A place
of wonder, discovery, and legend.
Unlike anywhere else.
In the entire cosmos.
The story of Yerkes Observatory began on a household rooftop in the Kenwood neighborhood of Chicago, in 1882. There, George Ellery Hale, a 14-year-old boy with an insatiable curiosity about science, installed his first telescope. A decade later Hale and his father constructed a proper observatory, with a 12-inch telescope, next to their home. Hale’s ideas about astronomy, observatories, and architecture would culminate in the creation of Yerkes Observatory, housing not just one telescope but three, including the 12-inch refractor from Hale’s youth.
The story of Yerkes Observatory began on a household rooftop in the Kenwood neighborhood of Chicago, in 1882. There, George Ellery Hale, a 14-year-old boy with an insatiable curiosity about science, installed his first telescope. A decade later Hale and his father constructed a proper observatory, with a 12-inch telescope, next to their home. Hale’s ideas about astronomy, observatories, and architecture would culminate in the creation of Yerkes Observatory, housing not just one telescope but three, including the 12-inch refractor from Hale’s youth.
The story of Yerkes Observatory began on a household rooftop in the Kenwood neighborhood of Chicago, in 1882. There, George Ellery Hale, a 14-year-old boy with an insatiable curiosity about science, installed his first telescope. A decade later Hale and his father constructed a proper observatory, with a 12-inch telescope, next to their home. Hale’s ideas about astronomy, observatories, and architecture would culminate in the creation of Yerkes Observatory, housing not just one telescope but three, including the 12-inch refractor from Hale’s youth.
The story of Yerkes Observatory began on a household rooftop in the Kenwood neighborhood of Chicago, in 1882. There, George Ellery Hale, a 14-year-old boy with an insatiable curiosity about science, installed his first telescope. A decade later Hale and his father constructed a proper observatory, with a 12-inch telescope, next to their home. Hale’s ideas about astronomy, observatories, and architecture would culminate in the creation of Yerkes Observatory, housing not just one telescope but three, including the 12-inch refractor from Hale’s youth.
The story of Yerkes Observatory began on a household rooftop in the Kenwood neighborhood of Chicago, in 1882. There, George Ellery Hale, a 14-year-old boy with an insatiable curiosity about science, installed his first telescope. A decade later Hale and his father constructed a proper observatory, with a 12-inch telescope, next to their home. Hale’s ideas about astronomy, observatories, and architecture would culminate in the creation of Yerkes Observatory, housing not just one telescope but three, including the 12-inch refractor from Hale’s youth.
The story of Yerkes Observatory began on a household rooftop in the Kenwood neighborhood of Chicago, in 1882. There, George Ellery Hale, a 14-year-old boy with an insatiable curiosity about science, installed his first telescope. A decade later Hale and his father constructed a proper observatory, with a 12-inch telescope, next to their home. Hale’s ideas about astronomy, observatories, and architecture would culminate in the creation of Yerkes Observatory, housing not just one telescope but three, including the 12-inch refractor from Hale’s youth.
Mapping the unfolding universe for 125 years.
Yerkes Observatory. Come and see.
What will the stars reveal to you?
Ancient navigators charted their course by them. Romantics pledge their love underneath them. Scientists are unraveling new secrets about them. Northwoods campers marvel at the sheer number of them. The stars have forever mystified, fascinated, and inspired us. For 125 years and counting, Yerkes Observatory has helped shape our understanding of the universe. And it is once again open for you to explore.
Stroll the lush grounds, originally designed by the Olmsted firm, which created New York’s Central Park. Wander through the grand Beaux Arts style building, itself a treasure. Follow in the footsteps of astronomical greats like George Ellery Hale, Edwin Hubble, and Carl Sagan as you enter the cathedral-like dome. Size up the Great Refractor telescope—all 63 feet and 19 tons of it—so delicately balanced that it can be moved by hand.
Yerkes Observatory Staff, 1898
Yerkes’ next chapter is as a beacon—drawing in future generations of explorers and scientists to new realms of discovery. Plan a visit and prepare to be amazed, just like the astronomers and visitors of the past 125 years.
Yerkes Observatory Staff, 1898
Take a
Tour
Albert Einstein visited.
Now it’s your turn.
Space & Spaces
A Yerkes tour can tell you a lot. Let’s say your interest is . . . astronomy, for example. You could learn about space exploration. The unheralded early role of women in science. Cold War defense systems. The invaluable contributions of immigrant astronomers. The time Carl Sagan thought he broke the telescope as a graduate student.
Hidden Space
Tour Henry Ives Cobb's masterpiece of Beaux Arts design, an elaborate confection of ornament and order. In this cathedral for cosmos mariners, every detail tells a story—from the top of the iron-laced dome to the floor on an elevator to the subterranean systems.
Self-Guided Ground Tour
Enjoy a self-guided ecology tour and walk amongst a 50-acre landscape designed by the firm founded by Frederick Law Olmsted. They also created New York's Central Park, the Biltmore Gardens, and the U.S. Capital Grounds. While you're delightning in the flora and fauna, can you spot the Wisconsin champion tree?
Join Us
Events
A place in a class by itself makes every visit special.
Celebration! Olmstead 200
2022 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Frederick Law Olmsted, social reformer and founder of American landscape architecture. Please join Yerkes Observatory and the National Association for Olmsted Parks, as we explore Olmsted’s living legacy on site.
Personalize Your celebration
Have your wedding on our luxuriant grounds rising from the shore of Geneva Lake. Hold your rehearsal dinner in our historic library. Family reunions, birthday parties, baby and wedding showers are also welcome in our stately spaces.
Host An Event
Whether you are planning a corporate retreat or organizing a private party, Yerkes Observatory's panoramic vistas, first-class amenities, and historic buildings provide a special atmosphere for any occasion.