After twenty years of saying "Hey, Wife, we need to do to the George Observatory and stargaze with the kids" we finally bought tickets about a month or so ago for last nights, 07June2025, experience. Thinking that we would have a hard time finding the Observatory, we left home earlier than we thought we should to be there for our 10pm seating. We were sooooo wrong about that. Not only was it easy to get there from The Woodlands, we got there early enough to be placed on the 9pm viewings wait list. Luckily enough, we did NOT make that list. Instead, we were able to take a long look at the displays in the waiting area as well as relax (thank goodness for Deep Woods Off) on one of the benches and count the firefly lights in the trees as well as just look at the sky with the MarkI eyeball for a taste of the infinite. The skeeters were ignoring the Deep Woods Off, so we moseyed into the atrium and visited with our fellow stargazers while the 10pm hour approached. The theater was cool and dim with a rerunning video on solar/universe sights displaying on the wall, making for a nice waiting area. At 10pm, our host began our stargazing experience. Since my Wife has issues with stairs (old injury and plain old time) we took the ramp to the pavilion that accesses the telescope entrances. That slope os gentle and meandered around the back of the Observatory under a massive oak tree and made for a nice stroll for us arm in arm. There were at least five additional mobile telescopes on the deck ranging from 4" to 16" in size. The images attached are from the 4" to give a reference of the quality scopes used. The instruments in the two smaller cupolas were 16" and 18" respectively with the 36" main dominating the deck of the pavilion. We were able to use the eyepieces on the 16 and 36 to directly view stellar formations well outside our solar system. The 18 was having issues, so it was not used last night. Staff and Volunteers were outstanding and let everyone take a peek in the eyepiece as long as they desired on each scope, even the 36 incher. Many of them were not astronomers but had a passion for stargazing as well as producing a cornucopia of knowledge for us to ingest about the equipment and the viewed object. Personally, I prefer planetary viewing, but the stellar items were a sight to behold. My Wife wants to go back in winter, during a New Moon to get a better view of the Milky Way and the Winter Sky series of constellations and I heartily agree with her. We will be back in Nov or Dec. The cost of tickets is reasonable and go to the upkeep of the Observatory, but access to Brazos Bend State Park is NOT included in the ticket fee. A per person fee will be assessed at the entrance by Park personnel. There is usually a few weeks of sold out sessions, so plan well ahead and get those slots early. Hope for clear skies and slather yourself with bug spray. Ciao, Darrell read more

George Observatory - Southern Pole of The Moon taken on 7June2025 about 10:50 pm - Observatories Near Me - Needville, Texas

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Nice people, great classes. The observatory was awesome! The classes are about astronomy, come to this place if your kids like astronomy (space science/ outer space). Learning how to work in Mission Control and Space Ship. Astronomy classes as well. Mini Exhibits. Very great place! RECOMMEND FOR FUTURE STEM PROGRAMS, FEILD TRIPS, AND MORE! read more

A wonderful hidden gem of an experience just a short drive from Southwest Houston and suburbs. It's fun to meet folks out on a Saturday night and look at the stars with "most impressive" analogue telescopes. read more

George Observatory - Big telescope pointed at Orion Nebula - Observatories Near Me - Needville, Texas

Had an amazing time and the people there were so nice. Got to try out different telescopes.

The George Observatory is a great place to visit. Located in the heart of Brazos Bend State Park, far from the city lights. Not going to lie, BBSP can be a little spooky at night, huge Walking Dead vibe, but fight that fear and see the sky like you have never seen before. Located directly across from the nature center, down a short path. Can't really see it from the road. Huge telescopes and plenty of people pointing things out in the sky. Everyone I met was super nice and eager to talk. I took a couple of photos with my point and shoot camera thru the telescope and had great results. Really fun place. read more

