Daytime Programs

The Visitors Center is open 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Check the calendar for programs and start times.

General Admission:

Explore the Visitors Center exhibit gallery and gift shop and take a self-guided tour of both summits.

Learn more about what to expect on the SELF-GUIDED TOUR ...

A self-guided tour map of both summits is provided with General Admission. Visitors drive their own vehicles to both summits. Trailers and RVs over 20 ft are not allowed at the summits due to steep grades and difficulty in parking and turning around.

At the top of Mt. Locke, the views are stunning on a clear day. Visitors may explore the ground floor lobby of the 107-inch dome featuring a short video about the telescope. The 82" dome is not accessible to the public.

At the summit of Mt. Fowlkes, you can see the largest telescope in North America and the second largest in the world, the Hobby-Eberly Telescope (HET). The George T. Abell Gallery at the HET features informative videos explaining the history and scientific uses of the Hobby-Eberly Telescope, including the current HET Dark Energy Experiment (HETDEX). A large panoramic window allows up-close views of this unique telescope.

Solar Viewing:

This theater-based program includes live views of the sun (weather permitting) as well as a discussion of the formation, visible features, and the future of the Sun. On not-so-clear days, previously-captured video and stills are used. This is typically a 45-50 minute program.

Guided Tours:

Experience an up-close look at large research telescopes at McDonald Observatory. The program includes general admission to the Visitors Center and a guided tour of two of our research telescopes (approximately 90-120-minutes).

Learn more about what to expect on the GUIDED TOUR ...

The Guided Tours begin in the Visitors Center with a brief introduction. The group then heads up Mount Locke to learn about the history of the observatory and visit the 107" Harlan J. Smith telescope. Visitors may drive or ride the observatory the shuttle (shuttle priority is given to those in RVs or pulling a trailer). The tour continues to the summit of Mt. Fowlkes and the Hobby-Eberly Telescope (HET). At the HET, you'll learn more about that telescope's unique design and the current research done here.

These are the typical daytime activities. We occasionally alter the content or order to accommodate research activities or large numbers of visitors, or severe weather. Please note that there is no viewing through telescopes during the Guided Tours.

The Guided Tour typically runs 1.5 - 2 hours. Please arrive on time for your Guided Tour, as refunds are not available for those who arrive after the tour group has left the Visitors Center.

Special Tours:

Travel back in time to see the first telescope built at McDonald Observatory! The 82-inch Guided Tour includes admission to the Visitors Center, as well as a guided tour of the 82-inch Otto Struve telescope. Guests will visit the dome building and observing floor, learning about the history of the Observatory and operation of the 82-inch telescope, then and now. Duration is approximately 75 minutes. The 82-inch Telescope is not wheelchair accessible. Transportation from the Visitors Center to the summit of Mt. Locke is provided. Reservations Required.

Group Reservations are available for 15 or more people. Astronomy Field Trips are available for school visits.

* Residents of Jeff Davis, Brewster, and Presidio counties receive free General Admission and Guided Tour passes with valid proof of residency.

* Current UT Austin faculty, staff, and students receive free General Admission with their UT ID.

Please include all members of your party in your reservation, including children of any age. For the safety of all of our guests, minors must be accompanied by an adult (18 or over) on all of our public programs. Contact us for more information or to ask about accommodations.

HEALTH & SAFETY AT MCDONALD OBSERVATORY ...

What We’re Doing to Help Keep You Safe

All areas of the Visitors Center, including exhibits, restrooms, and high-touch areas, are cleaned regularly.
Hand sanitizing stations are available throughout the Visitors Center.
Air purifiers are in use throughout the building.
We encourage staff and visitors to follow all applicable CDC guidelines for mask wearing and social distancing.

Health and Safety Requirements for Visitors

Do not visit if you have symptoms of COVID-19, have been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the past 14 days, or have been in close contact with someone infected with or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. We will happily reschedule or refund your passes with no charges.
Use hand sanitizer, hand washing stations, and other hygiene best practices.
Follow directions from staff and signage about guidelines for use of facilities.

In this aerial view, the two large domes in the foreground are the 2.1-meter Str

Aerial View of McDonald Observatory

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Daytime Programs

General Admission:

Solar Viewing:

Guided Tours:

Special Tours:

Know Before You Go