Meteor Crater Visitor Center
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The Meteor Crater was on my husband’s bucket list; something he has always wanted to see. To me, it was a hole in the ground; however, I did enjoy visiting the crater because of the interesting scientific and educational information that “pulled” me in. The staff was very nice and polite. As you enter, you have the option for stairs or elevator - so, more wheelchair/disabled access than you would find at some attractions such as this. There is a test capsule set up with an astronaut for photos, which was fun to see up close. There is a display case with historical photos and NASA memorabilia and a separate educational museum before you get out to the crater (if you choose to go through it). There is also a walking tour that takes about 1 1/2 hours to walk, which is included in the admission price. It is not wheelchair/disabled/handicapped accessible. The walk out to the observation deck is accessible to most anyone and it has seating. The peak area and lower deck (with fixed telescopes) aren’t as accessible because the only option is stairs to those areas. There is a gift shop with many really cool, interesting items. Crystals, rocks, etc., are much cheaper there than other touristy places we went to in AZ. There was a discount for buying tickets online but if you are a senior and a veteran, it is much better to buy in person. The combo was only $13 for our friend paying in person.
Elizabeth Clark
60
The Meteor crater in Arizona, about 2.5 hour drive from Phoenix. What a sight to behold. It was one of the 7 wonders of the world in 2020. This trip was planned already on the road, right on the go, it didn't let us down. Upon arriving, we could see the edges of the crater from the parking lot, that got me pumped up. Parking is spacious, I'm not expecting too many people at a time at this landmark. Entrance is 24 dollars, which is great in my opinion if you like to see something so special and historic. What to do here? There's a gift shop, 10min meteor movie at a mini-theater, a museum, a simulation ride and the crater itself. They're also renovating a café. The guided tour lasts about 1 hour, which is worth it since you go around the rim of the crater and learn many things. Zach is an amazing tour guide there, tell him he was recommended. If you like NASA, space exploration, natural landmarks and good pictures, please visit the meteor crater. You wont regret it. Visiting also contributes to the preservation of the natural landmark. I'm not mentioning facts and tour information about the place, won't ruin the fun! Discover it for yourself!
Joaquin Lorie
00
I was not impressed... disappointed, really. I was hoping for a wonderful science adventure, but it just fell flat for me. They're "ride" that they have for instance, seemed to have promise, as they zoom you out to see the crater from above, and describe the trees on the ridge, and then you go into outer space and science disappears. I went and saw another film they had on site, which was more serious, but still, with a running time of about 10 minutes, the science was at a very elementary level. They have a somewhat decent museum, but obviously, the show stopper is the crater itself. It was absolutely beautiful, but the overall experience here was still lacking, given how much it cost to gain entry. I think what put me off the most, though, was that they don't really seem to have a schedule for the rim tour, which I wanted SO badly to do. I spent an hour looking at the exhibits, then waited 30 minutes for the tour that was currently taking place to end, and when they returned the guy declares the next tour would be in an hour and 10 minutes. I get that they describe this tour as a courtesy, but the fact is, you pay almost $30 to go in there, and there is NOT, a ton of stuff to keep you there. For $27.00 and tax, a tour of the rim should most definitely be a regularly scheduled feature, weather permitting. Me? I was not waiting another 70 minutes after having been there 90 minutes already, 30 of which was waiting for a rim tour to begin with. I just left with the feeling that this was more tourist trappy than a legit science lover's destination. You would think that the location of the best preserved and widely studied crater on the planet could do a ton better as it relates to their documentaries and science exhibits.
James Robbins
30
A for-profit tourist attraction. $29 admission cost fur adults. Seniors get a $2 break. Pretty pricey considering you can buy an “America the Beautiful” pass for $20-$35 - and visit dozens of sites. “Guided tours of the crater rim” are listed as an attraction - but none were being done when we visited because of “high winds”. That likely means they hardly ever give the tours since this are is known for high winds. There are some somewhat-informative and educational exhibits, but they’re inconsistent with the basic facts: some exhibits say the crater is one mile across, another says 3/4 of a mile. Others disagree as to what the speed of the meteor was. At least don’t contradict yourself! Some exhibits weren’t working. One invited you to guess what the meteor weighs compared to a car, horse, and motorcycle. You make your best guess, press the “answer” button and - nothing. Yes, I’m being critical - but for a very high admission cost - I expect a much better experience. As for the educational value - you can probably learn more, and more reliable meteor and meteor crater facts online - and save a drive and the cost of a meal.
Val Vetter
30
Definitely a fun side trip if you're in the area! The visitors center is nice, with a gift shop, restrooms, a small Subway restaurant, a museum, overlook areas, and a small theater. Plan on spending a couple of hours here to see everything! The 10 minute overview video of the crater is interesting, but everything in the video is covered on the tour (at least it was with ours). The guided rim tour (included with admission) lasts 30 minutes in the hotter months and an hour in the cooler months. It was hot but worth it! Our tour guide Aaron was very knowledgeable about the crater and how it came to be owned by his family. They also own the RV park and gas station near the Interstate exit, and the tickets come with a discount on gas and drinks at the Mobil station. They are very proud of their business and their crater (the best preserved meteorite crater in the world). Overall, my family had a good time and I'm glad we stopped. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is because of the price. Adult tickets are $18, which seems steep, but we will remember the experience.
Tricia Hefner
10
Unless you have kids that absolutely need to see this crater in person, this is a colossal waste of money and time. The views are the exact same ones you would get if you googled meteor crater. They do not allow you to travel into the crater, there are no hiking trails around the crater. They're supposed pet Ramada is a steel cage on a concrete floor in a shed on the side of the parking lot. Oh and they charge $17 for that. The only value I received from this was the ability to touch the largest piece of the meteor that has ever been recovered. Other than that all I did was climb a bunch of stairs and take pictures from the exact same point with the exact same view that you can already find online. Lol The stuff likes to say that it's a fear of human erosion, or a liability issue because people might collapse... Lol utter trash. Other parks have signs specifically saying that your accepting the risk by purchasing a ticket. So here's a bunch of pictures that you can already Google online from the exact same positions as 10,000 other people. 👏👏👏
will maxey
90
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Basic Info
Address
Meteor Crater Rd, Winslow, AZ 86047
Map
Phone
(928) 289-5898
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Website
meteorcrater.com
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Reviews
Overview
4.5
(2.9K reviews)
Ratings & Description
outdoor
adventure
family friendly
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