Access to the Observatory grounds is ONLY allowed for visitors with reserved passes. All access requires advance reservations, which are subject to capacity limits.
Our evening programs are paused temporarily. If your reservation is affected, you will receive an email with additional information.
Programs
Join us for the following programs at the McDonald Observatory Frank N Bash Visitors Center.
General Admission - Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Guided Tours - Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday mornings 11:00a and afternoons 2:00p (approx. 1.5 hrs, weather permitting)
Prices
Adults
Military Senior (65+) Locals Students (5+)
Children under 5
General Admission
Guided Tours
$3
$10
$3
$8
$3
$6
"Locals" are Fort Davis, Alpine, or Marfa residents with valid proof of residency
Please include all members of your party in your reservation (including passes for children of any age).Contact us for more information or to let us know if you have special needs. Bring a printout of your online receipt, a digital copy on your device (note that the Observatory does not have public WiFi and is out of cell range) or make note of the confirmation code you receive from our system. Passes will be under your last name at Check-in.
March - May: Reservation information about public programs in March (and beyond) will be posted in January. Friends of McDonald Observatory member receive advanced notice of program availability.
Dress warmly (especially for evening programs) and bring your reservation confirmation with you. The Visitors Center is currently open for daytime General Admission and Guided Tours. The Visitors Center's phone number is 432-426-3640.