McDonald Observatory, Texas: McDonald Observatory
Out in the middle of nowhere, which is where you want an observatory to be. Look at the telescopes during the day, attend Star Parties at night.
- Address:
- 3640 Dark Sky Drive, McDonald Observatory, TX
- Directions:
- I-10 exit 176, then 37 miles south on Hwy 118 to the observatory. Only one little service station at the freeway exit; make sure you have a full tank of gas. And dress warm, it gets cold at night in the mountains.
- Hours:
- Daily 10-5:30; Star Parties at night (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
- Phone:
- 432-426-3640
- Admission:
- Adults $8 day, $12 star party
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Visitor Tips and News About McDonald Observatory
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On select dates, the observatory offers the opportunity to look through the larger telescopes for a (substantial) fee.
[Kristi, 08/08/2019]This is a gem of a place for star gazing, star parties, and just looking up to the sky for the heck of it!
[Lisa, 06/06/2013]Nearby Offbeat Places



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The observatory is in the Davis Mountains of West Texas, and claims to have some of the darkest night skies in the continental U.S.