Gorgeous buildings, and Dean is a wonderful, intelligent, engaging host!

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 cant 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 didnt 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!

I went here for an event and its a cool place! They always have events and the ticketed ones sell out fast, so we felt lucky we could visit for one, let alone the night was clear enough to see the moon in the older telescope. They do have a lot of events, including free ones, that are also popular. Its perfect for a date night or for a special event. Worth the visit!

We went on a date night here and it couldnt have been better. Only thing is if you dont want to be out late at night its not for you we was out here past 12. But it was mind blowing to learn more and to actually look through the telescopes. There is tons of history and great facts you will learn by coming here. This will change your life.

Theres a small, quiet out-of-the-way park that surrounds the observatory which is not open right now due to Covid.

Awesome place to visit if youre into astronomy.The historic building tour is worth the $10. You may get the opportunity to turn the dome via the original hand crank.

Was on a trip and was able to have time to go in and see this old observatory. (oldest observatory in north america) and to see the telescope from 1905 and 1850s very cool would recommend to anyone interested in history, or astronomy, or just looking to burn an hour or two.

Great place to learn about Cincinnatis role in the history of astronomy. The staff and volunteers are knowledgeable and friendly. I highly recommend their special programs and history tour.

Its the first time Ive been to observatory, and I like it...a lot. I did it for my Astronomy class, but it makes me want to go independent, and learn more!!! And to look through the giant telescope is amazing in itself. There are 2 that are over 100 years old.

Wonderful place. They offer classes some evenings that are extremely educational and entertaining. If you love history and are interested in astronomy, this place is a must visit for you.

This place is amazing. There are so many cool things to see inside. The telescope is the second biggest in the United States and is very cool. I will definitely be coming back and I will being my kids. The people that work there are very friendly. They offer tours if you are interested. Just check on the website for times as they only have tours at certain times during the day.

I am taking the beginners astronomy course. Cant wait for next week. What a wonderful resource in Cincinnati. Saw the Orion nebula through a 175 year old telescope, how cool is that! Dean Regis is engaging and knowledgeable.

Wonderful visit with the school kids. They did a great job explaining the telescopes and planets!

I never went to the Cincinnati Observatory as a kid, but Ive 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.Weve stood in the grass in the dark and watched the space station pass by. Weve climbed the ladders and looked through the big telescopes at the moon, the sun, and a few visible planets. Its fascinating.

What a fascinating and historically significant place. So grateful that it was saved by a group of thoughtful citizens back in the 90s. Looking forward to getting a family membership to support their efforts to preserve this place.

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. Its an indispensable gem for architecture, art, math, nature, science, and, most importantly community.

We loved it, so nice.

Well worth a visit, and the staff were very nice and accommodating

Love this place ... a must see if youre in the area ... free and fun fact you can learn about ... Americas oldest working telescope. Check it out ... fun for the whole family!

One of the coolest places in Cincinnati. The staff and volunteers are always phenomenal, helpful, and welcoming. Wide array of interesting events to schedule.

What a treasure this place is to this city and history. The husband wife team doing the informational tours the day we went were very knowledgeable and passionate about this place and gave this place the energy and attention it deserves.

Got in there the other day on a private tour. Got to operate the telescope and domed roof. Fun little adventure! Really close to Hyde Park as well.

Really cool Observatory with a fantastic sled ridding hill in the back!

My family had a great night here viewing Jupiter and Saturn! It was incredible. I cant wait to go back!

What a cool place. While I have long known about the Cincinnati Observatory I had never gone to visit. Well I went out for their day for learning about the sun and it was a great experience. Not only is the history of the place interesting but they have great resources and staff that are extremely knowledgeable. This is definitely a place everyone should check out and I look forward to coming back for more events!

What a great Cincinnati institution. Enjoy an awesome lecture from the resident astronomer and when the weather permits, look at our wonderful solar system through the big telescope. A great place to geek out.

Love going to the Cincinnati Observatory. I went for the first time last year for a date night. The weather did not allow for viewing through the telescopes that evening. Dean Regas was so knowledgeable and delivered information in such a way that we didn’t even miss not getting to view through the scopes. Love it!

Went here for my birthday to see Jupiter and Saturn. It was really, really cool. I reccomend it to anyone interested in astronomy and space.

What a wonderful place for a date night, or a place to take your kids to learn about their cities history, and look through some telescopes. I want to say thank you to the lovely community of people that go to these events and share their telescopes and passion for astronomy. Worth every penny of the membership.

A lovely place for a picnic and to learn a bit about Cincinnati history and astronomy.

Very fun, very inexpensive, and the staff members who showed us around were very informed and polite! It was such an interesting tour!

Amazing historical observatory. A must visit for anyone interested in astronomy, mathematics, the sciences, or history. The volunteers are knowledgeable and run the tours smoothly. Its definitely a place I will be recommending to all my friends and family.

This place is fun and interesting every time.

Lots of rich history at this place. Worth a visit if you are ever in town.

Very nice small museum and observatory. Visit on a clear night.

