Cincinnati Observatory
Cincinnati Observatory things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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"Cincinnati Observatory: The Birthplace of American Astronomy"
BethBeth
00
We went here as a girl scout event and our entire family loved it. I had no clue the oldest telescope in the western hemisphere was right here! The buildings were great old architecture, the telescopes were fascinating to everyone and the presenter was engaging and fun! I can't wait to go back! Be aware there are stairs up into the buildings, stairs up to the observatory rooms with the telescopes and the observatories are very echo-y. People with mobility issues and sensory issues will need to be ready. Parking is a little strange as there didn't seem to be lines. you just kind of parked where you could around the circle and walked up to the buildings. I recommend anyone who loves space (or has kids in love with space) to go here. We had nothing but clouds but the presenter was able to show us things on the computer. She then showed us how the buildings opened and telescope moved. Still educational!
Katie SgambelloneKatie Sgambellone
00
Mediocre experience that would not recommend unless you have never seen a telescope in your life. After trying extensively to attend a “Date Night” (very hard to get tickets)we were disappointed with the overall night. The staff is great don’t get me wrong, very passionate about astronomy, but the customer experience is lacking. Basically the “date night” is attending a 1h powerpoint presentation on planets (in our case it was about the upcoming eclipse) and then -because you are like 40 people- do a line to see a planet, or the moon, or whatever that night the sky allows, on a very old -historic- telescope. No proper snacks, barely water/coffee served, no proper history of the observatory explained -nothing to consider this a “Date”. Anyway, If you can see through a friend’s telescope you will have the same experience without wasting $30 per person.
Gustavo BenitoGustavo Benito
00
I never went to the Cincinnati Observatory as a kid, but I've been there several times recently for AARP group outings. Dean Regas does a themed talk. After we listen to his presentation, he or a volunteer takes us on a tour of both the big and small Observatory buildings. We've stood in the grass in the dark and watched the space station pass by. We've climbed the ladders and looked through the big telescopes at the moon, the sun, and a few visible planets. It's fascinating.
Carol George-RuckerCarol George-Rucker
10
We did the date night at the observatory it was a great experience. The tour guide was amazing. He was very delightful. Because of the bad weather we couldn't look in the telescope which we were very sad about that. We just wished they had something to where those who attended were able to come back a different day to look through the telescope. The buildings were amazing to see all the history that went into it. Amazing. We will definitely attend again.
King Of SpadesKing Of Spades
40
Situated on a beautiful little campus, the Cincinnati Observatory was an excellent elementary school field trip. The very friendly and informative staff can teach you a lot about history and astronomy, both local and universal. Even in midday sun, they can use telescopes to see and study the sun, but obviously after dark is the best time to visit. It's an indispensable gem for architecture, art, math, nature, science, and, most importantly community.
Alex BennettAlex Bennett
00
Nearby Attractions Of Cincinnati Observatory
Marshalls
Kroger
Hyde Park Nails
Salon Lofts Hyde Park
Oakley recreation center
Observatory Historic District
The LASH Stop
TRULIE Brows - Lash and Brow Beauty Studio
Before/After Beauty
PNC Bank

Marshalls
4.2
(306)Click for details

Kroger
3.9
(322)Click for details

Hyde Park Nails
4.1
(79)Click for details

Salon Lofts Hyde Park
4.4
(55)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Cincinnati Observatory
Shaan Indian Cuisine
Coffee Emporium
Saint Francis Apizza
El Toro Bravo Of Cincinnati
Forno Osteria+Bar
Cafe Mediterranean
Milk Jar Hyde Park
Bangkok Bistro
KTOWN BBQ & HOTPOT
Hap's Irish Pub

Shaan Indian Cuisine
4.7
(765)Click for details

Coffee Emporium
4.8
(509)Click for details

Saint Francis Apizza
4.9
(369)Click for details

El Toro Bravo Of Cincinnati
4.3
(414)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
3489 Observatory Pl, Cincinnati, OH 45208
Map
Phone
(513) 321-5186
Call
Website
cincinnatiobservatory.org
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.8
(301 reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
educational
family friendly
Description
The Cincinnati Observatory, known locally as Mt. Lookout Observatory, is located in Cincinnati, Ohio on top of Mount Lookout. It consists of two observatory buildings housing an 11-inch and 16 inch aperture refracting telescope. It is the oldest professional observatory in the United States.
attractions: Marshalls, Kroger, Hyde Park Nails, Salon Lofts Hyde Park, Oakley recreation center, Observatory Historic District, The LASH Stop, TRULIE Brows - Lash and Brow Beauty Studio, Before/After Beauty, PNC Bank, restaurants: Shaan Indian Cuisine, Coffee Emporium, Saint Francis Apizza, El Toro Bravo Of Cincinnati, Forno Osteria+Bar, Cafe Mediterranean, Milk Jar Hyde Park, Bangkok Bistro, KTOWN BBQ & HOTPOT, Hap's Irish Pub
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