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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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