Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Yerkes Observatory

    4.8 (36 reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

    Yerkes Observatory Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Yerkes Observatory

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Yerkes Observatory exteriorview
    Bob R.

    Absolutely fabulous - this was one if the best and most fun things I found to do in Lake Geneva. The Yerkes Observatory was opened in 1895, funded by a financier named Yerkes, as part of the University of Chicago. First of all, the building is magnificent. The style is mainly gothic with ornate carvings inside and out. One of the things that makes this really terrific is the people who do the tours know all about it and love what they do. When built, the telescope was the largest optical telescope ever made. Unfortunately, the tours are during the day so we did not get to actually use the scope. But, they do occasionally open for evening tours. We tried to sign up for one, but they canceled it due to uncertain weather. The tour takes you through only some of the facility. While the primary scope is no longer used, there are people who study and work at Yerkes. We had to stay out of their way. The highlight of the tour is going up to the observatory to see and learn about the telescope and the room it is in. The observatory is quite large. The floor is round. What makes it most interesting is the entire floor raises and lowers to bring observers up to the telescope eyepiece. Normally, the floor is down so tourists can simply walk out onto it. We were very fortunate that some work was being done that caused them to raise the floor. We were able to watch the floor being lowered by the hydraulics. The cost of the tour is $8 per person, which is collected in their gift shop after the tour is over. They have the normal selection of t-shirts and hats. They also have lots of kid's toys. And, if you have a real interest in astronomy, they have books, photographs, and even glass slides taken through the scope.

    Eric E.

    The maximum five stars+. This place is a hidden gem that may be shutting its doors forever, so please hear me out. I came here when I was about my son's age for a school field trip. Don't remember much from my trip (this was 35 years ago) but I do recall thinking the place was really cool. Fast forward to 2018. I read recently that Yerkes is on par to close its doors later this year, for good. My sons school has no plans to get him here so I made sure he got to see a great piece of American history. I highly recommend doing their tour. You can come in and wonder a bit on your own but the real reward comes with the tour. Aside from a cheap asking price, the experience and knowledge you get in one hour is well worth it, and offers you a unique look at the observatory. Our tour included the history of the key figures who financed and built the observatory in the late 19th century. It also covers the building design, architecture and hidden nuances. Last but certainly not least we were escorted into the large telescope room where we were not only given a detailed history of the telescope, but also got to experience all of the moving parts, including the telescope being moved and the floor raising. This awesome piece of American history may soon be gone if not for a sudden influx of interest and funding. Do yourself a favor and make a visit here, and by all means, bring children here to experience it as well. This place is a hidden gem that can leave an incredible and lasting impression on the young, old and all ages in between. Cheers!

    Hira H.

    We went to the Yerkes Observatory on a lazy Sunday a few weeks ago, and it was such a pleasant experience. Our tour guide was a Mr. Richard Dreiser, and he was absolutely phenomenal, and one of the best parts of the guide - his soft, soothing voice and knowledge base made the tour absolutely sublime!

    Kimberly N.

    If you live in or visit this area, definitely stop here. It is beautiful, even for those clueless about astronomy. The tour is insightful and fun. I visited Yerkes in '04 while staying at the Lazy Cloud (see my review). It was snowy, serene, and beautiful. I still have a picture of Einstein taken (and purchased at) at Yerkes hanging in my office.

    The dome.
    Christina G.

    I had a great time at Yerkes on one of their regular Saturday tours, offered at 10am, 11am, and noon. This is well worth the suggested $5/person donation. As we were there over the 4th of July weekend, there was a large group waiting to begin the tour. We ended up being split into two groups, each doing a different part of the tour at the same time. My tour started with our guide taking us outside and explaining some of the history of architecture of the building and continued inside. It truly is a wonderful building to see with old architectural elements. We were also told of the history behind how the observatory came to be built - it's funding, it's designer, and some of it's past discoveries. For the second part of the tour, we were taken inside the dome to see the refracting telescope. A very neat experience, as the astronomer moved the dome, moved the telescope, and even moved the floor of the telescope. Both guides welcomed any and all questions. You could tell they knew a lot about the building and astronomy. I totally geeked out and loved the whole experience. There is a little gift shop located in the observatory. They have black and white postcards for $0.25-$0.50, as well as some science items for children, and of course, Yerkes Observatory apparel. You bet that my husband took home a t-shirt for $13. Overall, a great time. i would highly recommend to anyone - with or without kids.

    Incredible architectural design.
    Kelsey P.

    Awesome history of this building and stunning architecture!!! The telescope itself is located up a large flight of stairs which made it inaccessible to our group due to physical limitations - that was disappointing. We did see photos of it but we're unable to participate in he guided tour. Friendly staff and other things to observe and read on the first floor, but it seems there's room to improve upon and modernize signage, display cases, etc. You really step back in time in here! Cute little gift shop with a few science and astronomy-themed items. A unique attraction to come upon in this sweet town!

    Rob L.

    We decided to add some education to our Lake Geneva vacation and stopped here for the tour. It was quite an interesting tour which included seeing the large telescope and the platform it is on. In addition they had many other exhibits on display about science. The ground were well kept and allowed for pictures at a distance from all sides. There is no fee for the tour however they do ask a donation of five dollars in order for upkeep which is very reasonable. There is also a gift shop with many interesting items available.

