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America's Most Historic Observatory Is Reborn—And Open for Tours

Yerkes Observatory, home to the largest refracting telescope in the world, was almost lost for good. Saved by its Wisconsin community, its second life is a must-see.

Jacqueline Kehoe of Madison, Wisconsin, works as a freelance journalist, editor and photographer. Her work has appeared in publications like National Geographic, Travel + Leisure, Afar, Lonely Planet, Sierra, Backpacker and Thrillist.

Edwin Hubble and Carl Sagan lived in the same attic. Forty-three years apart, they worked and studied a floor below, in the same rooms where Nancy Grace Roman, NASA's first chief of astronomy, studied the motion of stars; where Gerard Kuiper figured out the other side of Neptune; where William Morgan discovered the shape of the Milky Way.

Like binary stars, these stories orbit around Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, about 6 miles east of Lake Geneva. Widely regarded as the most historic observatory in America—and home to the largest refracting telescope in the world—this forgotten masterpiece was almost demolished. The local community gathered to save it, and today, it's inviting all of us to visit and interact with history, art and space.

A Midwestern—and Global—Icon Reborn

Yerkes Observatory, property of The University of Chicago, was the first astrophysics school in the nation. But by 2005, the 1897 Beaux Arts masterpiece had gotten too expensive to maintain, and the university wanted the property off its hands. There were proposals to turn it into a resort, a spa, a subdivision—and then locals intervened.

"The community raised a fuss," says Walt Chadick, the observatory's director of programs and external affairs. "A lot of people stood up and said, 'Hold on. This is America's most historic, most celebrated observatory. We need to protect this heralded place.'"

The university donated the facility to a community-led nonprofit, Yerkes Future Foundation , in 2020—books, slides, telescopes, trash and all. It was an archaeological site: Rummaging through the attic, YFF staff found relics like Hubble's dissertation and Gerard Kuiper's lunar sphere. In the basement, yellowing dark rooms reeked of hydroquinone and acetic acid, and Reagan's "Star Wars" lasers sat gathering dust.

By 2022, the foundation had raised roughly $14 million for renovation, and the public was invited inside—in small, reserved groups—to wander the halls of Hubble, to gaze upon the Great Refractor, to thumb through books with famous autographs on library cards. "We began with just me," says Chadick, "taking people through construction sites, through those stuck-in-amber places." While certain areas will remain in amber—like the first computers used in 1973—the majority of the facility will be fully restored over the coming years.

"We don't want to be a dusty relic," Chadick explains. "We want to be a forward-thinking modern maker of things."

A New Era for Yerkes

Don't call it a "museum," says Chadick—the observatory's doors are locked, and timed tours can only be reserved online. The classic tour explores the "big dome" with the Great Refractor, the rotunda, and the building's architectural highlights; the "Hidden Spaces" tour ventures into the smaller domes with smaller telescopes, the old darkrooms, and dormitories where the PhD students lived; and the landscape tour explores the grounds (designed by John Charles Olmsted, son of Frederick Law Olmsted) and Yerkes' new status as an internationally accredited arboretum. Five miles of newly blazed woodland trails maze throughout the property for extra exploration.

Special events, though, are where the observatory—which is still functioning, Chadick adds—shines like a supernova. Star parties pepper the calendar, telescope viewing nights bring the public to the Great Refractor, and artistic collaborations turn the facility into an innovations incubator. Thirty musicians from the Blackbird Creative Lab wrote and performed a symphony onsite, composed from interpreted astronomical images; U.S. Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith was featured in the Summer Speaker Series; and Ashley Zelinskie, the official sculptor for the James Webb Space Telescope, built a black hole space-time continuum sculpture in the side yard.

"I don't know anywhere on Earth where astronomers collaborate this closely with artists," says Chadick. "We want artists to be illuminated, astronomers to have the chance to work with and teach diverse thinkers and creators, and people to leave filled with joy."

Book tours in advance at yerkesobservatory.org .

More Out-of-This-World Experiences in the Midwest

Adler planetarium, chicago.