Cheap and educational. Very fun. They do great work.

The staff always puts on a great event whenever I’ve come for their viewings. They always give lots of historical trivia about the building/location, and their presenters are always so passionate about astronomy; it really comes through during the events. I highly recommend the doing one of date nights.

Came with family. Very informative. Staff was friendly, helpful and took the time to give you the best viewing and answer your questions.

Fun onso so many levels, good event location

Awesome place to learn more about the stars above. All of the staff is very friendly and helpful. If they dont know the answers to a question, they will look it up or ask someone else that might know the answer. Weve been here multiple times and plan on keep going back. Some of the people that go to the events are kinda rude, but overall its a really cool place and would highly recommend it.

Don gave my daughter and I an excellent tour of both buildings, telescopes and history. Only $5 per person. Saw solar flares on the surface of the Sun! Beautiful, historic setting and easy to find.

I really enjoyed learning all about the stars and getting to see saturn and jupiter it was really cool

I like to drop by when they have events but its a nice naborhood too

Very cool learning about the telescope. Recommend a visit for a brief tour.

Friendly staff. Great place for a small intimate wedding or gathering.

Such a awesome place rich with history. Plus the size of those telescopes are just amazing. The gentleman who showed us around was great and very knowledgeable! Would definitely go back to if I was in the area.

We had the best night out #internationalobservethemoonnight

Fascinating place. I suggest taking a tour through The CMC. Learned so much.

Interesting piece of of Cincinnati history, architecture, and astronomy

At least every person in Ohio should visit here at least once. Very very cool!!!

Extremely interesting place to visit with great volunteer staff, all of whom are eager to share.

We did the Couples Valentine night. It was great. Sad that the old telescope placed was still under renovation. But interesting to hear the history and see the new telescope. If you have any mobility issues take note - the stairs are narrow and have decent handrails but it is not handicap accessible. Looking forward to going back and being able to see things through the big telescope.

This is one of the most wonderful places

A historic must-see location when visiting Cincinnati! Excellent tours and magnificent telescopes.

Our first visit. We recently moved here and really enjoyed the SUNday Sunday Sundae. Seemed a lot less busy when we first got there. Recommend arrive early to events. All the staff were patient and informative. Buildings and telescopes were amazing. We have the list of events now and will be back.

I was here for a wedding and let me tell you, the staff was so wonderful and the venue is beautiful. Really a surprise wonderful location for a wedding

Its a small quite location at the top of the Cincinnati area and has a great view. Its a few minutes from the park. Its not the biggest observatory but its a really relaxing place.

Beautiful place. Good for learning about astronomy!

What a cool place to visit and learn about its history

Amazing place to see the Stars!

The people who work here are amazing

Cant wait to go back! One of the best hidden Cincinnati gems. A must see.

Amazing place!!! Excellent experience!!! Lots of rich history at this place.

Very disappointed they had several lines to view planets which was good if viewing different planets which was supposed to happen with Saturn, Jupiter, mars but all lines seem to just be viewing Saturn and we stood in second line got a look and it was Saturn also which was a waste of time to stand in line to view same dime sized view and at least I figured I get to see good detail of rings but looked like 1 ring. I wanted to see mars which was name of event but didnt get to see mars or Jupiter Very disappointed! . been at observatory few times in the afternoon and evening and fantastic knowledgeable volunteers are there to answer questions and show you around the buildings which is a fantastic experience and a 10 star experience those times so maybe we went on a bad night which Ill return at next viewing and hopefully a better viewing experience.

Absolutely wonderful place for a date. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed visiting for late night date night. We got to see all sorts of wonderful views. There is so much to see and learn here. The staff were all very enthusiastic about sharing their passion with us, and taught us a few neat tricks for whenever we decide to look up.

We went here as a family. I strongly recommend reserving a spot as it fills up quickly. The price is reasonable, and the volunteers are extremely knowledgeable (many are professors). They scale the information to the individual so kids to seniors - all can enjoy!

Wonderful place - 100% for the general public and much more than just a tourist attraction.The Observatory is located in Cincinnati on top of Hyde Park. It consists of two observatory buildings housing an 11-inch (28 cm) and 16 inch (41 cm) aperture refracting telescope. It is the oldest professional observatory in the United States. It was a key facility for astronomical research and education at the University of Cincinnati and currently operates as a 19th-century observatory. There are regular viewings open to the general public through both historical telescopes as well as tours and additional programs. The observatory also has an extensive outreach program, providing astronomical education for the Ohio/Kentucky/Indiana region.When you visit you definitely get the feel that the place is for you, and in fact, that is the idea as it is now really a facility for school kids and general public. They have a lot of outreach programs for schools in the three state region and lots of viewings and activities for the general public. Admission is free but a donation of $5.00 is recommended if you can afford it. The evening observations are generally in the vicinity of $10 - $15 and well worth the several hours you can view the moon, Saturn or other planets featured for that time. Where else can you get that amount of time for such a huge and wonderful facility. If you or your family has any interest in astronomy, this is a MUST DO activity.The grounds are handicap accessible as is the main floor of the newer telescope facility and bathrooms, but the telescopes themselves are on upper floors that are not handicap accessible due to the fact that the buildings are listed historic facilities and there is a limit on what can be reasonable accomplished in that area.HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

John one of the guides went out of his way with information and hands on with showing us how things worked.

