There's something better than a pot of gold at the end of this rainbow: the historic Clark Telescope Dome! | Photo Credit: Tyler Flake
Itinerary for a Rainy Visit to Lowell Observatory
You’ve planned your visit to the observatory, but the clouds roll in and rain begins to fall. You might think it’s time to cancel your trip—but don’t worry, Lowell’s rainy day programming has you covered. Below are two sample itineraries to help you make the most of a wet day on Mars Hill: one for daytime explorers, and one for evening stargazers.
☔ Notes & Tips
- Indoor exhibits and shows run from 12 PM to 10 PM daily Mon./Weds./Thurs. (closed Tues.), 12 PM to 11 PM Fri./Sat./Sun.
- General Admission Plus includes Dark Sky Planetarium Access, but please note that shows are weather-dependent
- Telescope viewing at the Giovale Open Deck Observatory may be available if skies clear—check with staff upon arrival
Rainy Day Itinerary (12pm – 5:30pm)
| Time | Activity |
| 12:00 PM | Visitor Center arrival and ticket pickup |
| 12:10 PM | Astronomy Discovery Center exhibits |
| 1:00 PM | Origins of Lowell talk in Universe Theater |
| 1:30 PM | Celestial Visions film |
| 2:00 PM | Meet the Planets! presentation |
| 3:00 PM | Pluto Astrograph Open House |
| 3:30 PM | Rotunda Museum & Putnam Collection Center |
| 4:30 PM | Clark Dome Open House |
| 5:00 PM | Early dinner at Planet X Cafe |
| 5:30 PM | Starry Skies Shop browsing |
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☔ 12:00 PM – Arrive at the Visitor Center
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. From interactive science exhibits and immersive planetarium shows to live astronomy talks and historic telescopes, there’s something here for families, space enthusiasts, and curious minds of all ages.
☔ 12:10 PM – Explore the Astronomy Discovery Center
The Astronomy Discovery Center is a state-of-the-art facility with engaging indoor exhibits for all ages:
- 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. - Stardust Lab Astronomy Gallery
Dive into the wonders of the universe through multisensory exhibits that blend science, storytelling, and personal connection to the cosmos. - 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).
☔ 1:00 PM – History Talk: Origins of Lowell
Explore Lowell’s beginnings with a 25-minute live talk in the Universe Theater. Learn about Percival Lowell’s Mars research, the observatory’s founding, and get a closer look at the Clark Telescope, which trained Apollo 11 astronauts.
Offered daily at 1 PM, 3 PM, and 5 PM (except Tuesdays).
☔ 1:30 PM – Catch a Celestial Visions Show
Stay in the Universe Theater to watch 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.
☔ 2:00 PM – “Meet the Planets!” Presentation
Take a live journey through the solar system during this engaging 25-minute presentation. From Mercury to Pluto, you’ll explore the unique features of each planet through vivid visuals and fun facts—perfect for space lovers of all ages.
Available at 2 PM, 4 PM, and 6 PM (Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday).
☔ 2:30 PM – Take a Break in the Origins Gallery
Unwind in the Origins Gallery, the symbolic heart of the Astronomy Discovery Center. Suspended from the ceiling, a glowing sculpture represents the evolution of matter, while interactive 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.
☔ 3:00 PM – Historic Pluto Astrograph Open House
Step into history at the Pluto Discovery Dome, home to the Lawrence Lowell Telescope—the very instrument used by Clyde Tombaugh to discover Pluto in 1930. Explore the dome and chat with an educator about the search for “Planet X.”
Open from 3 PM to 4 PM.
☔ 3:30 PM – 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 recently returned blink comparator, and the dazzling 1918 Saturn Lamp.
Check with the front desk for open hours during your visit.
☔ 4:30 PM – Historic Clark Dome Open House
Rain won’t stop you from experiencing 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.
☔ 5:00 PM – 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 – 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 new plushies of our beloved mascots, Marzee and Pluie—perfect for future scientists.
Rainy Evening Itinerary (5 PM–10 PM)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 5:00 PM | Dinner at Planet X Cafe |
| 6:00 PM | Meet the Planets! presentation in Universe Theater |
| 6:30 PM | Celestial Visions film in Universe Theater |
| 7:00 PM | Explore Stardust Lab & Diverse Universe Wall |
| 8:00 PM | Origins Gallery experience |
| 9:00 PM | Clark Dome Open House |
| 9:30 PM | Starry Skies Shop browsing |
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☔ 5:00 PM – Start with Dinner at Planet X Cafe
Fuel your night of discovery with a cozy dinner inside Lowell’s on-site café. Planet X serves sandwiches, soups, salads, and pastries from local favorite Jitters Lunchbox. Grab a seat near the fireplace and recharge for the evening ahead.
Open until 10 PM on weekends.
☔ 6:00 PM – “Meet the Planets!” Presentation
Head to the Lowell Universe Theater for a live, family-friendly tour through the solar system. This 25-minute presentation blends vivid visuals and expert storytelling to spotlight the planets we call neighbors—and yes, Pluto gets love too!
Available at 7 PM on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
☔ 6:30 PM – Catch a Celestial Visions Show
Stick around the Universe Theater for a short film from the rotating Celestial Visions series. These immersive shows explore astronomy through diverse cultural lenses, including Indigenous sky knowledge and modern science.
Plays every 30 minutes.
☔ 7:00 PM – Explore the Stardust Lab & Diverse Universe Wall
Wander through the Stardust Lab Astronomy Gallery, where interactive exhibits bring cosmic phenomena to life. Just upstairs, the Diverse Universe Wall highlights under-recognized scientists who shaped the story of space.
Located inside the Astronomy Discovery Center.
☔ 8:00 PM – Visit the Origins Gallery
Step into the glowing heart of the Discovery Center. Here, a suspended sculpture and immersive projection environment explore the evolution of matter and Earth’s ecosystems. It’s science as art—and it’s breathtaking.
This exhibit is self-paced and open all day.
☔ 9:00 PM – Tour the Historic Clark Dome
Rain won’t stop you from experiencing 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 1 PM to 9:30 PM.
☔ 9:30 PM – Browse the Starry Skies Shop
Before you head out, stop by the gift shop to snag a plush Marzee or Pluie, space-themed gear, or a commemorative souvenir of your cosmic journey.
Open as long as the Visitor Center is open.