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We visited the Brazos Bend State Park on a beautiful, clear evening in February 2017. You are stopped at the gate, fee is $7 per person over 12 years old. We went for a hike for about an hour or so until it got dark. We really enjoyed the trails. We didn't see any alligators, but we did see an armadillo. Then we made our way over to the observatory. It was a clear night, so we knew it would be crowded from reading other reviews online. There was quite a long line just to buy tickets for the big telescope, which is $7. This fee also includes 2 other big telescopes on deck. We made our way up to the deck where we found the line all the way around the biggest telescope. The volunteers there will come around and explain to everyone that one person per group may keep place in line while others check out the other telescopes. There are even some people with their own telescopes who will show you planets and constellations they have concentrated on. This was my favorite part. After 1.5 hours of waiting at the biggest telescope, I was expecting to see something spectacular, like the rings of Saturn or some moons from another planet. Instead, we were shown, 1 by 1, the Orion Nebula. It looked like a colorless cloud with dots of light behind it. None of the volunteers explained to us what exactly we were looking at. I only figured it out because there was a computer sitting nearby with the information pulled up on the screen. Had I not looked at the computer, I would have never known. It was a clear night, so I was disappointed this was the best view we got. Parents- I have kids, they were young once. This is probably not the place for most of the under 6 crowd. They have no idea what they are looking at and get quite antsy having to stand in line for long periods of time. Do yourself (and the rest of us) a favor, leave them with a babysitter! I can't count how many little ones were whining, crying, goofing around and were just plain upset with being there. It is dark- very dark. They have red lights to light up the deck. It is very hard to keep an eye on kids moving around. Also- they ask you don't use your cell phones while on the deck. The red lights on deck help your eyes adjust to the darkness. The longer you are out there, the more stars you will see with just your naked eye. Living in the city, I found this to be amazing! Please don't ruin it for everyone else by checking your phone and blinding everyone. Overall, I would go again. Mostly to just look up at the sky and check out what the amateurs have their telescopes trained on. read more

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OK I'll admit it, I'm a big nerd. Science, stars, Saturday nights filled with doing educational stuff? YEAH. That's me. The George Observatory is a cool alternative for saturday evenings. First off it's located inside the beautiful and peaceful Brazos State Park, but it takes a place this secluded to house a true observatory. Isolated from the city lights and noise. On Saturday evenings the observatory is open to the public from 3-10 pm. For the cheap price of $5 it allows you to go up into the main telescope and see into outer space. On the night I went I saw Jupiter and it's moons. Pretty freaking cool. For that price it also lets you into the two smaller domes which is pointed at various other objects in the sky. On this night it was focused on the moon, it was neat to see moon closer up in person, that just on the internet. If you don't want to spend the 5 you can pay just 3 and get a stamp and use the side scopes. If money all together is too much there are amateur star gazers who set up smaller telescopes and allow viewing for free. The people who help run this place are very informative. One person even spent sometime explaining the constellations and pointing them out with a really freaking cool laser pointer. He even pointed out what time the space station would fly over head, that was the best part of the whole experience following it across the sky. Best, it's a cool date night, if your girl is just a tad bit nerdy. read more

I had an amazing time here! We opted for the late showing so we could set up camp before and I am really glad we did. As far as I could tell, it seemed really packed early in the evening. Mostly children. It was really cloudy the night I went, but about the time we were walking in, the skies parted like the red sea and we got an amazing view! Because it was so cloudy, they were only looking at the moon. Which, don't get me wrong, is still really cool, but I was hoping for something a little further away. As most people were leaving, I asked the astronomer who was running the 36" telescope if he could turn it so we could look at Jupiter and he did!! It was like our own personal viewing. Then we made our way to the smaller telescope and it was also pointed at the moon. It was a much better view though. Then the sweet guy that was running the telescope told us that we could take a picture if we wanted. So I get my camera out and start snapping photos of the telescope, but he meant we could take a picture of the MOON!! He helped me get a really great picture through the telescope. This is a great place for date night. It's cheap too and an amazingly short drive from Houston. read more

George Observatory - Observatories Near Me - Needville, Texas

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Astrology is one of my deepest passions to know more about the universe is my curiosity and I found George Observatory and it was a must to go visit. I was amazed to be honest I was honored to the point I could cry to had witnessed such beauty. I have to say the drive was a hassle and there's a lot of nature to get to ur destination literally but it didn't stop me because to had witnessed the beauty of the stars. read more

George Observatory - I always dress to impress. The sky is the limit - Observatories Near Me - Needville, Texas

