Visiting NCAR is an extraordinary experience that should be seized by any visitor to or resident of the area. The complex was designed in 1961 by I. M. Pei, one of the greatest architects of the 20th century, and completed in 1967. Although this was his first major project, it received immediate recognition as a masterpiece of modern design and caused Pei's career to rocket. The buildings are inspired by ancient Pueblo ruins and fit seamlessly into their spectacular foothills setting, rather than trying to dominate the landscape. Meteorology first became criticality important during WWII, but basic research into our weather declined drastically after the war. The National Academy of Sciences approached Congress in 1956 to fund an institute for basic climate research. NCAR has been funded by the National Science Foundation since 1960 and is managed by a consortium of universities. One of NCAR's basic functions is to develop models of our climate and the facility has housed a series of state-of-the-art supercomputers for this purpose. Alas for computer nerds, since 2012 the latest generations of systems are now at the NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputing Center in Cheyenne (there is a nice visitor center and tour if you visit there). NCAR encourages visits by the public and is open every day at no charge. The complex sits at the top of Table Mesa and takes up 28 acres of 565 acres of City of Boulder open space. Getting there is a little tricky. You take Table Mesa Drive through a residential development. The houses suddenly end and you're on NCAR Road which twists seamlessly into the landscape and leads past the main entrance to the huge parking lot. Be careful on the rather steep road as it is used by lots of bicyclists and runners. There's a path from the parking lot to the rear of the complex. A staircase leads to the plaza and public entrance. The setting is gorgeous and there are eight hiking trails of various lengths and levels of difficulty. The main public parts of NCAR are the lobby and adjacent two-level science hall which are packed with dozens of interesting and well-done exhibits, many interactive, that explain the functions of weather and scientific research about it. There's also a small theater, a research library, and Pei's original model of the project. The public is welcome to use the large cafeteria (follow the signs from the exhibit hall) which has great views and hosts a continuing series of art exhibits. I usually stop at NCAR whenever I visit Boulder and always enjoy my time there. read more

What a treat to find this. Very informative and interactive to learn about meteorology and fun for the kids. Plenty of parking and it seems most everyone uses it for trail access, but the center itself is worth the stop. Great views from here and it offered a nice break for us. read more

Loved this place! Brought my 2 and 4 year old to check out the educational center and just enjoy the area. They loved playing with the interactive games exhibits. And honestly, so did I. My 2 year old took a nap in their courtyard. It was a gorgeous day and just a very peaceful area. Would love to come here again. read more

Beautiful destination for local trails! While in Boulder, you have many great choices for outdoor foot adventures. Chautauqua Park further north offers famous flatirons, Mt. Sanitas is an approachable first summit, and flagstaff offers a road to drive up. NCAR is great for many reasons! 1. Parking- you never have to worry about finding a spot! There's a huge lot. 2.Easy views- there are wide open overlook views if you scout around the parking lot 3. Varieties of trails- you can hike a little bit on the nature trail and get amazed by views! Or, enjoy longer loop hikes to meadows and forests! 4.Challenges- NCAR is home to Boulder's toughest hike, Bear Peak. Similar treks to Mallory Cave and Woods Quarry still gain a thousand feet. Due to these tough destinations, there are fewer tourists and more hiking purists than other parks. Enjoy this gem of a mountain park! read more

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Took a Naviagtion/Survival course hiking around NCAR and it was a blast. Plenty of dogs and people on the trails. Amazing views. Great parking lot Well maintained and marked trails. read more

NSF NCAR Mesa Lab Visitor Center - Tours Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

Plenty of parking! Easy 0.4 mile loop allows almost anyone to introduce themselves to the Front Range. Fantastic photo ops! read more

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A great public museum and resource for the area. A beautifully designed architectural piece as well as an awesome workplace. Located right below the Flatiron hills of Boulder. Free to the public and free parking for visitors and hikers. read more

