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National Center for Atmospheric Research

1850 Table Mesa Dr, P.O. Box 3000, Boulder, CO 80305
303 497 1000
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Ranked #8 of 56 attractions in Boulder
Type: Science Museums
Owner description: Free exhibits: new Weather Gallery conveys the power of blizzards, hurricanes, tornadoes, lightning, wind and more. Explore the beauty of rainbows,... more » Owner description: Free exhibits: new Weather Gallery conveys the power of blizzards, hurricanes, tornadoes, lightning, wind and more. Explore the beauty of rainbows, the power and complexity of the Sun, and the history of Earth's climate. Famous I.M. Pei-designed building. Wheelchair-accessible outdoor weather trail. Guided noon-time tours on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, except holidays. Guide-By-Cell tours any time, so bring your mobile phone. Open 363 days a year. Hours: M-F 8am to 5pm; Weekends & holidays 9am to 4pm See our website for organized group tours and NCAR's 2 annual closure dates. « less
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49 reviews from our community

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    4
    1
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Date Rating
Boulder, Colorado, United States
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2013 NEW

I went with my son's second grade class. They did a great job with the kids. They had half of the kids doing an easy science experiment and the others on a tour. They switched groups so they all got a chance to see everything. The property around the building is also worth a visit. Very beautiful and hike-able:)

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See 2 more reviews by Buffy A for Boulder
Broomfield
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2013

I have visited NCAR several times. The exhibits are interactive and informative. This is a great starting point for a hike to Chataqua and back.

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Denver
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2013

We visited with our young children. The .4 mile loop was a perfect distance for them. They felt like they were on a mountain hike. We have skipped the visitor center years ago, but came in this trip to escape the rain. So glad we got to experience it this time.

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New York City, New York
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 May 2013

Great for kids! Go see the exhibits, take the tour, eat lunch then go on a hike! It's a great space and surrounded by beautiful trails. There are shorter and longer trails surrounding the property. The tour guides are amazing with kids and incredibly nice! If you're new to Boulder ask them things to do in town and they will... More

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Indianapolis, Indiana
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
19 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 April 2013

Lots of cool weather exhibits and some nice trails outdoors, both in the back of the building and the front of the parking lot. Unfortunately you can't re-enter the building from the back door after you go out to the weather trail.

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See 5 more reviews by Indy500Fans for Boulder
Pennsylvania, USA
Top Contributor
141 reviews 141 reviews
88 attraction reviews
Reviews in 41 cities Reviews in 41 cities
90 helpful votes 90 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 April 2013

We had no idea what we were getting into. We had a short but nice drive, wondered where the building was, and all of a sudden it appeared behind the trees...and what a building it is! Nice views and a terrific, interactive museum good for all ages.

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See 6 more reviews by LoveToTravelWhenICan for Boulder
Gibsonia, Pennsylvania
Senior Contributor
44 reviews 44 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 April 2013

We liked the NCAR. Their exhibits are good and not too overwhelming. My kids liked checking out the demos and my husband read all of the details. I liked the history of the building... An IM Pei design. There wasn't a place I could see to get a drink. Also, some brief tours would've been nice to teach the highlights.

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See 7 more reviews by Noel G for Boulder
Boulder, Colorado
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 March 2013

Not only a Gem for Boulder, but for the world. May NCAR continue to be funded. Thank you to all the Brave and Brilliant NCAR scientists!

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See 2 more reviews by Linda R for Boulder
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 March 2013

But it sure is interesting. And depressing. And interactive. And free. We went without the pretense of kids to educate and found the exhibits enlightening and engaging. You can predict hurricanes, classify clouds and see what's going on in this climate. Plan about an hour to see everything. The site itself (IM Pei design) is interesting and there's a short... More

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Boulder, Colorado
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 March 2013

Tour content and guides were informative, energetic, and and kept a good pace. I.M. Pei and team designed the building with an amazing thought process for the setting, the building, the surroundings. Great for all ages.

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See 3 more reviews by Midwest2West for Boulder

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