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Let me tell you what really ticked me The LACK OF ORGANIZATION. You pay all this money to do all the things, one the inside inflatable observatory was so blurry. Then! Half way through it went from relaxing and I can hear whats going on to "What in the hell is going out there?!" YELLING SCREAMING AND PEOPLE LEANING INTO IT. CAN NO ONE SAY QUIET PLEASE? TONE DOWN? ANYTHING?!NO ? OKAY. Can no staff member ask for a library voice? Ask the adults to ask the kids to tone down or wait outside the doors? No. Cool. Cool Next! The actual viewings, as friendly as the few staff members were the organization was nothing but mad. We waited in line for 20minutes for a viewing and not even neared 1/3 of the building and got quoted an hour. JUST because people kept cutting in line, there was no order. No nothing, i had two groups of 6 just oh hey I know you lets cut!! A girl AND boy scout member freaken cut us, with their kids because they either knew someone in line or muscled their way in. I MEAN COME ON!!! INFURIATING. BEYOND INFURIATING. Get a valet rope, something?? Distribute paper numbers like a grocery store? Give out numbers per phone number. Yes your a member of how many? And your #? You'll get a text! Something. Should have been more staff regulating the crowds. Highly. Highly I cannot stress how disappointed I am. We ended up leaving. Long drive for us and it was already ten when we left, unable to see anything but the hobby telescopes, thanks to the scouts, thanks to the LARGE crowd of people playing dumb and cutting in. Thank you. Our drive was more than worth it Disappointed. Should really do reservations, some form of order. read more

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This is one of the coolest things to do in Houston. The drive out there is an adventure in itself. I recommend getting out there while there is still light since the drive can be dark and curvy, and the good time slots fill up fast. You can start buying your tickets at 5pm. Saturday nights are open to the public on a first come first serve basis. It is $4 per person to get into the park, and $5 to see through all three telescopes. It gets so dark out there, it really is cool. The stars light up the sky brilliantly. There are alligators, birds, trees, water, little bridges to walk across, curvy paths to walk down. If you are not used to getting out in nature, like myself.. this is a good place to dip your toes in. Not literally of course... because of the alligators and all. Before your viewing time, you can sit through an orientation that gives you a crash course on how the observatory came to be, and what you will be able to see through the telescopes. While your waiting on the platform for your viewing time, there are amateur astronomers who bring out their own telescopes. The ones I met were very friendly and love to talk about all the happenings. I saw Mars through one of them myself. And boy do they really like to talk, which is great! The volunteers are extremely knowledgeable of all the constellations and times of the year to see this or that. The loud talking children walking around with their glow sticks, and the parents telling them to hush every two seconds didn't bother me too much... so that must mean this place more than makes up for the total family effect. I plan on going back with a larger group of friends. Actually, I think heading out there early, having a picnic, then walking it off sounds like a plan. read more

George Observatory - In front of the big telescope, doing my yoga tree pose! - Observatories Near Me - Needville, Texas

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My husband and I had a good time on a HMNS members' only night. You drive to the park (pay park fees), park in a big lot, walk about a quarter mile to the obsevatory on a lighted path. They had drinks and snacks waiting for us inside. Then you walk up to the obsevation deck and wait in line to see one of for telescopes to see what they pointed at. Two were pointed at Jupiter and two at the Moon. It all depends on what's in the sky and the weather. There are benches in the deck so you can sit if you want. At 9pm, they had an astronomer give a talk on what you saw and answer questions. You could then go look some more or head out. The park was listed as closed but they were open for the event. You will need to have reservations through the HMNS webpage. read more

I can't find anywhere online if it is wheelchair accessible. I've called the museum and they don't know. I've messaged the observatory and no answer. How is it possible they don't have a single answer as to if it was wheelchair accessible. Even the guy on the phone shocked there was no answer anywhere. It's so sad to see complete ignorance about the disabled community. You would think a state park would say it somewhere online. read more

If you're feeling adventurous, take the drive down 59S to the Grand Parkway and amble over to Brazos Bend State Park to enjoy the alligators and the stars. George Observatory is located inside the park, and you do need to get in line for tickets a little before 5pm to make sure you get one. Once you do, break out the picnic basket and watch the sun set. When you get there, you see a film first and then get to go see the stars. The telescopes are insanely powerful and neat to experience (we got to see Saturn and the crab nebula), but the coolest thing is getting to talk with all the ameteur astronomers that have built their own telescopes. We went on a Saturday night, and they were all out there. They let you look through their telescopes and give you a mini-lesson on what you're looking at. The whole experience sure gives you that "I am a tiny speck in this gigantic universe" feeling. read more

