The Unexpected Arizona Attraction That Is One Of The 50 Wonders Of The World
You can find some very remarkable things out in the desert – if you know where to look! You’d never expect to find an ocean or a rain forest in the middle of the Sonoran Desert, but if head to Biosphere 2 in Oracle, that’s exactly what you’ll discover – and so much more!
Biosphere 2 is an astounding research and educational facility now housing various programs and research projects for The University of Arizona.
And the best part? You can visit and take one of the many tours, like the Under The Glass Tour. Biosphere 2 contains more than three acres of Earth science research underneath the various glass-enclosed structures, and this comprehensive tour sees most of them.
You'll get to experience the thrill of the ocean without having to drive to the coast.
And walk through a tropical rain forest without traveling to South America.
Biosphere 2 research projects include a variety of Earth science projects under the direction of The University of Arizona. The campus is filled with a variety of odd-looking structures, making this tour seem a little like a visit to another planet instead of planet Earth.
Specialty tours include a more comprehensive look at their ocean research, including a trip to an indoor beach! You can also take a focused rain forest tour, a landscape evolution tour, and the Food-Water-Energy tour. (Learn more about specialty tours at this link.)
Built between 1991 and 1994, this unique biosphere research facility in the Sonoran Desert is now on its third life with these unique Earth science projects.
However, two previous uses weren't as well-received or popular. The first attempt to use the facility placed it at the center of research for ways to maintain life in outer space. When that didn't prove as helpful as intended, it was then used as a closed-system living experiment for humans. That research also failed for a variety of reasons.
The University of Arizona has been conducting research here now since 2011.
Time Life Books named Biosphere 2 one of the "50 Man Made Wonders of the World." It holds a spot on this coveted list with other man-made wonders like the Eiffel Tower, the Hubble Telescope, and the famous Sydney Opera House. Have you visited this unique planet Earth research facility near Tucson? We'd love to know!
Biosphere 2 is located at 32540 S Biosphere Rd., Oracle, AZ 85739. As a point of reference, that’s a mere 30 miles north of Tucson, and just over 100 miles from Phoenix. Biosphere is open 363 days a year, and closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Tours are offered throughout the day on a first-come, first-served basis. The last tour begins at 3:45 p.m. The facility is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. General admission tickets range from $13-$20 depending upon age. The Under The Glass Tour is the only one that is included in the general admission price. Learn more on the official website for Biosphere 2.
Arizona is home to a plethora of natural wonders. Keep reading here to discover 12 of them you can easily visit without hiking.
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Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com.
