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. George Ellery Hale, a 14-year-old boy with an insatiable curiosity about science, installed his first telescope there. 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. George Ellery Hale, a 14-year-old boy with an insatiable curiosity about science, installed his first telescope there. 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. George Ellery Hale, a 14-year-old boy with an insatiable curiosity about science, installed his first telescope there. 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. George Ellery Hale, a 14-year-old boy with an insatiable curiosity about science, installed his first telescope there. 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. George Ellery Hale, a 14-year-old boy with an insatiable curiosity about science, installed his first telescope there. 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. George Ellery Hale, a 14-year-old boy with an insatiable curiosity about science, installed his first telescope there. 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 which housed 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 unravel 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. Take a tour through the Beaux Arts and Romanesque 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’ latest chapter is as a beacon illuminating a path for current and future generations of scientists and artists to discover and interpret the universe. 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
Yerkes tours are not what you expect. A typical observatory tour would involve mostly astronomy, but Yerkes tours aren't typical. Our upbeat and engaging guides discuss astrophysics, Romanesque architecture, Geneva Lake District history, restoration, preservation, electricity, landscape design, photography, engineering, art, and the stories of the humans from around the world who made their mark on science in Yerkes' spaces. Check out our Google reviews to read thousands of raves about our fresh approach to tours.
Hidden Spaces
Our behind-the-scenes Director's Hidden Spaces tour takes you where the public has never been allowed to visit. The peculiar corners and rooms in the attic and basement of the 65,000 sq. ft. facility are just waiting to be explored! See the back-of-house infrastructure of Henry Ives Cobb's masterpiece of Beaux Arts and Romanesque design. This tour highlights the elaborate confection of ornament and order mixed with the ugly, dusty, and unchanged workspaces of 125 years of astronomers. From the tops of the three domes to the elevator floor to the subterranean dungeon, every detail tells a story.
Tours for All
We work hard every day to have each visitor leave our spaces filled with joy, humor, knowledge, and a sense of wonder. It's not just something we say. It's our life's work. Yerkes was saved from almost certain demise and we count our blessings that it survived. Our mantra of "Nine to Ninety" means that we strive to have nine year olds, ninety year olds, and everyone in between have experiences here that are uplifting and entertaining. We're looking for guests of all ages, backgrounds, and brains to leave a tour saying, "Wow, that was not at all what I expected. That was awesome!"
Join Us
Events
A place in a class by itself makes every visit special.
Celebration! Olmstead 200
2022 marked the 200th anniversary of Frederick Law Olmsted's birth. He was a social reformer and the first pillar of American landscape architecture. Please join Yerkes Observatory and the National Association for Olmsted Parks as we explore Olmsted’s living legacy on site for the next hundred years.
Personalize Your celebration
Have your wedding on the Olmsted South Lawn 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 botanical splendor, historic architectural spaces, and thoughtful staff provide a special atmosphere for any occasion.
Follow us and let your mind fly high.
News
Grainger Know How: Great Refractor Restoration Article
Star Party at Yerkes Observatory
December 2022 Holiday Festival
Observatories in the Media: Halloween Edition
Top Things to Do in Wisconsin
Lake Geneva Garden Club and Olmsted 200
Staff Stories: How Teaching and Tour Guiding Combine
