Quaking aspens show off their fall colors on Lowell's scenic campus. Credit: Nate Nise
Itinerary for a Perfect Fall Visit to Lowell Observatory
There’s nothing quite like a crisp fall day on Mars Hill. If you’d like to plan a visit to Lowell Observatory this season, but aren’t sure where to begin, look no further — we’ve got you covered! Read on for a detailed sample itinerary for how to maximize your time, both day and night.
Daytime Visit Itinerary
🍁 12:00pm | Arrive at the Observatory
Start your adventure at Lowell Observatory, located just minutes from downtown Flagstaff in the heart of northern Arizona. After checking in at the Astronomy Discovery Center, pick up a campus map and get ready to explore one of the nation’s top astrotourism destinations.
🍁 12:30pm | Take the Welcome to Lowell Tour
This tour is the perfect intro for first-time visitors, guiding you through our most awe-inspiring spaces and discoveries. Start at the dawn of time and follow the story of how stars, planets, and life came to be, all while exploring the newest building at Lowell Observatory.
Offered at 12:30pm and 6:30pm daily.
🍁 1pm | History Talk: Origins of Lowell
Explore Lowell’s beginnings with a 25-minute live talk in the Lowell Universe Theater, followed by a short walking tour that takes you to the Clark Telescope Dome. Learn about Percival Lowell’s Mars research, the observatory’s founding, and get a closer look at the historic Clark Refractor, which was used to create maps of the lunar surface and train astronauts for the Apollo 11 mission.
Offered daily at 1 pm, 3 pm, and 5 pm (except Tuesdays).
🍁 1:30pm | Celestial Visions in the Lowell Universe Theater
Return to the Lowell Universe Theater for Celestial Visions, a 25-minute rotating film series featuring multicultural astronomy, including Indigenous perspectives and modern space science.
Plays every half-hour throughout the day.
🍁 2:00pm | Meet the Planets! Live Presentation
Once Celestial Visions concludes, stay near the Lowell Universe Theater for Meet the Planets!, a live journey through the solar system led by a Lowell educator. During this engaging, kid-approved presentation, you’ll explore the unique features of each planet in our solar system through vivid visuals and fun facts. Perfect for space-lovers of all ages!
🍁 3:00pm | Historic Pluto Astrograph Open House
Step back in time at the Pluto Dome, home to the Lawrence Lowell Telescope: the very instrument used by Clyde Tombaugh to discover Pluto in 1930. Explore the exhibits in the dome and chat with an educator about the search for “Planet X.”
Open from 3 pm to 4 pm.
🍁 3:30pm | Rotunda Museum Open House
Wander through one of Lowell’s most iconic buildings. Inside the Rotunda Museum, marvel at artifacts like Percival Lowell’s first telescope, the Blink Comparator, and the dazzling 1918 Saturn Lamp that was custom-ordered as a gift for Percival Lowell’s wife Constance.
Check with the front desk for open hours during your visit.
🍁 4:30pm | Historic Clark Dome Open House
Experience one of Lowell’s crown jewels. The Clark Refractor, built in 1896, is housed in a beautifully restored dome and offers an up-close look at one of America’s most storied telescopes.
The dome is typically open from 1pm until 9:30 pm.
🍁 5pm | Dinner at the Planet X Cafe
Grab a bite without leaving campus. The Planet X Cafe, Lowell’s first on-site eatery, serves sandwiches, soups, salads, pastries, and drinks from Jitters Lunchbox in a cozy, modern space with a fireplace.
Open daily from 12 pm to 9 pm (closed Tues.)
🍁 Any Time | Explore the Astronomy Discovery Center
The Astronomy Discovery Center is a state-of-the-art facility with engaging indoor exhibits for all ages, including:
-
The Orbits Curiosity Zone
- A hands-on children’s exhibit hall designed for ages 0-8. This vibrant space blends fun and education through interactive displays, led by lovable alien mascots Marzee and Pluie.
-
The Stardust Lab Astronomy Gallery
- Dive into the wonders of the universe through multisensory exhibits that blend science, storytelling, and personal connection to the cosmos.
