
• Asteroid Days – Big Impact Events
• Solar Eclipse Watch Parties
• Lunar Eclipses
• Special Guest Speakers

You can read My Review of Lowell Observatory: Solar Eclipse Watch Party (2023) and watch a video clip below:

My Favorite Activities:

24″ Clark Telescope:

This is hands down my favorite thing about Lowell Observatory. I have been able to look at planets during the day and night. My favorite was seeing Saturn at night and getting a chance to see all of its rings in such great detail. We had to wait in line a little bit for this one since it was a busier-than-average attendance day, but someone else in line asked me if it was worth the wait. I said yes because nothing, not even pictures, compares to seeing the cosmos with your own eyes.

       

Rotunda Museum Open House:

The Rotunda Museum tells you the robust history of Lowell Observatory and the story of discovering Pluto. Did you know that Percival Lowell died in 1916 before the dwarf planet of Pluto was discovered by Clyde Tombaugh in 1930? His legacy lives on here, and you get to see relatable science experiments like the 9″ Tombaugh Telescope made from household items like a lead pipe, soup can, faucet, and a 1960s Coca-Cola can.

Colors of the Cosmos Talk:

The Colors of the Cosmos Talk includes some Prism glasses, and it walks you through the scientific footprint of colors and what substances they represent. This feels like a Bill Nye the Science Guy demo, but it teaches important concepts by making it fun and visually entertaining. This is a great one to do with adults and kids alike.

Constellation Tour:

The constellation tour was a big hit, as you learn about the famous and not-so-famous constellations in the sky and some of their backstories. You also learn interesting facts from real astronomers while they show them to you using a laser pointer.

Giovale Open Deck Observatory Telescope Viewing:

The Giovale Open Deck Observatory is a great place to see some neat things during the day or night. I went again at night and saw Andromeda, M15, and Jupiter with 4 of its moons.

Starry Skies Gift Shop:

How Long does it take to Tour Lowell Observatory?

When I looked this up on Google, it said that people spend an average of 1.5-2 hours there. However, it depends on the day, if they have special programming for any unusual or special celestial events, and if you visit just during the day or night.

I visited on one of the busiest evenings ever since an annular solar eclipse had occurred earlier in the day. We easily spent 3.5 hours there that evening and didn’t even get to finish seeing all their nighttime tours and programming. I would imagine you could get more accomplished in less time during a non-eventful day. You would also want to be mindful of the weather since cloudy skies do not allow favorable stargazing. You can check Lowell’s WeatherUnderground Forecast HERE.

There you have it. Now you know whether or not the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, AZ, is Worth It? And it is worth it! But don’t take my word for it. You will need to experience it for yourself!