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Lowell Observatory

1400 W Mars Hill Rd · Flagstaff, AZ

Why you should go…

Lowell Observatory is a private, non-profit research observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, founded in 1894 by astronomer Percival Lowell. The campus offers guided tours, science exhibits, shows and telescope viewing after dark, including through the historic 24-inch Clark Telescope. Astronomer Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto at the observatory in 1930.

  • #astronomy
  • #science
  • #stargazing
  • #tour
  • #history

Good to know

General attractions guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Book the time slot, not just the ticket

    Timed entry is now the norm at big-draw attractions, and online tickets are often cheaper than the gate.

  • Grab the daily schedule on arrival

    Feeding times, keeper talks, and shows run on a posted timetable that changes day to day.

  • The first hour is the quietest

    Queues build through late morning and peak after lunch, so an early start buys you the shortest waits.

  • Budget past the ticket price

    Parking, lockers, strollers, and food inside the gates are common extras worth planning for.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Lowell Observatory, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Tours
    Outdoor Adventure

    Grand Canyon Adventures

    $50+

    A Flagstaff-based tour operator running guided day trips to the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Sedona.

    0.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Attractions
    Quirky Fun

    Gunfighter Canyon

    $50+

    Indoor shooting range and machine gun experience on historic Route 66 in Flagstaff.

    0.7 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Arizona Snowbowl

    $50+

    Historic ski resort on the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff with year-round gondola rides.

    0.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Sightseeing
    Outdoor Adventure

    Flagstaff

    Free

    A high-elevation Arizona city on Route 66 serving as a gateway to the Grand Canyon, ponderosa forests and ski country.

    1.0 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Bearizona Wildlife Park

    $25–$50

    Drive-through wildlife park near Williams, Arizona with North American animals in natural habitats.

    27 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Blazin M Ranch

    $50+

    Western-themed ranch near Cottonwood offering a chuck wagon dinner, live stage show and frontier-town activities.

    37 mi awayMore like this