-
The Diverse Universe Wall
- Discover the stories of under-recognized scientists whose contributions helped shape the world of astronomy, physics, and chemistry.
Open daily from 12 pm to 10 pm (closed Tuesdays).
🍁 Any Time | Relax in the Origins Gallery
Unwind in the Origins Gallery, the symbolic heart of the Astronomy Discovery Center. A glowing sculpture suspended from the ceiling represents the evolution of matter, while projections illuminate Earth’s vibrant ecosystems. It’s a stunning blend of art, science, and storytelling.
This exhibit is self-paced and open all day.
🍁 Any Time | Browse the Starry Skies Shop
Bring the cosmos home from the Starry Skies Shop, Lowell’s official gift store. Find space-themed t-shirts, STEM toys, stickers, pins, and plushies of our beloved mascots, Marzee and Pluie — perfect for future scientists!
Open from 12pm – 11pm daily.
Evening Visit Itinerary
🍁 5pm | Arrive at the Observatory
Start your adventure at Lowell Observatory, located just minutes from downtown Flagstaff in the heart of northern Arizona. After checking in at the Astronomy Discovery Center, pick up a campus map and get ready to explore one of the nation’s top astrotourism destinations.
🍁 6pm | Meet the Planets! Live Presentation
Enjoy Meet the Planets!, a live journey through the solar system led by a Lowell educator. During this engaging, kid-approved presentation, you’ll explore the unique features of each planet in our solar system through vivid visuals and fun facts. Perfect for space-lovers of all ages!
Also available at 7 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
🍁 6:30pm | Take the Welcome to Lowell Tour
This tour is the perfect intro for first-time visitors, guiding you through our most awe-inspiring spaces and discoveries. Start at the dawn of time and follow the story of how stars, planets, and life came to be, all while exploring the newest building at Lowell Observatory.
Offered at 12:30pm and 6:30pm daily.
🍁 7pm | Telescope Viewing at the Open Deck Observatory
Now that the sun has set, it’s time to head outside for some unforgettable stargazing under Flagstaff’s pristine dark skies! The Open Deck Observatory offers a suite of six cutting-edge telescopes that collectively give you a viewing experience that goes far beyond seeing faint smudges of light.
Dusk- Close (Weather Permitting) | Daily except Tuesdays
Schedule subject to change, check with Visitor Services for current times.
🍁 8:30pm | Catch Strange New Worlds at the Dark Sky Planetarium
Could there be life on other planets? Join us on the rooftop of the Astronomy Discovery Center at the Dark Sky Planetarium for Strange New Worlds, a live, outdoor presentation. Under Flagstaff’s breathtaking dark skies, we’ll tackle one of the universe’s most profound questions: Are we alone?
🍁 Any Time | Explore the Astronomy Discovery Center
The Astronomy Discovery Center is a state-of-the-art facility with engaging indoor exhibits for all ages, including:
-
The Orbits Curiosity Zone
- A hands-on children’s exhibit hall designed for ages 0-8. This vibrant space blends fun and education through interactive displays, led by lovable alien mascots Marzee and Pluie.
-
The Stardust Lab Astronomy Gallery
- Dive into the wonders of the universe through multisensory exhibits that blend science, storytelling, and personal connection to the cosmos.
-
The Diverse Universe Wall
- Discover the stories of under-recognized scientists whose contributions helped shape the world of astronomy, physics, and chemistry.
Open daily from 12 pm to 10 pm (closed Tuesdays).
🍁 Any Time | Relax in the Origins Gallery
Unwind in the Origins Gallery, the symbolic heart of the Astronomy Discovery Center. A glowing sculpture suspended from the ceiling represents the evolution of matter, while projections illuminate Earth’s vibrant ecosystems. It’s a stunning blend of art, science, and storytelling.
This exhibit is self-paced and open all day.
🍁 Any Time | Browse the Starry Skies Shop
Bring the cosmos home from the Starry Skies Shop, Lowell’s official gift store. Find space-themed t-shirts, STEM toys, stickers, pins, and plushies of our beloved mascots, Marzee and Pluie — perfect for future scientists!
Open from 12pm – 11pm daily.