Yerkes Observatory and Lake Geneva Field Trip
Monday, October 7, 2024
Registration deadline is September 22
Celebrate the turning of the seasons by joining us on a trip to Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay. In the morning we will have a 90-minute tour of the Yerkes Observatory, often called "the birthplace of modern astrophysics". In the afternoon you will have two hours on your own in Lake Geneva for lunch and to explore the downtown.
Registration Fee: The registration fee for members is $90 which includes the bus, driver's tip, and a 90-minute tour of the Yerkes Observatory. Non-member guests pay an additional $10 registration fee.
Lunch is not included in the registration fee.
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Yerkes Observatory
Yerkes Observatory was operated by the University of Chicago Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics from 1897 until 2018. In 2020 ownership was transferred to the non-profit Yerkes Future Foundation which began millions of dollars of restoration and renovation of the building and grounds. The April, 2024 issue of The National Geographic Magazine featured an article about Yerkes.
Yerkes tours are not what you expect. A typical observatory tour would involve mostly astronomy but Yerkes tours aren’t typical. The guides discuss astrophysics, Romanesque architecture, Geneva Lake District history, restoration, preservation, landscape design, photography, engineering, art and the stories of the humans from around the world who made their mark on science in Yerkes’ spaces.
From reviews on Tripadvisor:
"If you like history, architecture, astronomy or photography a tour of beautiful Yerkes Observatory is a must! The tour was simply awesome. This was an operational observatory from 1897 to 2018 and is considered "the birthplace of modern astrophysics." The main dome houses the 40-inch refracting telescope, which remains the largest refractor ever successfully used for astronomy. The architecture is stunning and the history is rich with several of the most significant contributors to astronomy and astrophysics having worked here."
"Found this place by accident and so happy that we did! Everyone in our group was totally surprised and impressed by this observatory. Our tour guide, Walt, was absolutely fabulous. He did a wonderful job explaining the history, architecture, and science of this amazing place. If you're in the area, I definitely recommend visiting!"
"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!"
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Downtown Lake Geneva
In Lake Geneva, you will have two hours to stroll the scenic waterfront and explore the funky shops. Lunch will be on your own. The cost of lunch is separate and is not included in your registration fee.
The bus will drop us off in downtown Lake Geneva and all of the restaurants listed below are within a few blocks of the drop off point. You can find out more about the restaurants by clicking on the underlined blue links. A printed map of downtown Lake Geneva with the restaurants listed will be handed out on the bus the day of the tour.
Egg Harbor Cafe - 827 W. Main - Casual daytime dining chain serving American comfort food in family-friendly surroundings. Rated Lake Geneva's #1 restaurant on TripAdvisor.
Simple Cafe - 525 Broad Street - Cozy, health-focused farm-to-table cafe serving seasonal, creative breakfast & lunch fare. Rated Lake Geneva's #2 restaurant on TripAdvisor.
Great Eggs - 220 Cook Street - Snug breakfast/lunch joint specializing in wraps & smoothies in a comfy interior with wall murals.
Tuscan Tavern - 430 Broad - Rustic bar & grill serving brick-oven pizzas & other Italian fare plus wine, microbrews & cocktails
Oakfire - 831 Wrigley - Casual lakefront bistro serving an American menu with Swedish & Midwest influences since 1985.
Lake-Aire - 804 W. Main - An extensive menu of classic American all-day fare in a traditional setting with rustic interiors.
Olympic Family Restaurant - 748 W. Main - Diner staples, including omelets, patty melts, burgers & pancakes, served in a retro setting.
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Miscellaneous
Registration Policy: PLATO will refund an event fee if cancelled prior to the registration deadline of September 22. Refunds after the registration deadline are only processed if a wait-listed registrant can attend or there are extenuating circumstances. We encourage you to register early so we know if we have enough people to make the trip financially feasible.
Dress Appropriately: We will be outside in downtown Lake Geneva. You should dress appropriately for the weather (i.e., comfortable, closed-toed shoes, umbrellas, raincoats, jackets, hats and gloves).
Accessibility: On the bus, you must be able to climb steps to board and exit the bus. Yerkes has installed a handicap-accessible entrance as well as an accessibility lift to allow visitors with mobility challenges to bypass the entry stairs at the main entrance. This means that those visitors are able to tour the main floor of the building. However, Yerkes does not yet have a means by which visitors with mobility challenges are able to visit the main dome which is at the top of a steep flight of steps and houses the Great Refractor.
Non-Member Policy: Members must register their guests. Each PLATO member is entitled to bring one non-member guest per bus trip. Members may bring more than one guest near the registration deadline date if seats are available. Check with trip organizer. Non-member guests pay an additional $10 registration fee.
PLATO Membership: PLATO membership is $60.00/year and all memberships renew on July 1.
Mail-In Registration Form: Print, Fill-in and Mail This Form for those who wish to register off-line and by check.
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Bus and Travel Details
We will have a 56-passenger Van Galder/CoachUSA bus. Please arrive early at your boarding stop so you don’t miss the bus. When everyone is aboard and seated, we leave. Arrive early and we will all arrive at our destination on time to begin our adventure.
– Don’t be late. We can wait just 5 minutes at any one location.
- Our bus is equipped with WiFi and toilet facilities.
- Social Distancing will not be available on the bus.
Itinerary
Leave Madison
7:45 AM Bus arrives at East Towne Sears
8:00 AM Departs East Towne Sears
8:20 AM Departs Capitol Lakes
8:50 AM Departs Oakwood Village University Oaks, 6205 Mineral Point Rd
In Williams Bay
10:30 AM Arrives Yerkes Observatory
12:20 PM Departs Yerkes Observatory for Lake Geneva
In Lake Geneva
12:40 PM Arrives downtown Lake Geneva
2:40 PM Departs Lake Geneva for Madison
Arrive Madison (Estimated)
4:10 PM Arrives East Towne Sears
4:35 PM Arrives Capitol Lakes
5:00 PM Arrives Oakwood Village University Oaks
For further information, contact Yerkes trip organizer, Bob Shaw, robert.e.shaw@gmail.com , 608-255-3486
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PLATO's COVID Protocol
By registering for this event you agree to the following:
1. Masks are not required while on this field trip.
2. However, persons wishing to wear a mask are encouraged to do so.
3. Health protocols are subject to change as conditions change; PLATO reserves the right to change the protocols for this trip accordingly.
4. You are asked to stay home if you are not feeling well. Please contact the trip organizer to inform them of your decision.
