Although no longer open for refreshments, the Pavilion provides a resting place and vantage point for taking in the expansive view. Sitting high above the main parking lot, the Pavilion is the starting point for Observatory walking tours beginning at 1:00 PM Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays during Daylight Savings Time.
East of the Pavilion is a smaller parking lot that is used for special events including star parties sponsored by local-area astronomy clubs and the
Mount Wilson Observatory Association (MWOA). There are also a few picnic tables among the trees at the edge of the lot.
One of the most frequently-asked questions about the observatory is, ``Why can't visitors go into the domes?'' While this virtual tour provides access into all of the primary buildings at the Observatory, on-site visitors only have access to the Visitors' Gallery of the 100-inch telescope. However, there is this anecdote:
Historical Highlight
(by Don Nicholson)
In the late 1930s, the custodian at Mount Wilson was a very hard- working, dedicated man named Charlie Dustman. Now Charlie was the only person on the mountain who looked as if he were an employee of the Observatory. He was wearing overalls and carrying a broom while the staff were dressed like tourists. As a result, it was Charlie who was always stopped by visitors with questions; the most common of which was, ``I'm a taxpayer, why can't I get into any of the buildings?'' Charlie would patiently explain that they were dedicated to scientific research and that a continuous stream of visitors would create unwanted distractions. Besides, the Observatory was owned and operated by the Carnegie Institution and had no connection with the government. Usually this answer would suffice, but one day a very persistent and obnoxious visitor kept insisting that he had a right as a taxpayer to entry. After repeating his standard response several times, Charlie, in desperation, ended the conversation by asking in a quiet but firm voice, ``Let me see your tax receipt.''
Further to the northeast are the remains of a petting zoo which was operated by Metromedia Corp. when they owned the land during the late 1960's.
