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FAQs

Everything you need to plan your visit, know what to expect, and make the most of your time at Yerkes.

Planning Your Visit

What are your hours?

The grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset and are free to explore. Interior access is available only during scheduled tours and events.

A ticket is required to enter the building for tours and events. You’re welcome, however, to explore the grounds without a ticket if there isn’t a private event on-site.

Our schedule varies by season.

  • Summer: Typically Thursday through Monday

  • Spring, Fall, Winter: Varies by week 

Tickets are posted on a rolling basis, usually 2 months in advance.

Photography sessions are permitted on our grounds with permission. We require advance approval to ensure your session can be accommodated, as our grounds are regularly used for programs, weddings, and private events.

Photo shoots are not permitted inside the building. We do not accommodate corporate or business photography. To request photo shoot permission, please reach out at least one week in advance via our Contact Us page.

Yerkes is unable to accept cash. We do accept credit cards plus Apple, Google, and Samsung Pay. This is for faster service, safety, and security. Because of this possible inconvenience, we never charge our guests any credit card service fees.  

Tickets & Reservations

Should I book tickets in advance?
Yes. Tours often sell out, especially during peak seasons. Explore tours and book your tickets
Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you reach out at least one week in advance, we may be able to help reschedule depending on availability.
Please arrive about 10 minutes before your scheduled tour time for check-in.
Guests arriving more than 10 minutes late will not be admitted.

Only ticketed guests may enter the building. Unticketed visitors are welcome to enjoy the grounds.

We offer gift certificates for our Space & Spaces Tour. To purchase one, please contact info@yerkesobservatory.org. Gift certificates are not available for our other tours or programs.

To redeem a gift certificate, contact info@yerkesobservatory.org with the gift certificate number and date and time you would like to take the Space & Space Tour. We kindly request at least one week’s notice.

Tours & Experiences

What types of tours do you offer?

We offer a range of experiences, including:

  • An introductory tour
  • An in-depth, behind-the-scenes tour
  • Evening and night sky programs
  • And more!

Explore tours and book your tickets

Tours involve standing, walking, and navigating stairs. Some experiences include tight or historic spaces. Please review tour details in advance or contact us if you have questions.

Our Exploring the Night Sky experience offers the opportunity to look through the Great Refractor when conditions allow.

No. Viewing depends on weather conditions and the operation of historic equipment. If viewing isn’t possible, the experience shifts to a guided indoor exploration of the Observatory.

A limited number of private viewing opportunities are available, typically as part of private events or select group bookings. Get in touch to inquire about availability and options.

Check-in takes place at the south (main) entrance of the building. Entry begins approximately 10 minutes before your scheduled tour time.
Yes, feel free to capture your visit. Please note that photography and video may also take place during your visit for promotional purposes.

Accessibility

Is the building wheelchair accessible?

The building is partially accessible. The main floor can be accessed via an accessible entrance and lift. The dome is currently only reachable by stairs.

To arrange lift access, please email info@yerkesobservatory.org at least 72 hours before your visit.

Please reach out to info@yerkesobservatory.org at least 72 hours in advance so we can assist with access and help plan your visit.

Yes. ADA-compliant and family restrooms are available inside the building.
The grounds are partially accessible. Paved paths and an ADA-accessible trail loop are available, though most natural trails may be more difficult to navigate.

There are 26 stairs from the main floor to the Great Refractor, with handrails and two landings where visitors can pause. Stairs are currently the only way to access the Great Refractor dome.

A dozen stairs lead into the building, but a lift is available to bypass them and access the main floor. To arrange lift access, please email info@yerkesobservatory.org at least 72 hours before your visit.

Grounds

Are the grounds always open to visitors?

The grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset and are free to explore. Click here to view our property map. On rare occasions, areas may close for private events.

If you’re visiting the grounds, we ask that you use the overflow lot so the paved lot remains available for ticketed guests.

Pets are welcome on the grounds with a leash. Only service animals are permitted inside the building.
The only restrooms available are for ticketed visitors. We recommend you drive to the Green Grocer, a nearby general store, cafe, and deli to use their restroom and buy a snack!

Just for Fun

Is Yerkes haunted?
Possibly. It depends who you ask. Some hear unexplained sounds late at night. Others point to antique radiators and shifting light. We’ll let you decide.
Not that we know of. He did film Chain Reaction here in 1996, though, which feels like a strong enough connection for us.
Yes. It was proposed. It was also a terrible idea. The concept came from the U.S. military and was eventually abandoned. You can learn more about it on a tour.

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