Itinerary for a Snowy Day at Lowell Observatory

Itinerary for a Snowy Day at Lowell Observatory

You’ve planned your visit to the observatory, but fresh snow covers Mars Hill and flakes are beginning to fall. You might think it’s time to cancel your trip, but don’t worry: Lowell’s snowy-day programming keeps the out-of-this-world adventure alive. Below are two sample itineraries to help you make the most of a wintery 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 in snowy or cloudy conditions shows are moved into the Lowell Universe Theater. Telescope viewing at the Giovale Open Deck Observatory may be available if skies clear — check with staff upon arrival. Cosmic Highways: A Centennial Tour operates daily and is fully snow-friendly.

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Snowy Day Itinerary (12 PM – 5:30 PM)

❄️ 12:00 PM – Arrive at the Visitor Center

Start your winter adventure at the Astronomy Discovery Center, tucked into a snowy forest overlooking Flagstaff. After checking in, grab a campus map and get ready to explore one of America’s leading astrotourism destinations—packed with immersive shows, hands-on exhibits, and historic instruments that shine no matter the weather.

❄️ 12:10 PM – Explore the Astronomy Discovery Center

The ADC is the perfect warm-and-cozy refuge from the snow outside.

• Orbits Curiosity Zone A hands-on children’s space designed for ages 0–8, featuring interactive exhibits and Lowell’s alien mascots, Marzee and Pluie.
• Stardust Lab Astronomy Gallery Engage with multisensory exhibits that explore cosmic phenomena through science, narrative, and art.
• Diverse Universe Wall Learn about scientists whose contributions shaped astronomy, physics, and chemistry — yet often went unrecognized.

Open daily from 12 PM to 10 PM (closed Tues.).

❄️ 1:00 PM – History Talk: Origins of Lowell

Learn how Percival Lowell founded the observatory in 1894, explore early Mars research, and hear the story of the world-famous Clark Telescope—used by Apollo 11 astronauts during mission training. Offered daily at 1 PM, 3 PM, and 5 PM (closed Tues.).

❄️ 1:30 PM – Catch a Celestial Visions Show

Stay in the Universe Theater for Celestial Visions, a rotating 25-minute film series featuring multicultural sky traditions, global perspectives, and modern astronomy. Plays every half hour throughout the day.

❄️ 2:00 PM – “Meet the Planets!” Presentation

Take a live journey through our solar system—complete with vivid visuals and fun, accessible science. This 25-minute presentation explores the eight planets plus Pluto. Available at 2 PM, 4 PM, and 6 PM (Mon., Weds., Thurs.).

❄️ 3:00 PM – Cosmic Highways: A Centennial Tour

Bundle up for this indoor-friendly campus tour tracing the intertwined histories of Lowell Observatory and Route 66. Learn how astronomy, roadside Americana, and a century of exploration shaped both Lowell and Flagstaff. This guided experience visits key sites and stories while keeping you sheltered from the weather. Runs daily — check posted times upon arrival.

❄️ 4:30 PM – Rotunda Museum and Historic Clark Dome Open House

Warm up inside two of Lowell’s most storied spaces. The Rotunda Museum showcases Percival Lowell’s first telescope, the restored blink comparator, and the 1918 Saturn Lamp. Snow may hide the stars, but you can still admire the legendary 24″ Clark Refractor inside its beautifully restored 1896 dome. Educators share stories about its role in planetary science and astronaut training. Check with the front desk for open hours. Typically open 1 PM to 9:30 PM.

❄️ 5:00 PM – Dinner at the Planet X Café

Escape the cold and enjoy soups, sandwiches, salads, pastries, and warm drinks from Jitters Lunchbox in a modern, fireplace-lit setting. Open daily 12 PM to 9 PM (closed Tues.).

❄️ Any Time – Browse the Starry Skies Shop

Stop by the gift shop for STEM toys, apparel, books, pins, and plushies of Marzee and Pluie. Perfect souvenirs for future astronomers.

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Snowy Evening Itinerary (4:30 PM – 10 PM)

❄️ 4:30 PM – Historic Pluto Astrograph Open House

Visit the Pluto Discovery Dome to see the astrograph used by Clyde Tombaugh during his search for “Planet X.” An educator is on hand to share stories of the discovery and answer questions. Open from 3 PM to 4 PM.

❄️ 5:00 PM – Dinner at Planet X Cafe

Fuel your evening with warm comfort food inside the café. Sit by the fireplace, enjoy a meal from Jitters Lunchbox, and prepare for a night of indoor cosmic discovery. Open until 10 PM on weekends.

❄️ 6:00 PM – “Meet the Planets!” Presentation

Head to the Universe Theater for a lively, visuals-rich tour of the solar system—fun for families and seasoned space nerds alike. Available at 7 PM on Mon., Weds., Thurs.

❄️ 6:30 PM – Catch a Celestial Visions Show

Watch short, immersive films exploring astronomy through Indigenous traditions, cultural sky stories, and modern space science. Plays every 30 minutes.

❄️ 7:00 PM – Explore the Stardust Lab & Diverse Universe Wall

Engage with interactive exhibits that illuminate cosmic phenomena, then explore stories of often-overlooked scientists who shaped our understanding of the universe. Located in the Astronomy Discovery Center.

❄️ 8:00 PM – Visit the Origins Gallery

Step into the glowing center of the Discovery Center. This art-meets-science space uses sculpture and projection to explore the evolution of matter and Earth’s ecosystems. Open all day.

❄️ 8:30 PM – Tour the Historic Clark Dome

Enjoy an indoor look at the 24″ Clark Refractor inside its restored 1896 dome. Educators share stories of its legacy and role in American astronomy.

❄️ 9:30 PM – Browse the Starry Skies Shop

Wrap up your snowy night by grabbing souvenirs, from space-themed apparel to plush Marzee and Pluie toys.