Los Alamos Tour - Manhattan Project & Laboratory Heritage - Los Alamos, NM

Discover the Los Alamos Tour in New Mexico

The Los Alamos Tour offers visitors a powerful combination of history, science, and modern innovation. Located in northern New Mexico, Los Alamos is most famous as the birthplace of the atomic bomb during World War II. Today, tours highlight both the Manhattan Project National Historical Park and the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), connecting the city’s past with its ongoing role in science and technology.

Guided tours take you to historic sites such as Fuller Lodge, the Bathtub Row houses, and V-Site facilities where key Manhattan Project work took place. Visitors also learn about the laboratory’s evolution into a modern center for physics, chemistry, engineering, and national security research.

Why it’s special:
Unlike typical factory tours, the Los Alamos experience combines historic preservation with active scientific research. Guests stand where history was made while also exploring how Los Alamos continues to innovate in energy, computing, and defense. It’s a one-of-a-kind destination for history buffs, science enthusiasts, and educational school trips.

History/Story of Los Alamos

Los Alamos was chosen in 1943 as the secret site for the Manhattan Project, the U.S. effort to develop the first atomic weapons. Scientists including J. Robert Oppenheimer, Enrico Fermi, and many others worked here in utmost secrecy, forever changing the course of world history.

After WWII, the site became Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), a major research institution focused on national security, advanced physics, nuclear energy, and cutting-edge technologies. Today, Los Alamos remains a symbol of both America’s wartime ingenuity and its scientific leadership.

What You’ll See & Do on the Los Alamos Tour

• Visit the Manhattan Project National Historical Park sites, including Fuller Lodge and Bathtub Row.

• Explore preserved laboratory buildings where atomic research took place.

• Learn about the life and work of Manhattan Project scientists.

• Tour modern exhibits highlighting Los Alamos National Laboratory’s ongoing innovations.

• Experience interpretive programs led by park rangers and laboratory staff.

• Stop by the Bradbury Science Museum, showcasing science, history, and technology.

Hands-On Elements: Interactive exhibits, guided storytelling, science demonstrations at the Bradbury Museum.

Photo/Video Policy: Photography permitted at most public historic sites; restricted in active LANL research areas.

Souvenirs & Extras:

• Visitor centers and the Bradbury Science Museum gift shop with books, apparel, and science-themed souvenirs

Pricing of Los Alamos Tours

• Manhattan Project National Historical Park guided tours: Free

• Los Alamos National Laboratory public tours: Free (limited availability)

• Bradbury Science Museum: Free admission

Practical Info for Visiting Los Alamos

Duration: ~2–3 hours depending on sites visited
Format: Ranger-led walking tours + optional museum visits
Schedule & Seasonality: Ranger tours typically offered spring–fall; LANL tours by special schedule; Bradbury Science Museum open year-round (closed Mondays)
Audience: Families, history buffs, science enthusiasts, school groups
Accessibility: Visitor centers and museums are accessible; some historic sites have uneven ground
Safety & Restrictions:

• Security screening required for some LANL areas

• Backpacks and large bags not permitted inside certain facilities

• Children welcome but must be supervised

Languages: English; some materials available in Spanish
Group & School Visits: Special arrangements possible for school trips; contact NPS or LANL in advance

What to Bring/Wear: Comfortable shoes, valid ID, water bottle, camera
Facilities: Visitor center, museum, restrooms, nearby dining in Los Alamos
Closures & Downtime: Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s; LANL tours subject to lab security schedules

Location & Booking

Getting There: Free parking available; ~40 miles from Santa Fe; accessible by car or tour bus
Booking: Ranger-led tours may require advance registration via NPS Los Alamos; LANL tours offered on select dates at LANL Visit
Cancellation & Refunds: Not applicable (free tours); contact ranger station for updates
On-Site Extras: Visitor center, museum gift shop, interpretive programs

Nearby

• Santa Fe, NM (arts and culture)

• Bandelier National Monument

• Valles Caldera National Preserve

FAQs About Visiting the Los Alamos Tour

Is the Los Alamos tour free?
Yes, both Manhattan Project ranger-led tours and Bradbury Science Museum admission are free.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, guided tours often require advance registration due to limited space.

Can I visit active laboratory areas?
Public access is limited, but LANL occasionally offers guided tours into select facilities.

Are children allowed on the tour?
Yes, families are welcome, but children should be supervised around historic and scientific exhibits.

How long does a visit take?
Most visitors spend 2–3 hours exploring historic sites, guided tours, and the museum.

Is photography allowed?
Yes, in public areas, though photography is restricted inside secure LANL facilities.