Lowell Observatory

Set out on a cosmic journey at this historic observatory that continues to inspire astronomers and stargazers of all ages.

The Clark Telescope - a long, white telescope, is angled up to night sky through a rectangular opening in the observatory

Lowell Observatory History

Founded in 1894 by Percival Lowell, the Lowell Observatory has been at the forefront of astronomical discoveries for over a century. From Lowell's controversial Mars studies to Clyde Tombaugh's groundbreaking discovery of Pluto in 1930, this institution has consistently pushed the boundaries of our cosmic understanding. The observatory's iconic 24-inch Clark Refractor, still operational after 125 years, even played a crucial role in the Apollo 11 mission, helping scientists map the moon and familiarize astronauts with lunar features.

Aerial view of people gathered around the base of a telescope at Lowell Observatory

Things to Do at Lowell Observatory

Discover the wonders of the cosmos at Lowell Observatory with these exciting activities:

Events – Meet scientists and astronomers while learning about space through kid-friendly events.
Exhibits – Visit the Putnam Collection Center Lobby to explore the observatory's history and view select items from the collection.
Historical Tours – Journey through time and learn about the observatory's significant contributions to astronomy on a guided tour.
Open Houses – Get a look at the different telescopes, take photos, and hear a bit about their history. Weather permitting, you can even look through the telescopes!
Science Talks – Explore the past, present and future of space research through engaging images, archival footage and live interviews.
Stargazing – Gaze at the night sky and witness cosmic wonders firsthand.

Kids play with items in a hands-on science exhibit at Lowell Observatory

The Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center

Prepare to blast off into a new era of astronomical wonder at the Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center! Opening November 2024, this massive 40,000 sq ft facility will be a stargazer's paradise, featuring everything from the kid-friendly Orbits Curiosity Zone to the cutting-edge Dark Sky Planetarium. With state-of-the-art telescopes, interactive exhibits, and a journey through space history, there's something for every cosmic explorer.

The Lowell Observatory rotunda during the day. The dome of the rotunda is white.

Plan Your Trip

Admission

The Lowell Observatory features a variety of experiences, ranging from General Admission to Premium Access of the telescopes. For more information and to reserve your tickets, visit the Lowell Observatory site.

Hours

Summer Hours (Memorial Day – Labor Day)

Monday: 12pm - 10pm
Tuesday: closed
Wednesday – Thursday: 12pm – 10pm
Friday – Sunday: 12pm – 11pm

Winter Hours (Labor Day – Memorial Day)

Monday & Tuesday: closed
Wednesday – Sunday: 12pm – 10pm

Location

Lowell Observatory is located at 1400 W Mars Hill Rd, Flagstaff, AZ.

Discover Flagstaff 2020 Ecotourism Award Recipient

The Lowell Observatory was awarded the Outstanding Eco-Friendly Programming Attraction Award in 2020 for playing a critical role in protecting Flagstaff’s dark skies. Their leadership in both policy and practice benefits the flagstaff community in several ways:

It results in a safer environment for animals and humans alike.
Keeps Flagstaff sky’s about as close to their natural darkness as possible.
Helps reduce energy consumption.
They attract more than 100,000 visitors annually benefiting numerous businesses’ in town including hotels, restaurants, other attractions, and educational facilities.