NSF NCAR Mesa Laboratory - Boulder, Colorado

Flash P.

I’m in town for a conference and was looking for popular places to visit. This is my first time in Boulder.
I ran across this place and saw it had great reviews so I decided to check it out.
The drive was very pretty up to the facility.
There is plenty of parking in the huge free lot.
The facility is free and open to the public. The first and second floor has a variety of exhibits which are very interesting if you are interested in how climate happens. I found it all entertaining and informative. I would recommend this to all ages especially the hands on demos at the exhibits.

Anthony C.

I had the opportunity to visit NCAR's Mesa Lab in Boulder, Colorado, and it was a fascinating experience. This state-of-the-art research facility, operated by the National Center for Atmospheric Research, focuses on climate science and atmospheric research. The exhibits on weather, climate change, and atmospheric phenomena are highly informative and interactive. Opened in the 1960s, the lab has been at the forefront of atmospheric research for decades.

Every Monday Wednesday and friday there are tours at 12:30. Very informative and fun tour.

Adam F.

I have to say I didn't even get to go inside because I got there too late, but the views from every side of the patio were just breathtaking. The ride up was just a bit too much for my intrepid scooter but the ride back down was pretty insane!

Rengesh K.

Very beautiful building with various educational exhibits. Free to visit along with free car parking. There's also guided tours on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at noon.

Right by Mesa Trail. A must visit place if you come to Boulder.

Mike H.

It is a beautiful site, kid-friendly, and more accessible with shorter trails and plenty of hiking trails that are rougher. Having brought three little kids, we stuck to the shorter trails, which was nice since it got hot fast. Beautiful picnic area with plenty of shade. Indoors was fun but a bit shorter than we expected. I won't ever turn down AC.

Sara B. W.

I had a museum day and this place was the surprise hit of the day! First of all, it's a fantastically beautiful location, up on Table Mesa with trails and views down into Boulder - it's really amazing. Second, the building itself is astounding. Built by architect I.M. Pei, it's unusual and beautiful, yet suits its surroundings perfectly.

Inside, there is a museum on atmospheric research, which I didn't think I would be too interested in, but it's more like a hands-on science museum. You can plunge your hands into a cloud, you can control a cyclone, you can make choices and get a score on your environmental impact. There's also a small theater at the end of the hall and I found it really interesting to learn about the flooding in Boulder and how they've used the walk/bike trails to help control excessive rain in the future. It's a more than usually fun place to visit, very colorful and engaging.

Biswanath D.

NCAR is one of the most premier laboratory in the USA engaged in atmospheric research. It is located in one of the most picturesque locations in Boulder, right at the foothills of flatiron mountain. The small exhibition hall is great for kids to learn about our atmosphere and climate change. This place is popular among locals for hiking and cycling. They have plenty of parking. Will recommend this place to everyone.

Brian B.

Beautiful building in a cimmanding location. Awesome interactive exhibits on Earth's weather patterns, phenomenology, and predictions, as well exhibits on I.M. Pei's architecture and Solar/Space studies. Great place for kids and adults, and it's free! The views from here are awesome and parking for the local hiking trails is free.