OMG. I booked this tour for my wife and I on are way to Lake Geneva. We went on June 29th at 10:30 and the tour guide was fabulous. I can't recall his name but he was a gentleman from Arkansas who knew all of the information about the history of this place and he was very personable and humorous. It was well worth the time and the trip. It was incredibly enlightening and fascinating. read more

The tour is roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes - with a knowledgeable guide who does this for the enjoyment of it. You get a ton of historical background, a few rooms with exhibits, a huge telescope, an old library, and information on people such as Edwin Hubble and Carl Sagan! Our group had questions, and all were answered. There's about 30 steps to get to the telescope. The architecture is amazing - and it is on a sizable plot of land where you can wander about. read more

See all

It was closed when l got there. But that was ok because it was super hot & l didn't want to hang out long. The architecture was amazing and so detailed dating back to 1895. Perhaps on my next trip. I will "planet" better!! read more

See all

Yerkes Observatory is an absolute gem in the Lake Geneva area that everyone should visit! This historic place was built in 1897 and has SUCH a rich history in astronomical research. It has beeb beautifully remodeled in a way that blends the past with the present. The architecture is stunning--seriously, the building alone is worth the trip. The domes, the detailed stonework, and the overall design make it such a unique spot. The staff here are INCREDIBLY enthusiastic and knowledgeable, eager to share stories about the observatory's fascinating history and its role in science. Walt is a masterful storyteller! Whether you're into astronomy or just want to see something cool, Yerkes is a "must see" in the Lake Geneva area. I am fascinated by its history and am so excited by its promising future!! *Note: to visit, you have to pre purchase tour tickets. read more

See all

What history! Einstein, Sagan, and Hubble all made significant contributions to the field while working at Yerkes. The building has been beautifully restored, and the individuals giving the tours are extremely knowledgeable and passionate. I'd love to come back for an opportunity to look through the massive telescope - that would be a memorable life experience. read more

See all

There's something very special about this place. I think it's the fact that the location dates back to the 1920s, yet the stuff that's going on there is almost science fiction. For most of the 20th century, the telescope here was one of the largest in the world. After some recent ownership changes, the new crew is hard at work, making this not only a research resource but also a community resource. Check out their website and become a member, or just come out for one of their public events, like the nights they have a ton of telescopes set up on their lawn for public viewing. read more

See all

Walt was phenomenal; hilarious, knowledgeable, charismatic, one of the best tour guides I've ever had. Building is stunning; the architecture is something to marvel over (all the details!!); the observatory and the history and the science are well worth a trip. read more

Yerkes Observatory is a shrine to science. Now it is being restored to remind us of how far we have come, the hard work needed to bring us here, and the need to continue creative work and discovery today. You can walk the halls where astronomers and astrophysicists did the physical work to expand our knowledge of how we fit into larger structures of the universe. You can see how and where they laid the groundwork for observations now done on remote mountaintops and from orbit. And you can better understand the individuals and the tools they used from the end of the 19th Century to the middle of the 20th Century. Seeing and feeling the wood, metal, and bricks at the foundation of the observatory makes their work more real than any book or pictures could. My wife and I took the tour hosted by Walt Chadick, who effectively conveyed the historical scope and significance of the work done by decades of scientists at the Yerkes Observatory. He also described the work in progress, and yet to be performed, so that everyone on the tour got a glimpse of the finished restoration despite it being less than half accomplished today. Troy D.'s review called the tour "overpriced" and complained that there wasn't even "an IMAX theater or singing Tesla coils" or science hands-on for kids. Troy D.'s review misses the point. The whole reason for flashy exhibits is that those exhibits are at places other than this, the original source of knowledge; this is the one place in the world where these scientists actually did their observational work. The tour price is reasonable precisely because the place is unique, is integrated into a unique landscape (designed by the legendary Olmsted firm), and cannot be experienced anywhere else. Although astronomy and astrophysics have moved on to more remote platforms, Yerkes Observatory remembers the world-changing work of the past, and will use that example to inspire others to observe the world and create new expressions in other disciplines. I am looking forward to a return visit to see what transpires. read more

My wife and I booked the tour and were surprised at the cost at first. However, the tour was more then worth the price. There were some unbelievable documents and pieces of American history that one can see. The place is still under reconstruction, and while perhaps we didn't see all the completed exhibits that will exist one day, it felt more almost of a behind the scenes tour. 100% recommend, my wife and I have booked tickets with my folks to go back next week. If you are at all interested in the cosmos - you must go! read more

Yerkes Observatory Tours - 40 in (100 cm) refractor at the Yerkes Observatory - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Williams Bay, Wisconsin

See all

Overpriced for locals and families. The place isn't a museum and has no planetarium, no installations of any science hands-on for kids. Not even an IMAX theater or singing Tesla coils. Yawn. read more

Yerkes Observatory Tours - Pricing for an hour walk-thru... - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Williams Bay, Wisconsin

See all

Here for a wedding. Absolutely stunning! Amazing preservation work and a amazing staff!

I found this place to be very awesome. I think the previous reviewer where they gave bad feedback maybe had higher expectations, plus they went as they were in the earlier stages of renovating. Tour was about 90 mins and it was very detailed on the history of this observation tower. Great view of the big telescope and they used the elevated platform to bring us up closer to it. The pictures I'm posting should say it all, words can't express how great this place is! read more

Yerkes Observatory Tours - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Williams Bay, Wisconsin

I took a group to Yerkes Observatory and we had an outstanding tour! With the change of ownership and the downtime the facility experienced through the pandemic, I had no idea what to expect, but the team there has knocked it straight out of the park! Awesome! The building is gorgeous, with the restoration being exceptionally well done, and Walt Chadick was an absolutely fantastic guide who got the Yerkes story across brilliantly. I heard nothing but rave reviews from my group! If you haven't been to Yerkes Observatory, or of it's been many years, you need to get there, see the place, and meet the passionate people who are now in charge. Yerkes is a secret that needs to get out! It really is an international treasure, and it's been brought back to life beautifully! read more

Went on the first ever landscape tour. Walt was a tremendous tour guide. The whole thing was beautiful and informative--I never would have guessed this observatory and the surrounding property had such incredible history. read more

Fascinating 90 minute tour of this facility which has architectural, scientific and historical importance. Beautiful restoration of a working refractory telescope mounted on a huge elevated platform. Walt, our guide, had boundless enthusiasm and deep knowledge of the facility and the important discoveries made here. Definitely worth the price of admission! read more

Still under construction; but, everything they've done so far is beautiful. Rich in history, architecture and science. For those criticizing the cost, what you are paying is for the 25 million dollar restoration and they have 13 m now. They are no longer getting help from the University of Chicago. Worth every penny. read more