Krista and Carla were our educational leaders. They have so much knowledge! They gave so much information about all the weather apparatus and the use of this observatory! The view is amazing! Definitely need to go back in the spring! read more

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Free water for dog and 2$ designer water. Best bargain I've received this month with a great view.

We loved the tour of the observatory and upper deck. It was so interesting to hear about all the scientific equipment and what it is used for. The view of Boston from up high is amazing as well. Definitely worth the short hike to come up here and look around. read more

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AMAZING place full of history and great views! You get to see the oldest continuous operating weather observatory in North America on a short tour, and then head to the roof for the best view of Boston anywhere. The tour guides were so accommodating, walking slowly for those who need it, and answering any questions we had with a smile on their faces. And for 4$ per person?! Wow - what a steal and hidden gem! Definitely stop by! read more

Blue Hill Observatory & Science Center - Observatory - Observatories Near Me - Milton, Massachusetts

I enjoyed my first trip to the Blue Hills. We skipped the Trailside Museum which appeared to be geared towards little kids, as were the gift shop there and at the observatory. The otter was not out but other animals were. We saw the foxes being given lunch and were able to feed the geese ourselves. Bring quarters for the grain machine if you want to do this. The trail to the summit was clearly marked. We took the road down. It provides access for the disabled. Everyone else walks or bikes. We went on the history room/rooftop tour. It was thorough, educational, interesting, uncrowded and unhurried. We got to talk to one of the scientists as well as the tour guide. Standing on top of the tower feeling the winds is a unique experience that makes you appreciate the forces of nature. The views on the day we went included as far out as the Monadnocks as well as downtown Boston and the Harbor Islands. If you are coming from 128 park beyond the building or you will not be able to go back the way you came as there are no left turns exiting the first parking lot. read more

Truly a perfect place to take visitors to Boston. It's very easy to get to, and the hike up is just the right amount of challenge for beginners and intermediate hikers. The summit is remarkable. You can see planes landing at Logan. It's so cool. At the base where you park, there's a little gift shop and animal area. You can see a river otter gamboling in his pool, and the occasional owl or other birds of prey in the rescue area. You can feed ducks at a little pond too. After all is said and done, grab some Dunkin off the highway and revel in your hike! This place is a must-do, truly! So perfect for any kind of group too - nature can be enjoyed on multiple levels at any age. Around fall, they operate the ski lift for foliage tours just for a couple bucks too. We went a few years ago, and it was so much fun. read more

HISTORY: Blue Hill Meteorological Observatory, located at the top of a scenic mountain range south of Boston, is a unique American institution. Founded in 1885 by Abbott Lawrence Rotch as a private scientific center for the study and measurement of the atmosphere, it was the site of many pioneering weather experiments and discoveries. The earliest kite soundings of the atmosphere in North America in the 1890s and the development of the radiosonde in the 1930s occurred at this historic site. TODAY: The Observatory is a National Historic Landmark and remains committed to continuing its extensive, uninterrupted climate record with traditional methods and instruments. The recently established Science Center expands this mission by enhancing public understanding of atmospheric science. ****** We went for their Spring Open House today and took a tour of the Observatory, enjoyed the great view from the summit of Great Blue Hill and participated in many fun activities. Activities included presentations on weather and climate, kite making and flying, tagged balloon releases, self guided tours with interpreters throughout the facility, and tables for the WINS program, MWO, NWS, and Friends of the Blue Hills. The 360 degree views from the upper open air deck of the weather observatory are simply breath-taking. My kids were thrilled to get a chance to learn about how the weather is recorded by meteorologists and tour the unusual structure, built in the late 19th Century. GIFT SHOP: There were also special sales on many items in their gift shop. They have a wide range of kites, science kits, a collection of geology lessons and materials (including several rocks and minerals kits), books, and fun toys including a fresh supply of snacks and beverages for hungry hikers PARKING: The closest parking is at the Blue Hill Ski Area or the adjacent Trailside Museum at 1904 Canton Avenue in Milton, MA. To access the activities at the Observatory, you walk the one-mile long road from the Trail side Museum to the summit of Great Blue Hill (no private vehicles are allowed on the summit road). We took the Red Dot Trail, well marked-about 25 minutes to the top -it is a rocky path --or you can walk on a paved road from the parking lot. Hiking trails lead to the summit from these parking areas. The summit access road is not open to public vehicles; the walk up the hill to the Observatory along the summit road is approximately one mile. Trail maps and information are available at the Trailside Museum. A shuttle van was also available for seniors and special access from the Trailside Museum parking lot. Bicycles and Pets on a leash are also allowed on the trails. read more

Even if your only slightly interested in Space, planets & exploration, this is quite a cool place to visit with the surprising amount of exhibits & facts you pick up just from walking around the site. You get some great scenic views of LA on the outside & there is a hill walk that can get you even better views opposite the observatory read more