Visit

A group of people standing around the 3D model of the Mesa Lab during a tour. Behind them is a photo of I.M. Pei, the architect, and the Boulder flatiron mountains outside the window.

The U.S. National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research (NSF NCAR) Mesa Lab sits nestled against the foothills to the Rocky Mountains in Boulder, Colorado. NSF NCAR's Visitor Center connects scientific research about Earth system science to the public through state-of-the-art exhibits, a variety of public tour options, and custom school field trips. For those who aren’t able to visit in person, we have several opportunities to virtually connect with us. All of our exhibits and program offerings are free to the public.

If you would like to support our programs and exhibits through a donation, please visit the link below.

Donate to support our mission

View of NCAR Mesa Lab from the parking lot

Visit NSF NCAR

The U.S. National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research (NSF NCAR) Mesa Lab sits nestled against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Boulder, Colorado. NSF NCAR's Mesa Lab Visitor Center, open to the public seven days a week, offers state-of-the-art exhibits, a variety of public tour options, and custom school field trips, all at no charge. Visit us in person!

Plan Your Trip

Before coming up to the NSF NCAR Mesa Lab Visitor Center, make sure you know the building hours, directions, parking, and other basic information.

A tour guide listening to a visitor during a tour.

NSF NCAR Public Tours

Exploring the NSF NCAR's Mesa Lab Visitor Center is an enjoyable and educational way to spend some time in the Denver metro area.

School Field Trips to NSF NCAR

A field trip to the NSF NCAR Visitor Center is a fun way for your class, camp, or club to learn about weather, the atmosphere, Sun and space weather, and more!

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Join Us Virtually

We offer live virtual presentations and recorded demos for educators and learners in grades K-12. Our programs are generally offered via Zoom, but other platforms can be used as needed for individually-scheduled presentations.

Virtual Field Trips

Live, interactive K-12 education programs with our Education Specialists.

a tour guide stands in front of a digital image of the Mesa Laboratory Visitor Center Lobby pointing at a mural

Explore NSF NCAR: Live Virtual Tour

Join an NSF NCAR tour guide on a live virtual tour of the NSF NCAR Mesa Laboratory to learn about its history, architecture, and Earth system sciences.

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About Our Exhibits

Touch a cloud, consider chaos, steer a hurricane, explore Earth systems, take a look at the Sun, and browse art galleries. At the NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, CO, our exhibits will take you on a hands-on journey through the science of our world.

Visitor Accessibility

Questions about ADA parking at the Mesa Lab or when visit times might be quieter? Check out this page to learn more.