The Midwest has another astronomic first: Adler Planetarium , the first planetarium in the country. See Chicago's night sky as it appeared more than 100 years ago via the Atwood Sphere, catch sky shows in one of two dome theaters, and gaze through the city's largest publicly accessible telescope at the Doane Observatory.

Cosmosphere, Hutchinson, Kansas

Partspace museum, part STEM education center, Cosmosphere —roughly an hour northwest of Wichita —brings its visitors a chance to live out their astronaut dreams. Try on a space suit, hop in a cockpit, scope out Russian space artifacts and catch a show in the Justice Planetarium.

Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

The only dark sky–designated national park in the Midwest, Voyageurs National Park —a forested, lake-filled expanse just south of the Canadian border—offers designated night-sky programs as well as opportunities, night after night, to stargaze, count flying meteors, and witness the spectacular northern lights .

262.245.7000

Yerkes Observatory

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Follow in the Steps of Albert Einstein

You can count your lucky stars, because Yerkes Observatory is just four miles from Geneva National, allowing visitors the opportunity to test their celestial vision and marvel at the Roman brick-and-terracotta building’s late 19th century architecture and mythological ornamentation. Founded in 1897, the astronomical observatory is home to the world’s largest refracting telescope, a 24-inch and 40-inch reflecting telescope and more than 170,000 photographic plates precisely detailing star locations. Known to this day for its research and popular for its educational tours, star parties and summer day camps, Yerkes also attracts building and landscape architects as well as photographers to its 77 acres designed by John Olmsted, whose brother was the landscape architect for New York's Central Park. Visit the website for up-to-date tour times, special events and to make reservations for an observing session.

373 W. Geneva St, Williams Bay WI

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Yerkes Observatory Features

Space & Spaces Tour

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23 Reasons This Lakeside Resort City In The Midwest Is The Perfect Holiday Getaway

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One of the most popular destinations in the Midwest, Lake Geneva , a small Wisconsin lakeside resort town, is bursting at the seams with ways to celebrate the holidays. Families have been creating memories here for generations after discovering this quaint small town following the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. Since then, visitors have discovered festive shopping adventures and a winter wonderland of activities that rival many big cities. This town is a dream come true for those who love the Christmas season.

From a classic boat cruise finding Santa’s Hideaway, watching the World’s Tallest Glass Tree being built, one glowing strand at a time, to eloquent dancing horses, here are some of the top things to do for the holidays in this Midwest winter playground. 

Best Holiday Experiences In Downtown Lake Geneva

Lake geneva cruise line’s santa cruise.

The Lake Geneva Cruise Line has a deep history of providing lake transportation since the late 1800s, including its famous summer mail boat route . For the holidays (November 25 to December 30), enjoy a trip to Santa’s Hideaway on a delightful forty-minute cruise featuring lighted displays on the shoreline. When the boat arrives at Santa’s Hideaway, the jolly bearded man greets guests and reads off the attending children’s names from the “nice list” from shore. Although Santa does not board the boat, it’s an experience to remember.

Lake Geneva Electric Christmas Parade

The theme for this year’s parade is “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” On December 3, watch over eighty entries requiring holiday lighting, including floats, horses, and bands. Start the day by having breakfast with Santa, then enjoy shopping locally-owned businesses to find the perfect gifts before the parade begins at 5 p.m.

Holiday Window Display Competition

Window shopping in Chicago is a favorite holiday activity. However, for a new experience without the hustle and bustle, check out Lake Geneva’s Holiday Window Display Competition from November 19 to December 30. Whether window shopping or finding the perfect gift, enjoy the entire town’s shops, then vote for your favorite. 

Holiday Lights Throughout Flat Iron Park

Revel in light displays at Flat Iron Park this holiday season and the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony held at 5 p.m. on December 2. Instead of cutting down a tree for the ceremony, lighted trees near the Andy Gump statue, decorated lamp posts, and wreaths create a charming outdoor scene. Take the perfect holiday photo with the lit “JOY” sign in the background.

