About

This century-old observatory owned by the University of Chicago has five research telescopes, including the largest refractor in the world. The observatory hosts free public tours every Saturday. On weekdays, when a tour guide is available, a 30-minute tour costs $25 for groups of five or fewer. Throughout the year, weather permitting, Yerkes Observatory offers evening observing sessions with a telescope 24 inches in diameter. The observatory welcomes corporate events and wedding ceremonies.