Lowell Observatory

• Hours: Open year round, with day and evening programs; closed January 1, Easter, November 24, December 24-25, December 31
• Reservations: Not accepted
• Cost: Admission fee, separate fees for day and evening programs, AAA discounts
• Location: Mars Hill, just west of Flagstaff, directions below
• How Long: Allow about one to two hours
• Best Time to Visit: Any time

In 1893, Percival Lowell, a wealthy Bostonian and amateur astronomer, became intrested in the planet Mars. Using his own funds, he sent a crew to Arizona to scout a site for an observatory. They settled on Flagstaff as the location for the Lowell Observatory.

Today, Lowell Observatory is a popular destination for astronomy- and science-minded tourists. Scientists also conduct ongoing research on the outer solar system, the Kuiper Belt and asteroids.

Lowell Observatory Review

The Lowell Observatory is perhaps most famous as the place where the planet Pluto was discovered in 1930. Displays and activities center around this historic discovery.

The Lowell Observatory offers both day and evening tours. During the 45-minute daytime tour, you'll see the 24-inch Clark Telescope, the Pluto Discovery Telescope and a display of historic instruments used by Lowell and his colleagues.

The Space Theater, opened in 2007 features animations and real-time views of the night sky in regular programs throughout the day.

Evening programs are focused on what you can see through the 24-inch telescope at Lowell Observatory, which is usually a planet or other extraterrestrial object. On cloudy nights, they substitute a multi-media presentation. Every fall, the Lowell Observatory hosts a Star Party.

Things to Know About Visiting Lowell Observatory

Because of fire danger, smoking is not permitted anywhere on Mars Hill.

The visitor center and Clark Telescope on the Lowell Observatory day tour are handicapped accessible, but the Pluto Dome and night viewing areas are not.

Getting to Lowell Observatory

Lowell Observatory
1400 W. Mars Hill Rd.
Flagstaff, AZ
928-774-3358
Lowell Observatory Website

From I-17 and I-40 exit 195, follow Milton Road north. Just past the Butler Avenue intersection, make a sharp left turn immediately after the railroad overpass onto West Santa Fe Ave.

From Highway 89 or I-40 exit 201, get on Route 66 westbound. Just past the Humphreys Street intersection, go straight on westbound on West Santa Fe Ave. Do not get onto Milton Road.

From Highway 180, turn right onto Humphreys Street. At the first intersection, turn right on West Santa Fe Ave.

When the road forks at the end of West Santa Fe, take the right fork to the Lowell Observatory parking lot.

If You Liked Lowell Observatory, You May Also Like:

• Kitt Peak, Tucson