A Spring Itinerary for Visiting Lowell Observatory

Spring in Flagstaff is a season of crisp mountain air, blooming wildflowers, and star-filled skies—and there’s no better place to soak it all in than Lowell Observatory! Whether you’re visiting for the day or planning an evening under the stars, this spring itinerary highlights the top things to do at Lowell Observatory to make the most of your visit.

Start Your Day with Science and Discovery

12:00 PM – Arrival and Check-in
Arrive at Lowell Observatory, located just minutes from downtown Flagstaff. After checking in at the visitor center, pick up a campus map and get your bearings—there’s a full lineup of hands-on exhibits, live science talks, and guided experiences ahead!

12:30 PM – Explore the Origins Gallery
Begin your journey in the Origins Gallery, open daily (except Tuesdays) from 12–10 p.m. This soothing exhibit introduces you to the universe’s formation and the science that helps us understand it.

1:30 PM – Hands-On Fun in the Orbits Curiosity Zone
Perfect for curious minds of all ages, the Orbits Curiosity Zone offers interactive, family-friendly displays about space, motion, and planetary systems. It’s a great stop for kids—or for anyone who learns best by doing.

2:30 PM – Take in a History Talk
Join a 30-minute “Origins of Lowell” talk to discover how this small Arizona observatory became a hub of astronomical discovery. Presentations run daily (except Tuesdays) at 2:30 and 4:30 p.m.

3:00 PM – Watch “Celestial Visions” in the Universe Theater
This visually stunning multimedia show transports you across the cosmos. Catch it in the Universe Theater at 3 p.m. or 5 p.m., and prepare to be inspired by the beauty and vastness of space.

4:30 PM – Visit the Stardust Lab Astronomy Gallery
Wrap up your afternoon indoors with a walk through the Stardust Lab, where you’ll get an inside look at the tools astronomers use to study space—and the discoveries they’re making today.

Enjoy an Evening Under the Stars

6:00 PM – Dinner at Planet X Café
Refuel at the observatory’s on-site café, open until 9 p.m. With a variety of soups, sandwiches, and salads, it’s the perfect place to recharge before an evening of stargazing.

7:00 PM – Catch the Live Play “Imagine the Universe”
If you’re visiting Friday through Sunday, don’t miss this live theatrical performance included with admission. “Imagine the Universe” runs about an hour and weaves together science, storytelling, and wonder.

8:00 PM – View the Night Sky Through the Clark Telescope
Step back in time as you look through the 24-inch Clark Refractor, the same telescope used to study Mars. Telescope viewing runs from 7–9 pm nightly (weather permitting).

8:30 PM – Stargazing at the Giovale Open Deck Observatory
End your night at the Giovale Open Deck Observatory, where six state-of-the-art telescopes offer crystal-clear views of planets, nebulae, and deep-sky objects. Spring skies in Flagstaff are typically dark and dry—ideal conditions for stargazing!

Make the Most of Your Spring Visit to Lowell Observatory

• Keep an Eye on the Weather: Telescope viewing is weather-dependent. Look for clear skies for the best experience.

• Dress to Impress: Springtime in Flagstaff tends to be very windy (and sometimes chilly), so we recommend dressing in layers. The temperature can also drop significantly once the Sun goes down, so make sure you’re prepared to bundle up for evening stargazing.

• Buy Tickets in Advance for Quick Check-in: General Admission includes access to all exhibits, science talks, shows, and telescopes. Rates are $35 for adults, $20 for youth (ages 6–17), and free for kids 5 and under. Flagstaff residents get discounted pricing!

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime fan of astronomy, a spring trip to Lowell Observatory offers an unforgettable mix of education, exploration, and stargazing—right here in Flagstaff, Arizona.