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A must visit in Boulder, NCAR a major part of what makes Boulder what it is, scientifically, educationally, architecturally, naturally. The building, designed by I.M.Pei and opened in 1967 really launched his world wide reputation as this was his first international award winning piece of work. The land (565 acres) was purchased by the state to bring the national labs here and saved the beauty of the land near the base of the flatirons. Pei used the inspiration from the Anasazi land of Mesa Verde to design this masterpiece. In addition to all the scientific work done here, and it is world renowned, the Lab is also open to the public, both inside to share the science in an accessible display for all and outside to share the land for hiking and general enjoyment. There is also a cafe inside for breakfast and lunch, open to the public, but do check the exact schedule in advance. You can arrange guided tours, for family groups as well as school groups. As a longtime resident, I have visited many times, for my family, as a chaperone for classes as well as personal guests though I had not been here in over a decade. The exhibits are updated and interactive and attractive. I must start bringing the younger additions to our family here. The facility was one of the pivotal experiences of our family past and will be enlightening in the technology of computer history. The original CRAY computer is on display and a comparison in power to the technology of a modern cell phone is truly amazing. Don't miss it, off the beaten path of the main visitor center space, down at the bottom of the stairs at the far end of the main floor hallway. It always amazes me in its historical simplicity. Parking is ample, the drive up the Mesa with stunning views in all directions, though you are welcome to bike or hike up if you wish. There are trails through the open space grassland and paths along the roadside. But it is really rigorous and the only parking at the bottom is the Table Mesa shopping center. The parking lot at the top is the best view in Boulder, I believe. There will be wildlife visible on the grassy hillsides through some seasons. read more

If you like science and touching things, NCAR is great! There is a cloud machine, tornado machine, and a kinetic pendulum and you can play with them all! There's science and facts and all that jazz too if you're into learning. The building is also adjacent to a few hiking trails so it's a great starting point for an active day. read more

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The Walter Orr Roberts Weather Trail is a 0.5 mile loop located behind the National Center of Atmospheric Research. As you hike the trail, you learn about a variety of weather and climate features and how they affect Colorado's Front Range. An educational hike with stunning views. read more

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Great spot to check out with the kids and family from out of town. Bring a picnic lunch, take a hike and enjoy the views. Just up Table Mesa Drive. Feel like you are in the mountains without hitting I-70 read more

NSF NCAR Mesa Lab Visitor Center - Tours Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

The .4 mile walk through the woods is just the ticket for a nature refresher, and if you have the inspiration, you can connect to the Mesa Trail which will take you just about anywhere along the trail system around western Boulder from Eldorado Canyon into Chautauqua Park and beyond. Don't forget there's also an interactive science area open to the public which is open even on Sundays (with a restroom!). read more

NSF NCAR Mesa Lab Visitor Center - View from the Walter Orr Roberts Trail and Mesa looking north at the Flatirons - Tours Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

Part science museum with interactive displays and part live and functioning research center. This place is really fun if you are into learning about the science of the weather and atmosphere. The NCAR building is an iconic landmark in the city of Boulder and is celebrating its 50th year anniversary. The NCAR building is also a popular destination for hikers since it features many different trails within its property. The road that leads up to the building is a steep 710 ft climb that is also a sort of makeshift proving ground for cyclists. I enjoyed the many wonderful and memorable displays such as the one that makes clouds and you can touch and run your hands through, the one with the plunger bulb on top to simulate mainstream wind patterns and the crazy pendulum one by the stairs. Guided tours are offered every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at noon, but check their website to confirm. Our tour guide was monotone and droned on and on. but the tour is free. There is also a cafeteria to grab some lunch. read more

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This is a fascinating and free tour a bit off the beaten path in Boulder, or perhaps I should say ON the beaten path since there are hiking trails weaving all over it. For an hour (guided daily at noon) we watched videos, walked around following an informative, passionate tour guide and saw various parts and pieces of this incredible IM Pei-designed non-profit research facility. With weather patterns, climate change and bubble boy all in the news all the time, I can't imagine anyone not finding something interesting here. We saw the world's first supercomputer by Cray, a simulated tornado we could reach out and touch, weather satellites, tree rings, models and more. This was topped off by a quick walk outside on the nature trails leading up into the foothills of the Flatirons. Talk about a photo opp! Really interesting architecture and educational all around. FYI the 50th anniversary of NCAR is coming up next month with many additional free events and tours (including one of their aircraft hangar nearby). read more

