Yerkes Observatory is an astronomical observatory located in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, United States. The observatory was operated by the University …See more
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Aug 15, 2024
Excellent tour guide led walkthrough of the Yerkes observatory providing the history of the building and 40” refractor. Stories of George Hale and financier Charles Yerkes were informative and enjoy… Full review by Bryan C
Aug 4, 2024
One of the world’s most important astronomical facilities, and also an architectural and engineering marvel. The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and engaging. Definitely worth a visit! Full review by HRH2002
Jun 23, 2024
Found this place by accident and so happy that we did! Everyone in our group was totally surprised and impressed by this observatory. Our tour guide, Walt, was absolutely fabulous. He did a wonderful… Full review by famtravel359
I have a 15 mo old daughter, is she appropriate to bring for a tour? thank you! can you just walk around vs taking a tour?
A:
Hi. I think she would be fine walking around. The tour is fairly short (less than an hour) but very detailed and geared towards adults. I would call them to ask if you can just walk around …
Hi. I think she would be fine walking around. The tour is fairly short (less than an hour) but very detailed and geared towards adults. I would call them to ask if you can just walk around without a tour. If you are, your little one would just love running around the beautiful grass and trees outside! It's a lovely campus. I'm not sure about walking around inside. Our tour guide locked the door after we came in and when we left. So I don't know what the rules are to the general public. Their public relations number is 262-245-5555 (extension 880). Hope this helps a little!!
Hi, and thanks for asking about Yerkes. I am one of the tour guides and am happy to give you directions. The Observatory is located at 373 W Geneva St (Hwy 67), Williams Bay, WI …
Hi, and thanks for asking about Yerkes. I am one of the tour guides and am happy to give you directions. The Observatory is located at 373 W Geneva St (Hwy 67), Williams Bay, WI 53191. Travel west from the central area of Williams Bay on West Geneva St, towards Fontana. You'll find the Observatory at the intersection of West Geneva St and Observatory Place (south side of Geneva St). A large brown and white Yerkes Observatory sign is located at that spot. Turn onto Observatory Place and proceed straight south. Follow the ellipse to the right which will bring you to the north (front) entrance.
Saturdays are the free tours. But if your schedule won't allow you to be there that day of the week they will do a tour in the morning for up to five people for $25, plus $5 per …
Saturdays are the free tours. But if your schedule won't allow you to be there that day of the week they will do a tour in the morning for up to five people for $25, plus $5 per additional person. To schedule a tour, email: tours@yerkes.uchicago.edu or call 262-245-5555, Extension 880. We just walked up to the door and rang their bell to see if they could do a tour right then.