McDonald Observatory Fort Davis Texas

McDonald Observatory

mcdonaldobservatory.org
4.6/5
(1.3K) · Observatory in Fort Davis, United States
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McDonald Observatory is a research unit of The University of Texas at Austin and one of the world's leading centers for astronomical research, …

Reviews

Tripadvisor
4.6/5 · 1,329 reviews
5-star
60%
4-star
21%
3-star
5%
2-star
5%
1-star
9%
Recent reviews
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Mar 11, 2025
Been here before to go to the daytime & night time programs. Just came for nighttime this time. It can get breezy & cold during the nighttime program ! Dress accordingly & bring blankets if needed. D…Full review by tonyk744
Mar 9, 2025
We got tickets in advance for a Star Party (the observatory promises to refund most of the cost if the weather turns out to be bad) and are so glad we did. There must have been over 300 people there…Full review by Mary B
Mar 5, 2025
Bucket list item checked. Our tour guide Jaye was exceptional. The tour was all about the history of how the facilities came into being and about the telescopes themselves, Very little about what …Full review by RightTruRvws
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Questions & answers

Q:
I'm trying to get tickets for the special viewing night on the 82" telescope for December the 7th, 2024. The area is greyed …
Q:
I'm trying to get tickets for the special viewing night on the 82" telescope for December the 7th, 2024. The area is greyed out with no information. Please advise.
A:
It’s blocked out and does open to order until closer to the day. You can also email them and request to waitlist that day so when tickets open for purchase you will get a notification …
A:
It’s blocked out and does open to order until closer to the day. You can also email them and request to waitlist that day so when tickets open for purchase you will get a notification to purchase
A:
Q:
Can I drive up to the observatory even though I have no reservation
A:
No. You can drive up to the visitors center ( not really worth it ), but cannot drive up to the observatory due to “COVID restrictions”. Unfortunately, still very COVID phobic !!
A:
Answer by Don Y · Apr 16, 2021
Q:
Can I just drive up the mountain when there are no more open reservations
A:
Sort of. You can drive up to the visitors center ( not really worth it ), but cannot drive up to the observatory due to COVID restrictions. They are still very COVID phobic !!
A:
Answer by Don Y · Apr 16, 2021
Q:
Is there rv parking for the tour?
A:
There is parking availability for RVs, but camping or hookups are not permitted on observatory grounds. For specific areas in the parking lot adjacent to the Visitor Center, I would call …
A:
There is parking availability for RVs, but camping or hookups are not permitted on observatory grounds. For specific areas in the parking lot adjacent to the Visitor Center, I would call the Frank N. Bash Visitor Center (432-426-3640)
A:
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Frequently asked questions

Q:
Will we see live views from the research telescopes?
A:
S to the FAQs
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