Every Saturday night, you can head down south to Brazos Bend state park and take advantage of George Observatory's three telescopes - for free. The observatory, which is a part of the Houston Museum of Natural Science, also hosts the occasional Star Party, a highly educational (but fun) star-viewing event. There are three domed telescopes at the George Observatory, ranging from 11 to 36 inches (full details on the park website). There are also some assorted meteor chunks and other space debris on display, some of them quite rare. The observatory is, of course, also open to school groups and other large groups. It's a top-notch local resource, whether you have kids or not. read more

We actually couldn't see through the big telescope because we had to wait in line for 45 mins and after a half day of hiking in the park, we were exhausted so we left after 45 mins in line, although I think if we waited for another 10 mins, we might get our chance. However, there were plenty amateur astronomers and they let us see Saturn and Mars through their telescope. One of them said her telescope is so good that the quality is on par with the big telescope. They also shared their knowledge of the stars with the rest of us. So IMO they were more helpful/insightful than the workers. However, I'm not saying the workers there aren't helpful, they are actually very helpful, but there are 100s of tourist and they got their hands full. I would suggest the park to limit numbers of visitor at night time, so we don't have to wait in line. It was very exhausting after a day of hike. For those who wants to visit, I think off season is better to avoid the tourist. Or if you have to visit during summer time, do the hike in the morning, rest in the afternoon, and come back at nighttime. read more

In addition to the three large telescopes on top of the facility, amateur astronomers bring out their telescopes to show you the universe. The facility also has astronomers give talks on various aspects of the night sky. In addition to all that, they also have a Challenger Center there that allows groups to run a simulated space mission (although this is more of a daytime thing). If you're looking to get away from the bright lights and big city for something different, I highly recommend going here! read more

This is such a cool day trip or Saturday evening/night date idea! Since the Observatory is located in Brazos Bend Park, I've also included a review of the park. We got there at around 2pm and looked around the Nature Center exhibits, and then walked around the trails of the park (park admission is $5 per adult with discounts for seniors and kids). Then we went and stood in line (15 min) for the tickets at the Observatory. They start selling tickets for the Observatory at 5pm. Make sure you get there early as there are times when is sold out. After we got our tickets, we walked back to the Nature Center and went on a photography tour. We had a fun time trying to photograph wildflowers, alligators, different birds, turtles and snakes (non poisonous) around Elm Lake. We had packed a picnic (can't reenter the park) and enjoyed our food at picnic area near Elm Lake. Then at 8pm we went to the little required presentation/orientation where the director showed us the different constellations and planets we might be able to see. Our group had the 8:45 time slot for the observatory deck. We got really lucky with the weather. The skies were clear and in the evening the temperature was in the 70's with 40% humidity. The telescopes are impressive and it was fun looking at the moon and Saturn that night. I thought the coolest part of the night was a tour of the stars! Using laser pointers, they pointed out constellations, Saturn, and stars while we looked up at the sky. The night sky was SO beautiful!!! Overall was a beautiful, relaxing and educational night. Just some other practical stuff: Parking is plentiful. There are good bathrooms at the Observatory and Nature Center as well as water fountains with cold water. Bathrooms and water are plentiful throughout the park. There are both paved trails and gravel trails there. The paved trails are wheelchair friendly, but some need to be redone as there are a lot of cracks. Bumpy but still usable. The walkway to the observatory is well paved and lit. Picnic tables are plentiful. Some of the covered areas require reservations, but there are plenty of tables under shade trees. This is a great place to ride bikes!! Don't forget sunscreen, water, bug protection, and your camera! read more

Lines were really long. Inside where you buy tickets is like 2 steps away from being torn down. Even though it's only 7$ a person not worth it drive out to the area and just stare at the stars from the car same experience. read more

