Things to Do
McDonald Observatory is open to the public Tuesday-Saturday, 12-5 p.m. We are closed Sunday and Monday. All visitors must check in at the Frank N Bash Visitor Center.
Programs frequently sell out during busy periods like Spring Break and major holidays. To ensure your spot, make advance reservations.
Part of a group of 15 or more? See if you qualify for a group rate.
Daytime Programs
General Admission
Exhibits, Telescopes, and More
Duration: Self-paced When: Tuesday-Saturday 12 PM -5 PM Price: $3 (Free for residents of Jeff Davis, Brewster, and Presidio counties) Members: Free Learn MoreSolar Viewing
Explore the Sun in the Visitors Center Theater
Includes General Admission
Duration: 45-50 minutes When: Tuesday-Saturday at 1 PM Price: $5 Members: $5 Learn MoreGuided Tour
Up-close look at our large research telescopes
Includes General Admission
Duration: 90-120 minutes When: Tuesday-Saturday at 2 PM Price: $5-$10 (Free for residents of Jeff Davis, Brewster, and Presidio counties) Members: $4-$8 Learn More82-inch Telescope Guided Tour
Travel back in time to see the first telescope built at McDonald Observatory.
Includes General Admission.
Duration: 60-75 minutes When: Select Saturdays Price: $5-10 Learn MoreEvening Programs
Star Party
Open-air constellation tour and live telescope views
Includes General Admission
Duration: 2 Hours When: Varies by season Price: $5 - $25 Members: Receive 1-6 complimentary passes/year, depending on membership level Learn More36-inch Special Viewing Night
View astronomical objects with a research-grade 36-inch telescope
Includes General Admission
Duration: 2.5 Hours When: Select nights throughout the year Price: $100 Members: $80 Learn More82-inch Special Viewing Night
View astronomical objects with a research-grade 82-inch telescope
Includes General Admission
Duration: 2.5 hours When: Select nights throughout the year Price: $150 Members: $120 Learn MoreSpecial Programs & Events
Livestreams
Visit the Observatory from the comfort of your living room! Join us for live tours of the Moon, Sun, deep sky objects, current astronomical events, and more.
Learn MoreAstrophotography Workshop
Learn how to produce stunning photos under the dark skies at McDonald Observatory.
Learn MoreEducator Nights
Throughout the month of August, McDonald Observatory is offering FREE Star Party passes for all Texas educators.
Duration: August 1-31 Learn MoreExhibit in Fort Davis
As part of the Smithsonian’s nationally traveling exhibit on rural American ingenuity, McDonald Observatory will have an exhibit at the Hotel Limpia in Fort Davis.
Duration: July 3 - August 8 Learn More