Yeah! Ride your bike up the hill to NCAR and learn how weather works. Lots of interactive exhibits make learning fun. Then take a hike around the NCAR loop. read more

When I first heard about this hike, I thought "really? You park at the research center?" But when we got there, I realized that everyone was there to hike. The short trail has a gradual slope and amazing views of the Flatirons. The center was unexpectedly cool. I had pictured outdated, aging exhibits wheel in fact there was an awesome cloud machine, touch screen panels, and a cray computer you could go into. And I discovered the building was designed by noted architect IM Pei! read more

On a recent trip in March for my nephews spring break we came by this place,and he was very excited. He is studying meteorology this fall in College, and really wanted to see the latest in research. They had many displayed experiments, and a super computer room in the lower level. We spent time in and outside this awesome building for the afternoon, and had a great time. They are also hiking trails in the area. read more

After hiking and biking and hiking some more in Boulder, we needed to change it up and decided to go to NCAR. Hanging out on top of a hill/mountain, clearly not meant to be walked/biked to by the way (as we thought we might do but didn't), was this awesome, geometric looking building. We simply just walked inside and started looking around as to do so is free, which is awesome. It's clearly geared towards school-aged kids but that didn't stop us late 20-somethings and 30-somethings from hanging around and of course testing everything out. It was completely hands-on and encouraged everyone to test things out, teach yourself, and learn about all types of atmosphere. It had a large emphasis on climate change but not just that, they provided multiple, hands-on examples of how small changes at an individual level can combat it, well done NCAR! If you have extra time in Boulder or perhaps it's a rainy day, this should be your go-to place. read more

Beautiful location, not crowded, and great educational displays for all ages. Loved it. Oh, and did I mention that it's free? read more

As a kinesthetic learner, I always have a great appreciation for displays that allow me to touch and experiment while learning something new. NCAR has several fantastic displays that suit this standard and make it fun to learn about how the weather works. The building adds to the surrounding landscape rather than taking away from it and is well worth a visit. Bonus: it's free! read more

NSF NCAR Mesa Lab Visitor Center - Touching a cloud. - Tours Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

Basically, what you actually need to know is that NCAR stands for National Center for Atmospheric Research, so obviously this is a destination of great import, and true, what a place to take the ladies, or visitors...whatever. Anyways, you come up here for a fresh breath of air and a look around but really, this is where it all happens. No, SERIOUSLY, I learned about it in my Weather and Atmosphere lab it all goes down here and by that I mean, that the weather is measured, observed, controlled, determined, what have you, leaving us all with a little bit more knowledge and control ourselves. BUT not a bad place for a stroll. read more

I called them two weeks ago to inquire about renting space for an upcoming event for my company, which I had mentioned in the message that we needed to figure out ASAP. Salesman just called me back and this was the exchange - Salesman: "Hi, I'm from UCAR NCAR and am calling about the event space you had asked about renting out." Me: "Hi, we already found a venue for this event but I appreciate you following up!" Salesman: hangs up. Not a huge deal and I'm sure it's a cool place, but I like professionalism which made me want to write this review. read more

Great place for free activities, especially for kiddos. We took the guided tour, it was okay. My only wish is that they would go into more scientific detail since there were only two kids on our tour. If you're an enthusiast you may not learn much more than you already know. The exhibits are definitely grade-school level. It would've been amazing to hear more about current research efforts or past efforts. Perhaps offering more for adults to delve into besides the basics of weather and climate. read more

Beautiful photographs and a picturesque view from the dining room. The supercomputer exhibit was a bit anticlimactic. The architecture exhibit was good. read more

If possible start before sunrise. Its beautiful to experience the sunrise from one of the trails behind NCAR. I reached at 7:20am which was just perfect. read more

NSF NCAR Mesa Lab Visitor Center - Tours Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