What could be better than a relaxing day spent at Brazos Bend State Park? A cool look into the George Observatory located right in the park is what. This observatory is actually part of the Houston Museum of Natural Science and offers many activities and events year round. It's open on Saturdays from 3pm-10pm with special openings on Fridays for summer solstice and also in July, on a day when the Milky Way is visible. Ticket price is $3. The observatory has a planetarium with different adventures playing out every half hour in the Discovery Dome (an inflatable bouncy). You can also take a look-see through the large telescopes on Saturday nights. Tickets are $5 but if you are a member of the HMNS, tickets are $4.50. Do check the website www.hmns.org and click on the Sugar Land link located at the top right of the page. You'll be taken to the satellite page which lists the George Observatory. You'll find all the info you need for group reservations, dates, events such as family, birthday parties, school or scouting as well as pricing and directions. A favorite event is the annual Astronomy Day hosted by the observatory. It's open to all and is free with paid admission to Brazos Bend State Park. (Note that on all other days observatory events and ticket pricing are paid separately). Many people bring telescopes to this outing and are happy to let you view through them. The large telescopes at the observatory are also available so everyone can get a chance to see the wonders of the night sky. This is a great way to learn about astrology and participate hands on. I'd definitely recommend spending a day here in the park to get a good look at nature by day and the stars at night. All ages will enjoy it. read more

Very nice place to get away and see the stars. Amateur astronomers are happy to let you look through their big telescopes to see deep into space. The night we were there, most telescopes were pointed to Jupiter, and we saw it close enough to detect a band of clouds at the equator. Awesome! I can't wait to get back there next year. read more

It's so beautiful out here. I drove out here with a friend and her kids because a teacher suggested it. We got lost on the drive, because it's a long long drive out and then a long walk to the center, but once we got there it was very worth it. It was already dark and some of the Observatory was closed, but they were having a special event- A Star Party. There were lots of people sitting out in the cool night air and we brought Champagne in a can it was a lot of fun. I'm not sure that bit was allowed, but there wasn't any trouble. I can't wait to go back. read more

I visited this observatory 3 years ago and have been meaning to go back for a while now. The first time I saw a fault line on the moon through the big telescope, and the galaxy Andromeda through the west telescope. The East one was down that night. The observatory is open to the public every Saturday night. Just the location alone yields a lot of stars seen with the naked eye. I wish they would expand to Friday nights as well, it would help with the long lines on clear evenings. Hope HMNS considers that. I love this place, but experiences may vary. The Stars have to align, quite literally, for the best experience. Hitting a perfectly clear Saturday night with no other plans made can be a tough feat. Hence why it took me 3 years to make it back. Not to mention last night (Jan 23), there was a full moon and it made viewing anything else very difficult. Upon arrival, (7:45pm) and a $7 per person fee to enter the park. We caught a 15 minute presentation talking about the observatory, telescopes, a well as some interesting size comparisons and info about the planets Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, their moons, as well as touching on other galaxies and star systems. With the long lines they recommended to go up and look through the smaller volunteer's telescopes. Most were pointed at the moon and a few different star systems. We decided to brave the lines and cold and paid an additional $7 each for the telescope tickets. The west telescope yielded a cluster of stars in the Perseus constellation, more than you can see with the naked eye. However it was less interesting than seeing Andromeda the first time, but the moon's light was going to prevent that. Seeing the main telescopes lines we went to the East telescope. The line seemed to freeze (so did we from the cold), as they repositioned the telescope. But nothing happened. Whoever was in there either never came out, or there was a technical difficulty. We gave up and checked out the now shorter line for the big telescope. After learning it was only pointed to another star cluster, and the observatory about to close in 30 minutes, we called it a night. Doesn't sound like the greatest experience, so why 5 stars? Again, a lot of things have to go right. Jupiter was still below the horizon and the planetary alignment of mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn is viewable within a two week period only before dawn. Despite the bright moon, cold weather and long lines, I was with good company, and am thankful to have a facility like this only 45 minutes away. I look forward to going back on another clear Saturday night, during a new moon, with warmer conditions and hopefully see more amazing views of our universe. read more

