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McDonald Observatory


TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #2 of 4 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

Reviews you can trust

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
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5 of 5 stars
HOUAP6804   4 contributions
Houston
Oct 9, 2009

Just returned from a special viewing night. Always a terrific experience. This time we stayed at the astronomers' lodge and got on the big 'scope. (you have to be a "friend of the mcDonald", $75 per yr with other benefits) Neat people, great view up on Mt Locke, and reasobale accommadations. If you're into stars, sky, milky way, peaceful and... more

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5 of 5 stars
oodleday   2 contributions
Austin, TX
Jul 15, 2009

The daytime tour is okay, definitely worth the money and you've gotta do it to see the incredibly cool telescopes and learn about the technology that makes them possible, but the real magic happens at night- tuesday, friday and saturday they have "star parties" where you go at night and look through telescopes.... but you don't really have to use... more

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4 of 5 stars
OneSoaringSpirit   90 contributions
Tyler, Texas
Jun 12, 2009

Well, I've either been close to McDonald Observatory, or camping at Fort Davis, and unable (because of time) to go to the Observatory. It is amazing! It is the greatest! I just wish we didn't have cloud cover, we did (when the clouds broke) get to see Saturn. I was disappointed that we didn't get to look throught the 84... more

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5 of 5 stars
mem0ries   4 contributions
san antonio
Jun 6, 2009

If you have a vivid imagination when Cowboys & Indians existed or love to read books with peace & serenity this is the right place to be. I have been to McDonald Observatory Big Bend National Park 3 times they are so close in range and it never fails such a beauty just the view is like going into time... more

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5 of 5 stars
texassunflower   12 contributions
Richardson, Texas
May 31, 2009

We bought a combo daytime and star party pass. The daytime pass includes a guided tour at either 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. If possible, take the morning tour since clouds sometimes move in during the early afternoon. The clouds will interfere with the solar viewing included with your tour. Our tour guide, Mark, was knowledgeable and encouraged questions. In... more

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4 of 5 stars
samsmom2006   34 contributions
Columbus, Ohio
Mar 28, 2009

We (my husband, my 10 year old son, and I) visited the Observatory on a Saturday night in March, 2009. We recommend reading the Observatory's website prior to a visit as it is full of good information. We also had read the many reviews in Trip Advisor. You absolutely must dress for a chilly evening because the Observatory is on... more

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5 of 5 stars
DallasRay   127 contributions
dallas
Mar 17, 2009
1
person found this review helpful

Unbelievable! I saw a book in a bookstore that this is best place in the world for night viewing. I have to agree 100%. During the star gazing party, there were about 6 telescopes for public viewing. The moderator was very interesting. They had an auditorium for people to warm up, and the snack bar was open if you needed... more

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1 of 5 stars
mrwcq   1 contribution
dallas texas
Dec 18, 2008
2
people found this review helpful

the star party was a rip off, I stayed over an hour in freezing weather and NEVER got to see through a telescope. The instructor just would not shut up. I am not the only one that was disappointed, but probably the only one to complain!!!! DONT GO ==== PHIL ROLEN, DALLAS more

Management response from
McDonald_Obs, Manager

As the manager for the Visitors Center at the Observatory, I can say that it is not our policy to unnecessarily have our visitors standing around in the cold. Since we know that people join our Star Parties primarily to look through the telescopes, even on cloudy nights we always try to get people out to the scopes if it...

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4 of 5 stars
ADVISORUnitedStates   8 contributions
Dallas, Texas
May 18, 2008
3
people found this review helpful

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

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5 of 5 stars
clarinerdy   2 contributions
Houston TX
Mar 18, 2008
3
people found this review helpful

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

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McDonald Observatory Address

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