NCAR Public Tours
Exploring NCAR's Mesa Laboratory and Visitor Center is a fun and educational way to spend some time in the Denver metro area. The NCAR Visitor Center is open 363 days each year. Our Visitor Program staff are on-site to answer your questions and assist you on weekdays during business hours.
Noon Tours
Available MWF from 12:00 – 1:00 pm*
Meet up with our tour guides in the lobby to learn about atmospheric science and current research being conducted at NCAR. No reservations are necessary and the tour is free.
* Please note: The Mesa Lab remains closed to the public. We are not currently scheduling tours or field trips, and our exhibits are not available for viewing at this time.
NCAR Public Tour App
Available weekdays from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Download our free NCAR Tour App at home or using our guest wireless, or check out an iPad at the front desk to take a self-guided tour through the exhibits.
Explore on Your Own
Weekdays from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, weekends and holidays from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm *
Visitors are welcome to enjoy the exhibits on their own any time during public hours. Download a map of our exhibits (PDF) or borrow one on-site to help navigate through the NCAR Visitor Center. We recommend starting in the NCAR theater, just past the Weather Gallery, to watch Air • Planet • People. Don't forget to check out the scenic Walter Orr Roberts Weather Trail located behind the Mesa Lab!
* Please note: The Mesa Lab remains closed to the public. We are not currently scheduling tours or field trips, and our exhibits are not available for viewing at this time.
Group Tours
Please arrange with the School and Public Programs Office by email or phone (303.497.2401)
Private group tours are offered for 10 or more individuals. Note: group tours and field trips fill up on a first come, first served basis. If possible, try to book your group tour six to eight months in advance.
Field Trips
Please arrange with the School and Public Programs Office by email or phone (303.497.2401)
Groups with children should review our Field Trip Web page before they contact the School and Public Programs Office to schedule their visit.
Cafeteria
Open weekdays from 8:00 – 9:30 am (breakfast) and 11:30 am – 1:30 pm (lunch) *
Enjoy breakfast or lunch before or after your tour in NCAR's cafeteria. Weekly menus are posted online.
* Please note: The Mesa Lab, including the cafe, remains closed to the public.
Guest Wireless
Available to guests and visitors to the NCAR Visitor Center
Guests and visitors can connect to our free guest wireless network. Simply connect your computer or device to the UCAR Visitor network and login with your name and email address.
Survey
Help us improve our tours and exhibits
If you've visited the NCAR Visitor Center, please fill out our survey to provide feedback.