Beyond impressed with this tour. We had the absolutely best time. Definitely want to return for…read moremore of their events. Highly recommend

Visit the birthplace of modern astrophysics!…read more Yerkes Observatory is a historic astronomical research facility that was founded in 1897 by astronomer George Ellery Hale. It's known as the "birthplace of modern astrophysics," and it houses the world's largest refracting telescope, with a 40-inch lens. Fair warning: This isn't a place you can just pop in and visit, like a museum. It's more like a public education center, and I believe you can only visit by booking a tour online. They also offer workshops and put on the occasional festival. During the tour, you can explore the building's beautiful architecture, learn about the history of the observatory, attend a lecture or stargazing event, and visit the out-of-this-world gift shop, full of astronomy-themed souvenirs for all ages. Depending on the type of tour you book, you might even be able to gaze at planets and stars through the telescope. Tours require climbing stairs and sometimes navigating through some tight spaces, so they aren't accessible. Tours cost money, but it's free to walk around the outside of the observatory and explore the arboretum. This is a really cool place to learn about space and the area's history with astrophysics. My group was highly entertained by our tour guide, Walt, so if he is leading your tour, you're in for a treat.