Geneva Lake Museum’s Parade Of Trees

Local participants decorate Christmas trees throughout Geneva Lake Museum from November 19 to January 2. Visitors and volunteers vote on their favorite presentations.

Best Holiday Experiences Near Lake Geneva

World’s tallest glass tree at yerkes observatory.

New this year is the building of the World’s Tallest Glass Tree at Yerkes Observatory . Watch glassblowers construct a thirty-five-foot-tall glass Christmas tree from an onsite oven, then top it off with a four-and-a-half-foot-tall star. Also, watch glassblowing, steel sculpting, and woodworking demonstrations in person, in addition to a Winter Maker Market featuring local artisans and craftspeople. The event is open the first three weekends in December, from Friday to Sunday.

Furthermore, take a Space and Spaces Tour of Yerkes Observatory, home to three telescopes, including the largest refracting telescope in the world. 

East Troy Electric Railroad Museum Christmas Train

It’s one of the most popular holiday events, thanks to its vintage electric train. However, it’s more than a train ride. This event running from November 25 to December 18 includes crafts, hot chocolate, cookies, and a visit with Santa at the Elegant Farmer country store. Board the Christmas Train at the East Troy Electric Railroad Museum for a two-hour excursion with various daily departure times. 

Let It Glow

Drive through Let It Glow ; a free holiday light display from December 2-4 at the Walworth County Fairgrounds.

The Dancing Horses Theatre Holiday Show

Catch a performance at The Dancing Horses Theatre for a one-of-a-kind holiday experience. Horses in Christmas costumes perform to holiday music in a Vegas-style show with plenty of glitz and glamor. This extraordinary family Christmas show provides equestrian artistry in an intimate setting.

Tristan Crist Magic Theatre

Warm up inside the state-of-the-art Tristan Crist Magic Theatre for an evening of Vegas-style magic, comedy, and illusion. Tristan Crist performed at Circus Circus in Las Vegas. Also, he made a circus wagon appear out of thin air at the Circus World Museum in the Wisconsin Dells. 

Holiday Arts And Crafts Fair

Attend the Lake Geneva Annual Arts & Crafts Fair on December 3 at the Hawk’s View Golf Club. The event is free and is open from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. 

Lake Geneva Outdoor Activities

Visitors can enjoy skiing at either Grand Geneva Mountain Top or Wilmot Mountain Ski Resort . If you’re looking for great hiking and snowshoeing locations, try these. Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy , Big Foot Beach State Park , Four Seasons Nature Preserve , or Linn Nature Park.

Grand Geneva Resort And Spa Holiday Events

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is well known for its festive holiday spirit, but it has many attractions worth experiencing. Plus, you don’t need to be a guest to enjoy them. The six-week-long “Christmas in the Country” celebration has many activities throughout the 1,300-acre property. Over two million lights are displayed inside and out.

For instance, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride from Dan Patch Stables or ride a trolley throughout the property on its long winding road for holiday light viewing. Meander through the Gingerbread House Walk after breakfast with Santa, or roam around to find the perfect holiday photo. Make no mistake; there are plenty of holiday festivities at the Grand Geneva.

Best Restaurants In Lake Geneva

• Pier 290 : Lake Geneva’s only lakeside restaurant
• 1878 on the Lake : Known for steaks, seafood, chops, and stand out.
• Fireside Dinner Theatre : Offers live performances of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, which stars Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Rosemary Clooney from November 3rd to December 23rd, 2022. The menu includes a classic Wisconsin fish fry, among many other choices.
• Igloo dining : Great for a memorable dinner and cocktail outdoor winter experience.

Best Hotels And Resorts In Lake Geneva

Main street loft.

Does winter camping in Wisconsin sound exciting? How about an indoor glamping experience? At Main Street Loft , guests have the luxury of a large, fully furnished rental unit in the heart of downtown and close to Geneva Lake. Main Street Loft has room for twelve guests with two baths. Indeed, a unique opportunity for groups such as families, reunions, and bachelorette parties.

