One of the best places to see the stars in the Southwest is Big Bend National Park, a designated International Dark Sky Park that proves Texas earns its title as the Lone Star State. But out here, you can go a step beyond just looking up and make it a party. A Star Party, to be exact, at the McDonald Observatory near Fort Davis.
Bring your friends and family for a group viewing, where you’ll start at the Frank N. Bash Visitors Center. You’ll settle into a small outdoor amphitheater (some walking is required to get here) beneath the wide West Texas sky, as guides point out constellations and share the stories behind them. From there, you’ll get to look through a series of powerful telescopes, each aimed at a different marvel of the Milky Way. Staff and volunteers help you spot glowing nebulae, distant star clusters and even the rings of Saturn.
Groups of 15 or more can book in advance, and on certain nights, the observatory brings out the big guns (or, bigger telescopes) for an even deeper look into the cosmos. Dress warmly—it gets cold at 6,300 feet—and prepare for a celestial celebration unlike any other.
To learn more, visit mcdonaldobservatory.org. To plan your trip, head to fortdavis.com.