Our Story
About Yerkes
Founded in 1897, Yerkes is home to the world’s largest refracting telescope — one of the most significant scientific landmarks in American history.
Today, Yerkes is an observatory and more. It’s a place where science, nature, history, and the arts come together to spark curiosity, inspire discovery, and create meaningful experiences for visitors of all ages.
Located on 50 acres along Geneva Lake in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, Yerkes welcomes guests year-round for tours, events, educational programs, performances, and research initiatives. Whether exploring the cosmos, experiencing a performance, walking the arboretum, or uncovering stories from the past, everything you discover is new to you.
