Tours & Events

Fascinating and entertaining times are on the horizon.

View our tours and events below

Space & Spaces Tour

A group of visitors stand in the Hagenah Rotunda.

$The Great Refractor telescope pointing at the sky through the dome's shutter with the telescope's staircase near the telescope.$

A bust of Charles Yerkes on a bookshelf at Yerkes Observatory.

An aerial view of Yerkes Observatory on a sunny day with Geneva Lake in the background.

Looking through hanging green plants inside through the open doors of Yerkes Observatory.

Experience this reimagined and reawakened international landmark! This 1.5 hour tour involves astronomy, architecture, restoration, and human stories of the cosmic castle in the arboretum.

It requires climbing staircases and visiting small spaces thus is not wheelchair accessible. $46 for adults. Ages 10-18 are $24. Kids 9 and under are $7. This is our classic tour of the new and old Yerkes.

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Hidden Spaces Tour

The entrance to Yerkes Observatory as viewed through an interior window.

Looking down from a dark spiral staircase.

$A group of visitors listen to a tour guide talk about the Great Refractor Telescope while standing in the dome.$

A dark hallway with red light in the distance.

Tall cabinets filled with folders used to store glass plates.

For the adventurous who don't mind climbing winding staircases, ducking pipes, and exploring small spaces where astronomers work, this behind-the-scenes tour is your ticket!

This is not for kids under 15 or for anyone concerned with physical demands. Not wheelchair accessible. 1hr 45mins. $79 for adults. Kids ages 14-18 are $49. Friday mornings only.

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Exploring the Night Sky with the Great Refractor Telescope

$The Great Refractor telescope pointing at the night sky through the dome's shutter.$

$The Great Refractor telescope pointing at the night sky through the dome's shutter in red light.$

$The Great Refractor telescope pointing at the night sky through the dome's shutter.$

$The Great Refractor telescope pointing at the night sky through the dome's shutter in red light.$

$The reflection of the Great Refractor Telescope on the dome's interior.$

This tour is offered April-November. If there are no dates available when you attempt to purchase tickets, this is because all of our dates are sold out. If you are interested in being notified when our next round of tickets becomes available, sign up for notifications here.

With only 12 tickets available, this exclusive 2-hour experience illuminates the inner-workings of Yerkes after dark. During the tour, our Telescope Team will take you on a journey through the night sky with the largest refracting telescope in the world if skies are clear.

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SOLD OUT – So you got a telescope…now what? Workshop

This program is sold out. Did you get a new telescope for the holidays, or do you have an old one you’re unsure how to use? Join the astronomy team at Yerkes Observatory on Thursday, January 29th at 6pm for an introduction to telescopes and observing. This event is perfect for beginners, families, or anyone looking for support using their telescope!

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