Grand Geneva Resort And Spa

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa sits within gently sloping hills on 1,300 wooded acres on the edge of town. There’s plenty to do if not outside on the family-friendly slopes or playing indoors. But, of course, taking a “you” day at the spa and salon remains a guest favorite. 

Timber Ridge Lodge And Waterpark

Celebrating the holidays and kids go hand in hand. In this case, Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark offers an alternative way to stay warm. 

The Abbey Resort

Overlooking Abbey Harbor and Fontana Beach, The Abbey Resort has lake-inspired guest rooms and a full-service spa. During the holidays, enjoy a weekly Sunday brunch with Santa, along with a Christmas Eve dinner buffet and Christmas day dinner.

Lake Lawn Resort

Full-service Lake Lawn Resort offers impressive lake views on 250 acres on the Delevan Lake shoreline. Guests can dine at 1878 On The Lake, in addition to Christmas Eve Dinner and Christmas day buffet. You could also have breakfast with Santa in the Courtyard Garden.

Geneva National Resort And Club

At Geneva National Resort & Club , explore one of five ice castles in the United States, outdoor ice skating, candlelight snowshoeing, and the sled hill. Then, when it’s time for food and drink, choose between nine excellent venues.

For more information on traveling to Wisconsin, check out these articles:

• 8 Amazing Experiences In Lovely Beloit, Wisconsin
• 11 Amazing Things To Do During A Long Weekend In Charming Manitowoc, The Maritime Capital Of Wisconsin
• 10 Historic Hidden-Gem Towns To Explore In Wisconsin

Tom and Kristi Flick Manus are small-town travel specialists from Eau Claire, Wisconsin. They enjoy road trips through and around small towns looking for plus-size adventures. They find it intriguing to explore small towns for unique attractions, local shops, profound history, expressive culture, and celebrated heritage. They are always searching for extraordinary and overlooked ideas, along with popular experiences, to give people different options for travel. Tom and Kristi show how easy it is to find fun, accessible, beautiful, and captivating places on their website Small Town Plus Size .

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Is it possible to visit the Geneva Observatory? - Geneva Forum

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Is it possible to visit the Geneva Observatory?

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I had a look at the Geneva Observatory website but couldn't see whether public visits are permissible. Does anyone know whether he'd be able to visit - or what else could he do to get his star-gazing fix?

Many thanks!

I guess no-one on here knows. :-(

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Group tours

Plan an outing that goes above and beyond ..

Schedule your group tour with us! We welcome conventions, families, schools, community organizations, and groups of all kinds. All tour bookings support the restoration and preservation of this international landmark.

Group Admission Information

Reservations.

We host private tours for schools, businesses, science and arts clubs, and families. Please fill out the Group Reservation Form and we’ll provide you a rate quote tailored to you your group. Each tour has a maximum of 25 people, so if your group is larger we have to divide into sub-groups.

Tour Highlights

All tours last approximately an hour and a half. Tour guides will discuss the history and architecture of the Observatory, the astronomers and astrophysicists who worked here, and the ongoing restoration and preservation of this iconic landmark in the history of science.

Group tours for telescope nights will begin in the future once telescope restoration is complete. Currently, all tours are walking tours inside the Observatory, though we can schedule group tours of the Olmsted-designed landscape. Please email to inquire. Due to the preservation work, some spaces may not be accessible on your tour day.

For your comfort and safety

All tours involve walking up and down staircases. There will be a fair amount of walking in general, sometimes through narrow or low spaces, so dress comfortably for the conditions. Unfortunately, the three domes and third floor are not wheelchair accessible, but we’re working every day to expand our accessibility.

Yerkes tours are family-friendly but oriented toward adults and students over 10 years old. Keep in mind that although children under age 10 may find the big dome and telescope interesting, the astronomical and architectural topics being discussed may not hold their attention for an hour. In addition, there are many delicate and priceless artifacts displayed in small spaces, so we’d encourage adults to be respectful of this when considering bringing children under 10. For school groups, there must be two adult chaperones per 25-student group.

