Please note: the Observatory and Visitors Center are located 450 miles from Austin and are on Central Time. As a University of Texas campus, the Observatory grounds are "concealed carry" only.
All programs are subject to capacity limits. To ensure program participation, make advance reservations online.
The Frank N. Bash Visitors Center is open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day from 10:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. (additional hours on Star Party nights)
Frank N. Bash Visitors Center 3640 Dark Sky Drive McDonald Observatory, TX 79734
Latitude: 30 degrees, 40 minutes, 48.5 seconds (30.680139 degrees) North
Longitude: 104 degrees, 01 minute, 30.5 seconds (104.025139 degrees) West
432-426-3640
877-984-7827 (recorded information, toll-free)
This address works for delivery purposes and may not be available for all mapping services.
Driving
Visitors traveling east on Interstate 10 from El Paso may take Highway 118 south at Kent for the 39-mile scenic drive to the observatory. Remember that the Observatory is on Central Time (El Paso is on Mountain Time - one hour earlier than the Observatory).
Visitors traveling west on Interstate 10 may take Highway 17 south at Balmorhea to Fort Davis, then Highway 118 north 16 miles following the signs to the Observatory.
If you're coming from the Big Bend National Park, take Highway 118 north through Alpine and Fort Davis to the Observatory.
Automotive Fuel
The nearest standard fueling stations (i.e, gasoline and diesel) to McDonald Observatory are in Fort Davis, 15 miles away. There are no fuels available at the Observatory.
There are currently three electric car charging options in the wide area "near" McDonald Observatory. One is at El Cosmico in Marfa, Stable Performance Cars in Alpine, and the Balmorhea Visitors Center.
Flying
The closest commercial airports are El Paso International (190 miles) and Midland International (177 miles). Although you can count on roughly 2.5 to 3 hour drives from either, when driving from El Paso you'll lose an hour going from Mountain time (El Paso) to Central time (McDonald). For private aviation there are airstrips in Marfa and Alpine (both about 40 miles from the Observatory).
Where to stay
Fort Davis is the nearest town to the Observatory and boasts a number of hotels, motels, and B&Bs. The Fort Davis Chamber of Commerce maintains an extensive list of area accommodations. Additionally, the Chamber sites of Alpine (~ 45 miles) and Marfa (~ 37 miles) also list area lodging.
Dress warmly (especially for evening programs) and bring your reservation confirmation with you. The Visitors Center is open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Central Time (and additional hours on Star Party nights) every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. The phone number is 432-426-3640.