    Deb T.

    Amazing! Happen to be here on a very rainy day. Still able to enjoy the fabulous architecture and astronomical history which was established in 1897. The tour guides are extremely knowledgeable.

    Lots of cool history here

    See all

    6 months ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 2
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Julie O.
    320
    1070
    2548

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bob R.
    317
    1177
    2553

    11 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    20 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kelsey P.
    46
    85
    99

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    19 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rose D.
    321
    1329
    628

    13 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Deb T.
    29
    38
    22

    11 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    This place was awesome! Was able to look through the telescope and the information provided was great.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jeff K.
    7
    270
    5

    16 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bieze D.
    79
    82
    77

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jackie B.
    29
    111
    0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    The Observatory is a hidden historical treasure - both astronomically and architecturally. It will be a shame if it closes.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    What a fun tour! Beautiful architecture, outstanding tour guides, and fascinating history. The telescope is a marvel!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nik E.
    0
    54
    0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Yerkes Observatory

    Review Highlights - Yerkes Observatory

    Depending on the type of tour you book, you might even be able to gaze at planets and stars through the telescope.

    Mentioned in 16 reviews

    Read more highlights

    360 Chicago - Drinks from the bar at the 360

    360 Chicago

    3.9(1.1k reviews)
    66.6 miStreeterville, Near North Side

    Came last week for the free week for Chicago residents and had a great time! Unfortunately we…read morepicked one of the lowest visibility days and weren't able to see as far into IL as we were hoping, still a great experience and super cool for residents to be able to check out this attraction and see our city from a different viewpoint! Because we came on a low visibility day at an off-time (mid-day Friday), there were very little crowds and we didn't have to wait or push our way to the glass to get a good view. Super cool get 360 views of the city and point out our work and apartment buildings. All the info on the bottom floor in the walk through "museum" was really neat - I liked the panels with information about the different neighborhoods. I will say if you're going to go, definitely pick a day that is higher visibility - especially if you're going to be paying for tickets!

    360 Chicago offers a sky view of the city. Went here in the evening. Got tickets online less than…read morean hour before the timed entry at 9 pm. When we got there on that Wednesday evening, there was not a line and were not a lot of people. We were allowed to enter ~30 minutes before 9 pm. The lighting at night inside is green and not optimal for taking pictures because of the reflections despite the sky being clear that night. Compared to Skydeck, there is not much to do here. The only things to do here are the Tilt and drink at the bar. Even though the Tilt is very safe, I'd say it's not for the faint of heart. Nevertheless, I would recommend it. It was exhilarating! Pictures/videos are not allowed in the Tilt area but the photographer will take your pictures which will be for sale after. After the Tilt, you can go around and grab snack and/or drink but the pictures you'd get of yourself won't be nice in the evening. The situation may be different if it's daytime. There's also a gift shop but again, it's also dark and not well lit. The comfort room was also not the cleanest. If you had limited time and would have to choose between the two observation decks in Chicago, then go with the Skydeck. Hands down. You'll have better experience there.

    Photos
    360 Chicago - 360 CHICAGO

    360 CHICAGO

    360 Chicago - Chicago skyline

    Chicago skyline

    360 Chicago - View from observation deck

    See all

    View from observation deck

    Skydeck Chicago - NEVER FORGET (look closely)

    Skydeck Chicago

    3.5(939 reviews)
    67.1 miThe Loop

    Let me start by saying the main purpose of this visit was to step outside of my comfort…read morezone--because I am terrified of heights. The staff at Skydeck Chicago were all very sweet and friendly throughout the experience. As you make your way up, you walk through a series of exhibits and fun facts about Chicago, which was a nice touch and made the wait feel more engaging. It really highlights what makes the city special. Once we reached the top, I quickly realized I had underestimated just how high the building actually is. When it was time to step out onto the ledge... I completely punked out! They tell you not to look down, but of course, your natural reaction is to do exactly that. There's a photographer ready to capture the moment when you step all the way out onto the glass, but truthfully, I couldn't make it all the way out. I gave it about 2.5 seconds of bravery before my fear kicked in! Even with my moment of panic, I'm still really glad I went. It was definitely an unforgettable experience and a fun way to challenge myself.

    Our activity while in Chicago was to check out the Sky Deck. Tickets were a bit pricey but, I…read morewould suggest trying Groupon for discounted tickets. The location is inside of building with a large food court. I was not expecting a full on museum of all of popular food, culture and celebrity natives of Chicago but, I absolutely love it. It was pretty crowded especially when we got upstairs however, the line was moving pretty quickly. We were able to take pictures and see great angles of the city. The Ledge was pretty cool. Definitely a must visit

    Photos
    Skydeck Chicago - Use your phone flash!

    Use your phone flash!

    Skydeck Chicago - Read sign if it's not obvious.

    Read sign if it's not obvious.

    Skydeck Chicago - Our friend living his best life

    See all

    Our friend living his best life

    Yerkes Observatory - observatories - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...