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McDonald Observatory

McDonald Observatory
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What's Near McDonald Observatory

Top-Rated Nearby Hotels
Distance in: mi km
Hotel USD* Distance Rating
Harvard Hotel $105 2.0 mi 3.3 km 4 of 5 stars
Harvard Lodge at Sproul Ranch N/A 2.0 mi 3.3 km 3.5 of 5 stars
The Veranda N/A 2.7 mi 4.3 km 4 of 5 stars
The Hotel Limpia $99 10.3 mi 16.5 km 4 of 5 stars
The Stone Village Tourist Camp N/A 21.0 mi 33.7 km 3 of 5 stars
All Hotels in Fort Davis
*Average price
Top-Rated Nearby Restaurants
Distance in: mi km
restaurant Distance Rating
Cueva de Leon 1.5 mi 2.5 km 3.5 of 5 stars
Poco Mexico 1.5 mi 2.5 km 4 of 5 stars
Chuck Wagon 20.8 mi 33.5 km 4 of 5 stars
All Restaurants in Fort Davis
Nearest Top-Rated Things to Do
Distance in: mi km
Thing To Do Distance Rating
Balmorhea State Park 23.2 mi 37.3 km 4.5 of 5 stars
Chinati Foundation 39.1 mi 62.9 km 4 of 5 stars
The Marfa Mystery Lights 39.2 mi 63.1 km 3.5 of 5 stars
All Things to Do in Fort Davis

Traveler Advice on McDonald Observatory

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Professional Advice (7)
Title Source
“McDonald Observatory” Frommer's
“Seeing stars: 10 great observatories in the West” Los Angeles Times (free registration required)
“Journeys: Where Desolation Is Just a Mirage” New York Times (free registration required)
“Around the Big Bend” Atlantic Monthly
“Big Bend, TX” Ladies Home Journal
“Marfa as masterpiece theater” Los Angeles Times (free registration required)
“Startling Solitude and Stunning Scenery” TravelLady
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #1 of 3 attractions in Fort Davis
Traveler Description: University of Texas' observatory on Mount Locke.
Familiar with McDonald Observatory? Write your own description and share what you know with other travelers.
Attraction type: Observatory/planetarium
Activities: Dining, Shopping
Address: Fort Davis, TX 79734-1337
Tel: 432-426-3640

TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

Reviews of McDonald Observatory

( 1-4 of 4 )
“It was great”
4 of 5 stars
ADVISORUnitedStates
Dallas, Texas
May 18, 2008

I had a great time at the observatory we went mothers day weekend last year. There was some kind of event going on there so everything was free. The visitors center was great the staff was very friendly. The lady at the front desk helped us with all our questions. We saw the moon from one of the mini teliscopes.... more

“One of the Best Attractions in Texas”
5 of 5 stars
clarinerdy
Houston TX
Mar 18, 2008

This is truely one of the best attractions in texas. Although it can't compete with Niagra Falls or the Grand Canyon, there is something to be said about seeing saturn and all three of its moons. All of the people in our family just loved it and it is truely a trip for all ages. more

“Wow - I've Never Seen a Night Sky So Full of Stars”
5 of 5 stars
NewMexBound
Massachusetts
Feb 13, 2008
1/1 found this review helpful

The McDonald Observatory is about 40 miles north of Alpine. I had read about the Star Parties on their website and decided to give it a try. As it turned out, the moon was at a crescent stage and it was a very clear Feb night. This made for excellent star viewing - I'd never seen a sky so full... more

“Star Party was Awesome!”
5 of 5 stars
MrTed
Austin, TX
Oct 22, 2007
3/3 found this review helpful

We visited the McDonald Observatory on a recent Saturday night to attend one of their Star Parties and had a fabulous time. The Party begins in the outdoor amphitheater with a talk by one of the staff about what you will be able to see in the night sky. They point out a few constellations, discuss how the telescopes are... more

Reviews of McDonald Observatory

( 1-4 of 4 )
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McDonald Observatory: Management Resources

McDonald Observatory Address

Fort Davis, TX 79734-1337
Tel: 432-426-3640