The Cincinnati Observatory is the oldest continuous public use observatory in the world. She saw 1st light in 1845. She is one if Cincinnatis great gems. Suggested donation for Astronomy Thursdays $5. Astronomy Fridays admission $7 adults $5 children. Special event admission $7

Excellent experience!!! Very interesting introduction lecture by Chuck! Cool telescopes, nice people, awesome place!!!

Awesome spot for a Cub Scout trip. Dean Regus was out of this world. :)

Very interesting. Looking forward to going back when it isnt raining to use the telescope.

They took time to give to give us a one-on-one tour, let us see the telescope up close, and were very informative. I will definitely make this a stop on all future trips!

Awesome old building.

Amazing historical significance for Cincinnati and America. Learn something new every time I visit. The oldest continually operating telescope in the world that youre allowed to touch. Incredibly friendly and knowledgeable people. A great place to get inspired about the stars and cosmos.

Had to visit after hearing stories from my Dad. He spent time in this area as a child in the 30s. Docent shared some great information. We considered this a must see!

Great and knowledgable volunteer staff. Sometimes the waits are long to see certain telescopes, but it is so worth it. Got to see the rings Saturn which was the highlight of my night.

This is a great place for a family fun day or a day or evening date! You can learn a great deal about a small niche of Cincinnati! If you go during the day (even in the evenings) be prepared to have kids around.

Amazing historical sight. Really cool staff, went for a tour at night and our tour guide (who was only a volunteer, pretty cool) knew so much and was so nice about talking to us individually if we had questions! I would love to go again.

My adult son and I came here to enjoy a tour and even though my son came too late for us to have the tour we had a delightful evening on the observatory grounds. They have markers in the grass to show the relative distance between the planets and they have a geological benchmark behind the observatory which is interesting to see and they have a beautiful lawn where deer often come on the slopes. My son and I were able to pick out Jupiter and Saturn as the sun went down and just had a wonderful time.

Love the classes and events here. A Cincinnati treasure.

What an awesome experience! I am a geographer and love science so I HAD to stop by and explore the sky through the oldest telescope in the U.S.! The people who volunteer here really know their history and are passionate about the science of the sky and sharing it with others. The observatory, between the two buildings, houses some impressive scientific pieces and artifacts and lots of information. You cant beat the price either! Make this a part of your visit to Cinci for sure!

The observatory is always a really fascinating experience and theyre constantly adding new events and classes - if I had more hours in the day, theres an event I would go to every week! Its perfect whether youre a novice or practically Neil Degrasse Tyson.

A very informative and entertaining presentation in a well preserved, historical building.

Love this place and the awesome telescopes

This place is totally run by volunteers. The night we were there, everyone working was older and I kind of wondered how they would do with my ten year old son and eight year old nephew. They were fantastic. These folks know how to speak that excites everyone in the room because the volunteer astronomers are excited about what they are teaching/sharing. The place was easy to get to. Thursday night it wasnt too packed, a bunch of families and we all got to geek out together. As we were in line to look out of the telescope, my son went a head of me and started marveling loudly at Saturn and the gentleman who was responsible for setting up the telescope geeked out with him.As we were a smaller crowd, I feel we were offered more info and were engaged with more. This is a true hidden GEM of the city. Please take your kids and go marvel at the stars!

Very historical. Great staff and amazing views.

Wonderful for family visits, but the locals are horribly unfriendly and quite attitudinal

Love this place! You could see the stars from human telescope! No cost!

Nice to learn Cincinnati history and see telescope

Amazing place! The staff and tour guides are extremely knowledgeable and very patient with questions. We enjoyed their late night date night program and will definitely be back.

See one of the oldest telescopes in the country. Charming and tranquill park in an historic neighborhood with a beatiful old obserervatory which houses a modern educational staff and fun programs. Also a cool sundial! Becine a human gnomon!

Very interesting place to observe planets and night sky. The Scopeout Telescope Festival was a great night to go when so many people brought their own telescopes to share views & knowledge.

I took my wife for the Stargazing Program for her birthday. It was awesome! A beautiful clear evening allowed us to see Saturn and the Moon. Wonderful evening!

Great place with amazing history and awesome, very knowledgeable staff!

Really enjoyed our tour! Our guide thoroughly explained the historical perspective of astronomy in Cincinnati and the U.S. Great value!

Awesome place. You can go on Friday and Saturday nights to look through the telescopes. Amazing history, science, and Fun.

Lots of activities and a full schedule of talks. Check out their calendar for details.

Absolutely beautiful with a kind and engaging staff. Love all the events here.

Hidden gem in Cincinnati. Most certainly worth a trip.