The birthplace of modern astrophysics
Yerkes Observatory is a facility of the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics of the University of Chicago. It was established in 1897 on Geneva Lake in Williams Bay, Wisconsin. Until the mid-1960's, Yerkes Observatory housed all of the Department's activities. Today the 77-acre, park-like site in southeast Wisconsin provides laboratory space and access to telescopes for research and instruction.
Yerkes Observatory occupies a unique niche for the education and the scientific community. It bridges several important perspectives in formal and informal education. The history of astronomy and astrophysics of the observatory is a solid foundation for introducing all the important topics in current research as well as the practice of observational astronomy. There is a huge range of opportunities for learning. Because of Yerkes' historical context, the world of professional and student astronomers and astronomy educators are drawn to the observatory. These communities learn from one another, build relationships, and create programs, which result in enriched experiences and learning opportunities for young and diverse members of our society..

Yerkes Observatory is open for free public tours  every Saturday throughout the year. We also offer group tours or special programs.

Upcoming Events

• Special Programs
  Throughout the year, weather permitting, Yerkes Observatory is offering special astronomy programs for families and individuals....  more...
• Family Night Program
  Yerkes Observatory is offering a Family Night Program for students, with a parent, in grades 4 - 8. The program will run after school at Yerkes Observatory. Activities include building telescopes and other instruments, finding constellations in the sky, Learn how to use the I-CAN Constellation Cameras, Skype calls with other countries and many more. For more info and registration click here
• Winter Star Party! Cloudy or Clear (February 25, 2012; 5-7pm)
  Learn the bright stars and constellations of the spectacular winter sky. Play games with the stars, pretending to be one yourself and seeing how you match up with the other stars in the sky in terms of brightness, distance, size and color.
  For registration click here