Lowell Observatory

About

Lowell Observatory sits atop Mars Hill in Flagstaff, Arizona, where astronomer Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto in 1930. Today, it is one of the oldest observatories in the United States and one of the most visitor-friendly destinations for anyone who has ever looked up at the night sky and wondered what is out there.

A visit here is part science, part history, and part pure awe. You can peer through powerful telescopes at planets, star clusters, and galaxies, guided by knowledgeable staff who are genuinely excited to share what they know. The Giovale Open Deck Observatory features multiple telescopes and interactive exhibits that bring the cosmos closer. During the day, you can explore the Putnam Collection Center, which houses historic instruments and artifacts from over a century of astronomical research.

The crown jewel is the Clark Telescope, a 126-year-old refractor housed in a beautiful wooden dome. Standing beside it, you get a real sense of the history that unfolded here. There is also the Pluto Discovery Telescope, the very instrument used to find the ninth planet (or dwarf planet, depending on where you stand on that debate).

Flagstaff is a certified International Dark Sky City, which means light pollution is kept to a minimum. On a clear night, the viewing conditions are remarkable. The observatory runs regular evening programs that include telescope viewing, live presentations, and guided constellation tours.

Practical details worth knowing: the observatory is open year-round, with seasonal hours that shift between daytime-only and evening programs. Flagstaff sits at about 7,000 feet elevation, so nights can be cold even in summer. Bring layers. Tickets are available online, and booking ahead is a good idea during peak season. The gift shop is worth a browse, with everything from science books to rotating globes.

Whether you are a serious astronomy enthusiast or simply someone who wants to see Saturn with your own eyes, Lowell Observatory delivers an experience that stays with you long after you leave.

Accessibility

Most of the buildings on the Lowell Observatory campus are wheelchair accessible, with the main observatory building being fully accessible. Staff members are available to assist visitors as needed and have been noted by wheelchair users as extremely accommodating.

The notable exception is the Pluto Discovery Telescope, which is not wheelchair accessible due to the historic structure. Benches are placed throughout the campus for visitors who need to rest along the way.

The campus is located on Mars Hill, which means some pathways involve elevation changes. Visitors with mobility concerns should be aware that outdoor areas may include slopes and uneven terrain typical of a hillside location in northern Arizona.

Visitors have reported positive experiences bringing wheelchairs to the facility, with staff making efforts to ensure full participation in programs and telescope viewing.

For specific details about accessible parking, restroom accommodations, sensory-friendly programming, or assistance with telescope viewing for visitors with disabilities, contact Lowell Observatory directly before your visit. Conditions and accommodations may change seasonally, and staff can provide the most current information to help you plan a comfortable trip.

More accessible places in Arizona

• Walnut Canyon National Monument (Flagstaff)
• Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (Tucson)
• Children's Museum of Phoenix (Phoenix)
• Heard Museum (Phoenix)
• Musical Instrument Museum (Phoenix)
• Slide Rock State Park (Sedona)