One of the most interesting tours I have been on. Our guide, Melissa, was very knowledgeable. She used relevant comparisons when explaining topics! read more

Do they still have the old Cray with the copper tubes downstairs? Watch the 3D storm animation May have to know someone you didn't hear about it from me read more

Very nice place for all ages to enjoy. My kids went here today for a field trip and I must say even I was enjoying myself. There was a classroom you sit in for about 40 minutes in they learn about the weather, tornados, lighting and how to protect yourself If you ever find yourself in a dangerous situation. Ect..... To much stuff to list on here but it was nice! read more

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Great place and free for activities! If you have kids or little ones, you will love what they have to offer. Hands on exhibits and it seems like you can spend about an hour here. My wife and I went and spent about 45 minutes here. It's also near Boulder which I recommend going to after the trip. Make this one day with Boulder. That's what we did! Great area! read more

There's 2 trails here. A long and strenuous hike behind the building and an easy walk at the end of the parking lot. We started the long hike but didn't think we could do it so we switched to the easy hike. Beautiful views and we left right before it started to rain. read more

My daughter has a serious love of any and everything associated with the weather, so NCAR was a definate must for us when we decided to do a day trip to Boulder. Since it was Sunday my family and one other person were the only ones there for the noon guided tour. It took about an hour and they show you around the whole building giving you little tidbits of info about NCAR, the architect who built it, and the surrounding area the whole time. My little stinker was in heaven the whole time! There are TONS of walking trails all around the center, but we had to opt out because of all the other things on the agenda for us to see. We will be back to visit again and again. Did I mention it's all FREE??? The allure of free, educational family fun is undeniable people! Seriously, go if you have kids like mine who are into this thing, even if they aren't it's stimulating and in a beautiful setting. read more

This is a great place to go for a hike. Go to Mallory cave - it's a little bit of a challenge, but the views of Boulder are worth it. NCAR itself has exhibits and hosts all kinds of kid and adult friendly events that are fun and educational. read more

A little disappointing we walked in and no one was there to help you. The intro area was hidden in the corner and none of the weather simulations worked. The only exciting thing was a spinning water globe. The interactive video screens were not good for kids to hard to understand. The theather had okay videos. The trail was the best thing. read more

Brought my 14 and 11 year olds here. Great free museum! We didn't get out much quite frankly because it was a little too cold but we went inside. They had some neat exhibits that the kids enjoyed along with historical and scientifical information that they enjoyed learning about. I have to admit both kids like learning. Great information about weather, beautiful backdrop of the mountains with an amazing view of Boulder as well as a look at their supercomputer! I would say that this is not so good for younger kids as I saw some boys between 5 and 7 running around the museum while the parents were looking around. My kids really enjoyed it though and I would like to take them back to check out the trails as well when the weather is a little nicer! read more

This is another place we always take out-of-town visitors; the views are amazing and it is so peaceful up there. The museum is a little hokey but there are walking trails for enjoying the nature. Lots of deer sightings too. read more

If you are interested in science this place is a must see. Very fun educational stuff inside and it's completely free!

Fun if you like weather. Very cool location in the Boulder foothills. Pretty cool story about its construction, too. Definitely recommend if you're a weather geek. read more

This was a great side adventure on our vacation. It offers some really neat exhibits and had interesting things to learn about. It also offered a breath taking view. I highly recommend putting ncar on your list of things to do when visiting boulder and best of all its free! read more

This place fascinated my 15 year old and 12 year old for hours - from the cloud bowl, to the tornado display, to the supercomputers, their attention was captured. Both boys willingly left their own "weather sketches" on display, and we spent many miles afterwards quizzing each other on facts we had gathered. We toured on our own with the tablet offered us, plus there were so many opportunities for reading, watching, touching and listening, without it becoming dry and boring. We walked the Walter Orr Roberts Nature Trail from the facility and enjoyed beautiful views of the Flatiron Mountains above and the vistas below. The only criticism we had was that the human hospitality was a little lacking. read more

The exhibits were cool and interactive. The front desk staff were grumpy and unhelpful.