All Aboard!! East Troy Railroad & Yerkes Observatory
Monday, May 12, 2025
Registration Deadline is Tuesday, March 25
We’ll begin the day with a private, one-hour tour of renovated Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay. Their expert, engaging, and entertaining guides will provide a fascinating program covering the Observatory’s history, architectural detail, astronomical research, and a look inside the 90-foot dome of the 40-inch refractor, still the largest lens-type telescope in the world! You will have the opportunity to visit the gift shop for some unique items found only at Yerkes.
On our way to Yerkes Observatory, we will hear from Jim Lattis, author of Chasing the Stars: How the Astronomers of Observatory Hill Transformed Our Understanding of the Universe. Jim holds a Ph.D. in History of Science from UW–Madison and helped create UW Space Place, the outreach and public education center of the UW–Madison Astronomy Department and has directed it since its founding. He manages the historic Washburn Observatory; and teaches courses in introductory astronomy and its history.
Then we’ll board the bus for a short ride to the East Troy Depot for our private chartered, two-hour ride and lunch on the East Troy Electric Railroad. UWRA member Evan Richards will be our guide and conductor.
Just imagine yourself dining in the luxury of a dinner car with white linen tablecloths, china, silverware, and glassware reminiscent of the elegance of yesteryear. We will enjoy a leisurely ride down to Lower Phantom Lake while enjoying lunch and conversations with our table mates.
We'll start with a House Salad & Italian dressing, followed by Chicken with Roasted Garlic Parmesan Cream accompanied by Herb Smashed Red Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetable, Dinner Rolls & Butter. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are available for purchase. We’ll make a brief stop to stretch our legs and get some pictures at Indianhead Park in Mukwonago. A delicious slice of Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and dark roast regular coffee, decaf coffee, and hot tea awaits us on the return trip to East Troy.
*Individual dietary needs can generally be accommodated. Vegan and Vegetarian options available.
As always, the trip will include a surprise stop during the day! After completing our visits, we head home.
Seating is limited, so register soon as the capacity of the dinner car is 50 people!
Of special note: The railroad cars were designed and built long before the ADA, therefore they do not meet current standards for accessibility. Passengers must be able to walk up and down steps to get on and off cars. The car is heated and air conditioned and has a restroom.
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PLATO is partnering with the Verona Senior Center and UW Retirement Association on this travel opportunity. Pick-up locations are different from PLATO's usual trips. You will be required to fill out the 2025 Verona New Member Form (no charge) and 2025 Verona trip waiver Form. You can fill out these forms in advance or on the day of the trip.
Schedule: (Return times are approximate)
8:00 a.m. Depart Verona Senior Center, 108 Paoli Street, Verona
8:30 a.m. Pick-up (East Madison) Dutch Mill Park and Ride (East Lot)
5:00 p.m. Return Dutch Mill Park & Ride
5:30 p.m. Return Verona Senior Center
Departure Locations:
Verona Senior Center, 108 Paoli Street, Verona
East Side (Dutch Mill Park & Ride (East Lot))
Map below for those boarding the bus on east side Dutch Mill Park & Ride. Please park in the "east" lot as indicated by the arrow. (east of Arby's)
Cost: $165 per person and includes bus transportation, driver tip, admission fees, meal, taxes, and gratuities.
Seating is limited, so register today! Registrations must be received no later than noon on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
Mail-In Registration Form: Print, Fill-in and Mail this Form for those who wish to register off-line and by check.
Refund Policy: PLATO refunds an event fee if cancelled prior to the registration deadline. Refunds after the registration deadline are only processed if a wait-listed registrant can attend. Refunds made by check.
PLATO Membership: PLATO membership is $60.00/year and all memberships renew on July 1.
For further information, contact PLATO trip coordinator, Bob Shaw, robert.e.shaw@gmail.com , 608-255-3486.
