Historic Yerkes Observatory with it's annual hand-blown glass Christmas tree.
Yerkes Observatory - Williams bay, WI
Little did I know, on several visits to nearby Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy, that I was so close to this historic space. Located in Williams Bay, Yerkes Observatory, has been dedicated to the study of astronomy since its opening in 1897. The institute became known in the science world for its exploration and views of the night sky, laboratories, workshops, and libraries.
A roster of notable scientists were part of the on-going discoveries and developments at the observatory through the past century, and more. Even Albert Einstein spent time there - the study of astrophysics bringing Einstein to the observatory in 1921. There are three domes on campus, with the largest telescope being 64 feet long, The two smaller being 40 inches, and 24 inches.
Originally owned by the University of Chicago, the institute was closed in 2018. But, in May of 2020, it was donated by the University of Chicago, to the Yerkes Observatory Future Foundation. Going forward, the foundation envisions a campus that is dedicated to the continued study of space, but also as a home for the arts, community life, music, outdoor recreation, and more.
In the meantime, restoration continues, inside and out. The campus of 50 acres includes landscape design by the Olmsted Brothers, the firm founded by Frederick Law Olmsted, of Central Park (New York), and Washington Park (Milwaukee) fame. Restoration of the grounds, including four miles of walking trails, includes replacement of some of the original trees lost through the decades, restored prairie, a pollinator meadow, and oak savannas. Even an apiary of honeybees resides here. Some of the most artful hives I've ever seen, actually. I look forward to returning during the growing season to further explore the grounds and trails.
Over the past few years, the holiday season has brought a unique event to Yerkes Observatory - The World's Tallest Glass Tree. Using recycled green and clear glass bottles donated by members of the community, the glass is melted on-site, and added to a spinning metal tree frame from bottom to top. This unique work of art brought visitors from all over the state. Including me.
Though I wasn't there for the construction of the tree, I did get there just a few days before it would be deconstructed, to enjoy its beauty, and to tour the campus grounds. I look forward to attending the event in-progress next time around.
In the meantime, I hope to attend a tour of the actual observatory. There are some tours available on Fridays in January, and on the first weekend in February, so far this year. More to be announced as plans are confirmed. Reservations and tickets must be made/purchased via their website.
The exterior grounds are open at no charge, unless closed for special events. Guided grounds tours may be available at a later date, for a fee. Special Event rentals are available, as well as guided group tours and school visits.
Parking: There is a grass Grounds Only visitor parking lot.
The paved parking lot is for Observatory Tour visitors.
Location: 373 W. Geneva Street, Williams Bay, WI (Walworth County)
Check out their website here for more information.
A roster of notable scientists were part of the on-going discoveries and developments at the observatory through the past century, and more. Even Albert Einstein spent time there - the study of astrophysics bringing Einstein to the observatory in 1921. There are three domes on campus, with the largest telescope being 64 feet long, The two smaller being 40 inches, and 24 inches.
Originally owned by the University of Chicago, the institute was closed in 2018. But, in May of 2020, it was donated by the University of Chicago, to the Yerkes Observatory Future Foundation. Going forward, the foundation envisions a campus that is dedicated to the continued study of space, but also as a home for the arts, community life, music, outdoor recreation, and more.
In the meantime, restoration continues, inside and out. The campus of 50 acres includes landscape design by the Olmsted Brothers, the firm founded by Frederick Law Olmsted, of Central Park (New York), and Washington Park (Milwaukee) fame. Restoration of the grounds, including four miles of walking trails, includes replacement of some of the original trees lost through the decades, restored prairie, a pollinator meadow, and oak savannas. Even an apiary of honeybees resides here. Some of the most artful hives I've ever seen, actually. I look forward to returning during the growing season to further explore the grounds and trails.
Over the past few years, the holiday season has brought a unique event to Yerkes Observatory - The World's Tallest Glass Tree. Using recycled green and clear glass bottles donated by members of the community, the glass is melted on-site, and added to a spinning metal tree frame from bottom to top. This unique work of art brought visitors from all over the state. Including me.
Though I wasn't there for the construction of the tree, I did get there just a few days before it would be deconstructed, to enjoy its beauty, and to tour the campus grounds. I look forward to attending the event in-progress next time around.
In the meantime, I hope to attend a tour of the actual observatory. There are some tours available on Fridays in January, and on the first weekend in February, so far this year. More to be announced as plans are confirmed. Reservations and tickets must be made/purchased via their website.
The exterior grounds are open at no charge, unless closed for special events. Guided grounds tours may be available at a later date, for a fee. Special Event rentals are available, as well as guided group tours and school visits.
Parking: There is a grass Grounds Only visitor parking lot.
The paved parking lot is for Observatory Tour visitors.
Location: 373 W. Geneva Street, Williams Bay, WI (Walworth County)
Check out their website here for more information.
SPRING OPEN HOUSE AND SOLAR ECLIPSE EVENT
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