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
Results 1 to 2 of 2...
Visitor Tips and News About McDonald Observatory
Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.
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
Rattlers and Reptiles, Fort Davis, TX - 10 mi.
Giant Marfa, Marfa, TX - 24 mi.
Border Patrol Blimp, Marfa, TX - 24 mi.Latest Tips Across Roadside America
Catch up on the latest discoveries from the road.
Explore Thousands of Oddball Tourist Attractions!
Unique destinations in the U.S. and Canada are our special obsession. Use our attraction recommendation and maps to plan your next road trip.
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.