NCAR & Boulder's Science Community

Boulder punches far above its weight in science. The city hosts a remarkable concentration of research institutions, from the National Center for Atmospheric Research to NOAA laboratories to CU's space research programs. For visitors, this translates into free tours, public exhibits, and the chance to see real science happening in spectacular settings.

The scientific community here isn't hidden away - it's part of the city's fabric. Scientists bike to work, grab coffee on Pearl Street, and often welcome public engagement. Boulder's identity as a brainy mountain town is genuine, and the research institutions are a big part of why.

NCAR Mesa Lab

The National Center for Atmospheric Research sits on a mesa south of town, its brutalist I.M. Pei-designed building rising from the foothills like a modernist fortress. The architecture alone justifies a visit - Pei designed the structure to echo the Flatirons behind it, using local sandstone and geometric forms that seem to grow from the landscape.

Inside, the Visitor Center offers self-guided exhibits on climate science, weather research, and supercomputing. Interactive displays explain atmospheric research in accessible terms, and scale models of the sun and earth help visualize climate systems. It's genuinely educational without being dry.

Guided tours run several times daily on weekdays, covering both the science and the architecture. Tours are free but benefit from advance registration. The docents are often retired scientists who bring deep expertise and enthusiasm.

The Walter Orr Roberts Weather Trail starts from the parking lot and loops through the mesa, offering views of the Flatirons and connections to longer trails. It's an easy walk with interpretive signs explaining local ecology and weather patterns.

Fiske Planetarium

The CU Boulder campus hosts Fiske Planetarium, one of the largest in the western United States. Public shows run several times weekly, covering everything from current night sky tours to deep-space exploration to the latest astronomical discoveries.

The Friday night laser shows are a Boulder institution - classic rock albums synced to laser displays under the dome. They're more entertainment than education, but genuinely fun. Shows sell out, so buy tickets in advance.

The planetarium shares a building with CU's Sommers-Bausch Observatory, which offers free public viewing nights when skies are clear. Check their schedule for current programming.

Other Science Attractions

CU Museum of Natural History houses over four million objects, from dinosaur fossils to anthropological collections. The paleontology displays are particularly strong, reflecting Colorado's rich fossil heritage. Free admission makes it an easy add to any campus visit.

NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) operates the Earth System Research Laboratory in Boulder. Public tours are occasionally available but require advance arrangement. The science here focuses on weather prediction and climate monitoring.

Ball Aerospace and the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) are major Boulder employers building instruments for NASA missions. While not generally open to visitors, their presence contributes to the city's aerospace identity.

Visiting Tips

NCAR is free. No entrance fee for the building, exhibits, or trails. The view from the terrace alone is worth the drive up.

Combine NCAR with hiking. The trails from NCAR connect to the broader Open Space network. You can walk to Chautauqua or loop through the National Center for Atmospheric Research Trail system.

Check schedules. Planetarium shows and NCAR tours have specific times. Check websites before visiting to catch the programming you want.

Expect scientists. Boulder's research culture is real. The people at NCAR and the labs are working scientists, not actors. Their willingness to engage with the public is genuine but shouldn't be taken for granted.