The park itself was great. My complaint was the staff handling the telescope. The elderly Gentleman working there was very rude to a few children in the group. He yelled "Dont touch just look. Maybe he was having a bad day but otherwise the view was great. Getting there was a little scary but we survived. I will visit again. read more

this place is ahhhhhhhhhhmaazing. my husband and i are noobie astronomers and most of the time we are on our patio with our telescope or driving out to no mans land to find some sweet space. our first time here, was a little awkward i must admit. we had no idea where to go, what to do, or what we could do. but once we got out there and it got dark, people were more than welcoming to us and we learned a lot. people will let you look in their telescope, not judge yours, and even teach you more about yours than you ever knew! also, make sure you go into the big guys - you'll see things that will blow your mind. oh, and its free! read more

This was a fun little outing we decided to do on what we thought was a great night to go. First of all, you pay $7 per person (adult price) to get into the park. Then once you park near the observatory you pay another $7 per person to get access to the deck. Beware, it's first come, first serve. As we were leaving, we overheard one of the employees saying there was an hour wait into the main dome around 8pm. However, while you wait, there are volunteers on the deck who allow you to view things on their telescopes. Another helpful tip, go on a clear night (no clouds, check the pollution, new moon). If you get there early, and wait near the main dome, then you risk them opening the door with light still out, so you don't really see anything. It got pretty crowded. We also got a jerk volunteer named Tony who was manning the main scope. In order to not make him mad, don't bother asking if you can take a photo of the telescope and stand FAR away from the rope. All the other volunteers were fantastic and full of knowledge if you've got questions. There was also a 15min presentation in the main lobby that talks about the 3 telescopes and info about the planets, moons and constellations. We'll be back again, just on a clear, new moon night. read more

George Observatory - The telescope in the main dome - Observatories Near Me - Needville, Texas

Located down a remote road but signage is good. You have to walk across a fairly rickety bridge that crosses a swamp to get to the building which is more than creepy at night. The Planatarium left a lot to be desired. It is a small portable and inflatable igloo tent that seats about 10 people (only 5 chairs). The whole place could use some desperately needed funding help. The volunteer staff is the place's only saving grace. They were nice and knowledgable. The telescope viewing seemed worthwhile, but happens too late for kids under 8 or 9. There has to be something more comprehensive for a city the size of Houston. This is more like someone's research lab that is open periodically to the public. read more

We visited during a star party, needless to say it was packed and we couldn't get anywhere near a telescope. Having said that it was worth the drive and parking challenges just to see Nee villeat night and to visit the beautiful building that is the George Observatory. read more

Very interesting for adults and older children. The best time is to go prior to sunset so you would be able to have a beautiful view of Needville from the roof during day time, take pictures and then to see the moon through the telescope after sunset. Need at least 2-3 hours. read more

We meander up here half a dozen times a year, usually on days that are clear. George Observatory drive up is beautiful, and parking is usually a breeze (and free). The views from all areas outside George Observatory are spectacular and make wonderful photos to remember your Needville day. The Observatory itself is good, if you like that sort of thing . it's also a great place to cool off on a hot day. read more

this is a must do for all you nerds out there! we went on astronomy day, so we got to look through the big telescope for free (36). this one is extra cool because to look through it you have to get on a hydraulic lift. you have to get there early to get your ticket, but if they run out you can always look through the little one for free (14). there are also volunteer nerds who set up their telescopes and let you look through them. we got to see the moon up close and a nebula. sorry guys, nothing you can do about rain or clouds. maybe we'll have to come back another night when it's not astronomy night, since there are lots of little kids running around. try not to use your cell phone or flash lights, otherwise you'll upset some of the nerds and get a nerd scolding. read more

I took my boyfriend here as a surprise since we both love to stargaze and are really into telescopes. We got there a little before 5PM but didn't realize there were no showings until 9 o'clock. That was my fault so we just hung around brazos for four hours. We were already wiped out by 9 and waited in line for an hour to view the big telescope and were horrified to realize that we waited four hours to look into a telescope for ten seconds and see the EXACT same thing we were viewing with our naked eye. I had to ask to make sure that we were viewing it correctly because I was in such disbelief. I'm giving this place a 3 because I've been to other observatories and just feel that this place is a little outdated and that it could be in a better location . I just don't think it was worth the two hour trip and four hour wait, or the $30 we spent collectively. HOWEVER, this place is pretty cool if you have kids, bring a picnic, chairs, and BUG SPRAY and have a shorter drive. Worth seeing at least once. read more