Blue Hill Meteorological Observatory

The Blue Hill Meteorological Observatory is a weather station located atop a hill south of Boston, featuring a three-story concrete tower built in 1908 with neogothic architectural details. The facility houses various instruments for continuous atmospheric measurement and operates as a research center for the New England region.

The station was founded in 1885 and has maintained continuous weather records for over 130 years, making it the oldest such archive in North America. Its founders pioneered techniques for gathering atmospheric data by lifting instruments with weather kites into the sky.

The facility operates as a learning space where visitors can observe how meteorologists track weather patterns and study the atmosphere through hands-on exhibits. People can see the instruments and understand the practical work behind daily forecasting and climate monitoring.

The site is located roughly 10 miles south of Boston where two major routes intersect and is relatively accessible by car. Visitors should check ahead for current visiting hours and conditions before planning a trip to ensure they can access the grounds and exhibits.

During the 1938 New England Hurricane, instruments at the station recorded wind speeds of around 186 miles per hour, a record for direct measurements taken in actual hurricane conditions. This data made the location a key reference point for hurricane research.

Location: Milton

Inception: 1885

Architects: Rotch & Tilden

Website: http://bluehill.org/observatory

GPS coordinates: 42.21203,-71.11420

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:44