Things to Do in Biosphere 2

Eight people lived sealed inside this glass dome for two years, breathing recycled air and growing their own food in what sounds like the world's most expensive reality show. Biosphere 2 sits in the Sonoran Desert about 30 miles north of Tucson, Arizona—a massive experiment that began as Mars colonization prep in the late 1980s. This place is real science fiction. The facility houses multiple biomes including a rainforest, ocean, desert, savanna, and marsh under one roof. Today it operates as a research facility under the University of Arizona, offering public tours that show you both the original experiment and ongoing climate research. The whole place has this retro-futuristic vibe that feels like stepping into a 1970s vision of the future, complete with the dramatic backstory of the original crew.

Don't expect fine dining here. Biosphere 2 has a small café that serves sandwiches, salads, and drinks—well adequate but nothing special. The nearby town of Oracle has a few local spots, including a decent Mexican restaurant and a classic American diner that locals seem to favor. Most visitors drive back toward Tucson for dinner, where you'll find everything from excellent Sonoran Mexican food to upscale Southwestern cuisine. If you're making a day of it, consider packing a lunch to eat at the picnic tables outside, especially since the desert setting is quite pleasant during cooler months. Smart move.

October through April works best. During these months, daytime temperatures are comfortable for both the indoor tours and outdoor desert walks, and summer can be brutal—we're talking 110°F and up. The indoor biomes are climate-controlled though. Winter months see the most visitors, particularly January through March when retirees and snowbirds are in the area. Weekday visits are less crowded and you'll have a better experience on tours. Spring wildflower season (March-April) can be spectacular in the surrounding desert if there has been adequate winter rainfall.