Tour Yerkes on Saturdays, Throughout the YearTour Yerkes on Saturdays, Throughout the Year
Yerkes Observatory is open to the public every Saturday throughout the year, excluding Christmas and New Year’s Day. Our expert, engaging and entertaining tour guides provide a fascinating program covering the Observatory’s history, architectural detail, astronomical research, and a look inside the 90-foot dome at the 40-inch refractor, still the largest lens-type telescope in the world. Our general public tours are most appropriate for ages 6 and up. PLEASE NOTE: The Observatory staff regrets that, due to its very unique architectural nature and historical significance, the building is not handicapped accessible. Saturday Tours Schedule for 2017/18: Sep 23 to Dec 30, 2017, the building opens at 9:45 am and closes at 1:30 pm. Tours begin at 10 am, 11 am and 12Noon. Jan 6 to Mar 17, 2018, the building opens at 10:45 am and closes at 1:30 pm. Tours begin at 11 am and 12Noon. Mar 24 to May 26, 2018, the building opens at 9:45 am and closes at 1:30 pm. Tours begin at 10 am, 11 am and 12Noon. We do not accept reservations. The cost is $10 per person for adults and $8 per person for ages 6 - 17. Groups of 25 or more should consider reserving a private program outside of Saturday public tour hours. For availability and pricing, call 262-245-5555, extension 825, or email [email protected]. The interior of the 90-foot dome is not temperature controlled, so dress appropriately on the day of your visit the same as for any outdoor activity. Visitors are encouraged to browse our unique gift shop featuring postcards, apparel, photos from the Observatory's archives, jewelry, meteorites, posters, books, aids for viewing the night sky and many unique gift items found only at Yerkes Observatory. On Saturdays before or after tours, visitors can view a timeline display on the main floor describing Yerkes Observatory's construction and early history and adorned with dozens of 1890s photographs from the Yerkes archives. Other interesting displays describe galaxies, nebulae, and the death of stars. Yerkes also features a museum, developed and maintained by a group of talented volunteers with an interest in preserving local history. Artifacts and personal effects on display in the museum examine the lives of some of Yerkes Observatory's most famous astronomers; people who profoundly affected not only the scientific community but also the residents and character of Williams Bay. The museum, open only during Saturday public tour hours, is located in the southeast transept of the main floor. For more information about all Yerkes tour programs call 262-245-5555, extension 825, weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Our office is not staffed outside of these hours or on weekends. Tour questions can also be emailed to [email protected]. The mailbox is monitored continuously. |
More Information |
For more information about all Yerkes tour programs call 262-245-5555, extension 825, weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Our office is not staffed outside of these hours or on weekends. Tour questions can also be emailed to [email protected]. The mailbox is monitored seven days a week. This page was derived from the Saturday Tours section of the official Yerkes website.
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