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Yerkes Observatory

373 W. Geneva Street · Williams Bay, WI

Why you should go…

Yerkes Observatory is a historic astronomical research building completed in 1897 in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, now operated for public education and tourism. Guided tours such as the Space and Spaces Tour cover the building's astronomy, architecture and restoration history, while the Hidden Spaces Tour takes visitors through behind-the-scenes areas including winding staircases and subterranean darkrooms. Evening Night Sky tours offer small-group access to the Great Refractor and a 24 inch reflecting telescope, weather permitting.

  • #observatory
  • #science
  • #tour
  • #history

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Yerkes Observatory, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Lake Geneva

    Free

    Wisconsin lake resort town with a historic downtown, lakefront path, and summer estate architecture.

    3.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    Volo Auto Museum

    Under $25

    A sprawling car museum and family attraction in Volo, Illinois, with classic, celebrity, and movie cars.

    26 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Lake County

    Free

    Illinois county along Lake Michigan with lakefront towns, Great America and Chicago area day trips.

    31 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Santa's Village Azoosment Park

    $25–$50

    A combination amusement park and small zoo in East Dundee dating to 1959, with 19 rides and 200-plus animals.

    36 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    Naper Settlement

    Under $25

    A 13-acre outdoor living-history village in Naperville with restored 19th-century buildings.

    59 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    History Buff

    International Museum of Surgical Science

    $25–$50

    The only North American museum devoted to the history of surgery, set in a Gold Coast mansion on Lake Shore Drive.

    66 mi awayMore like this