A Guide To Cincinnati Observatory

Cincinnati Observatory
Josiah
Josiah 
Updated
| 4 min read

The sky holds so many things, some of which have not been explored due to lack of equipment or knowledge. Luckily, Cincinnati Observatory is breaking these norms with its variety of equipment, expert staff, and sites that boast unobstructed views of heavenly bodies. The observatory offers a fantastic experience and is a great motivation for young and aspiring astronomers. To fully enjoy the experience, there a few things that every visitor should know, such as the fun activities you can indulge in, nearby food spots, travel tips, and ways to access the facility. For more information, read this article for a guide to Cincinnati Observatory.

Cincinnati offers plenty of activities for everyone - check out our recommendations on best things to do when you’re visiting this destination.

Things to do / Highlights

Posted by Cincinnati Observatory on Friday, 23 August 2019

Cincinnati Observatory is a major attraction in Ohio that boasts a variety of exciting things for guests to do when visiting alone, with family, colleagues, or friends. The following are the most interesting and rewarding activities in Cincinnati Observatory.

Scientific enlightenment

One of the major objectives of Cincinnati Observatory is to educate people on science and astronomy. To that end, the observatory holds different events and programs to introduce the public to astronomy and various aspects of the sky, such as constellation interpretation. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you cannot afford to miss.

Sky gazing

Besides learning, the observatory has several working telescopes that allow guests to enjoy beautiful views of planets, stars, galaxies, nebulae, and other heavenly bodies. Testing out the telescopes is always a fun experience that has, for quite some time, been exclusive to astronomers. However, with a facility like Cincinnati Observatory, everyone, including professionals and enthusiasts, can enjoy a fascinating view of the sky.

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What to eat

Need a sign to convince you - here it is! Come to Keystone and enjoy $2 domestic beer and $1 wings, with our housemade BBQ sauce!

Posted by Keystone Bar & Grill - Hyde Park on Tuesday, 12 November 2019

Cincinnati Observatory is located in an area with many great restaurants serving various cuisines. The closest and most preferred food joints near the observatory are Keystone Bar & Grill Hyde Park and Dutch’s.

Keystone Bar & Grill Hyde Park

Keystone Bar & Grill Hyde Park has a cozy and inviting atmosphere that makes the dining experience a wonderful one. The restaurant is renowned in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky at large for its outstanding dishes, beer, and cocktails. Some of the signature dishes you should sample include their macaroni cheese, wings topped with BBQ sauce, and buffalo bites served with ranch salad dressing.

Dutch’s

Situated just 322 m (0.2 mi) from Cincinnati Observatory is another great food spot called Dutch’s. The restaurant serves delicious Cuban sandwiches and a meat and cheese platter that you should try. Also, the dining atmosphere here is out of this world - in fact, you can opt to enjoy your meal inside the restaurant or on the patio where there is a nice breeze.

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Travelers tips

Cincinnati Observatory
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Analogue Kid used under CC BY 2.5

When visiting Cincinnati Observatory, there are a few things you should note to ensure your visit is enjoyable and fulfilling.

Seasonal changes

First, it is worth noting that the views change with the season, and you may find that when it is clear at night, not a lot of things can be seen because the light of the moon tends to overshadow the stars. So the best time to visit is when it is not a full moon.

Observe order in the observatory

In Cincinnati Observatory, there are many types of equipment that are quite expensive. In this light, you should mind your movements and the things you handle, especially when visiting with kids. Always be careful to avoid breaking the equipment and be sure not to touch displays that should not be touched.

Special needs

Due to budget constraints, the facility does not cater to special needs at this time, but it has established useful links with organizations that can assist with the physically challenged should the need arise. If you’re planning to visit and need assistance, you can call ahead at 513-321-5186 to let the staff know.

Visitors with own viewing equipment

Lastly, if you own a telescope, you are advised to bring it so you can avoid the queue of people waiting to use the on-site equipment. In addition to that, you can learn a few things about how to better handle your telescope.

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How to get there

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Source: Photo by user Darius Pinkston used under CC BY 2.0

Cincinnati Observatory is easily accessible from different points of the city.

By bus

Several bus services operate in the routes leading to the observatory. An example is the Go Metro buses that depart from Anderson Center Station as early as 4:38 am. If you can’t make it to the bus station early, do not worry as there are other buses scheduled to depart Anderson until noon.

By taxi or car service

There are also several taxi and car services operating on this route. The main ones are Uber and Lyft. Though it may be more convenient to use a cab, it is worth noting that their charges may be a bit higher than public transportation. So you need to consider all the options before booking a ride.

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How to get tickets

Cincinnati Observatory
Source: Photo by user 5chw4r7z used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Tickets to Cincinnati Observatory are available both online and on-site.

Daytime tours

For regular daytime tours, tickets at 5 USD per person can be purchased on-site. If you want to sign up online, you can do so here.

Astronomy evenings

Astronomy evenings are limited to 40 guests. To make your reservation for Astro Thursday, Friday, and Saturday online, you first need to register on this form, after which you can proceed to reserve your slot on the platform, by mail, or by calling the number 513-321-5186.

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Cincinnati Observatory information

Cincinnati Observatory, Hyde Park, Cincinnati, OH
Source: Photo by user Warren LeMay used under CC0

Cincinnati Observatory

Address: 3489 Observatory Pl, Cincinnati, OH 45208, United States

Opening hours: Mon: 12pm - 9pm; Wed - Fri: 12pm - 9pm (closed on Sat, Sun & Tue)

Cost: 5 USD

Official website: Cincinnati Observatory

Department of tourism: Cincinnati

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Josiah Ndung'u is a Mechanical Engineering graduate and a travelling enthusiast who loves networking with new people, learning new cultures, having fun (especially at the beach), and sampling new...Read more

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