Your group may bring food and drink. You can eat outside at no cost or in the historic Drake Family Library for an additional cost of $200. Wine and cheese receptions are welcome. The library seats 30 people.

COVID-19 policy: Yerkes Observatory follows federal, state, and local laws regarding COVID-19 mask use and safety. When a mandate or ordinance has been updated, we will update our policy accordingly.

Group Reservation Form

All submissions to this form are forwarded to our Group Sales office. We will verify availability, create a group reservation, and send you a confirmation message via email within 2–3 business days of receiving your request. If we are unable to accommodate your preferred date, we will contact you via phone and/or email to find an alternative. Please note, if your visit is less than one week away, submit the reservation form and call the Group Sales office to confirm your request.

Questions about the reservation process or your request?

• [email protected]

Note: Please arrive 30 minutes early and have your group leader check in at the Admissions desk.

User Agreement *

By checking the box below, you acknowledge that you have read and will abide our group visit and field trip policies , terms and conditions .

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2 Group tour fees represent a significant discount from our regular ticket prices. Group prices may be further reduced at our discretion for Geneva Lake-area nonprofit and community groups.

10 Best Things to Do in Lake Geneva in April

By Author Paulina

Posted on Published: March 23, 2024  - Last updated: March 24, 2024

Guide to what to do in Lake Geneva in April to an amazing spring visit

When spring finally comes to Wisconsin, you’ll have fun unlocking and exploring all the fun things to do in Lake Geneva in April .

Temperatures peaking at 59 °F means that you can start to enjoy a great range of outdoor activities.

There are also plenty of indoor Lake Geneva April attractions if you don’t get lucky with the weather as you travel Wisconsin in springtime.

April in Lake Geneva has activities for everyone, and this article helps by giving you access to my ten favorite things to do so you can start planning.

Psssst…!!??  You can’t get enough of Wisconsin? Have a look at my other posts:

• Getaways & Places to Vacation in Wisconsin
• Wisconsin Road Trips You Should Do!
• Cool Weekend Trips in Wisconsin

You, dear reader, support this blog. When you purchase through a link, I may earn a small commission. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

Top resources to travel Wisconsin

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Overview: Top 3 Things to do in Lake Geneva in April

• Ride Slides at Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark
• Enjoy a Round of Golf
• Take a Lake Geneva Boat Tour

1. Enjoy Downtown Shopping

There are an average of nine rainy days in Lake Geneva in April, so it is essential to have indoor activities on your vacation plan.

For those April showers, why not explore Lake Geneva’s vibrant downtown, with plenty of local shops available to hop into and out of the rain?

Shops that rank among the best things to do in Lake Geneva any time of the year include Clearwater Outdoor, your one-stop shop for everything adventure gear, and Cornerstone Shop, a department store that can inspire you to reinvigorate your home.

Whatever your shopping preferences, you will find something to get you excited in the boutique main square.

Book the best vacation cabins in Lake Geneva

2. Hike the Geneva Lake Shore Path

Regardless of the weather, hiking the Geneva Lake Shore Path will always be one of the best things to do in Lake Geneva in April.

This 26-mile path circumnavigates Lake Geneva and is open all year round and is one of my favorite hiking trails in Wisconsin .

Hiking the entire loop is among the more challenging Lake Geneva things to do in April. It will take 8-10 hours and takes you through one of the best state parks in Wisconsin .

For families, it will probably be better to drive out to a particularly scenic spot and take a shorter walk.

The main access points are Fontana, Williams Bay, Lake Geneva City, and Big Foot Beach State Park, all of which have public restrooms open during Spring in Lake Geneva.

Buy the best hiking guides for Wisconsin

3. Eat with a Lake View

After spending a long day enjoying the best Lake Geneva April activities, you will be hungry to try the local cuisine.

Many restaurants in the area have beautiful lake views, giving them a deserved place in my list of things to do in Lake Geneva in April.

You will be able to find superb restaurants wherever you are staying during your spring break in Wisconsin . However, my favorite is Pier 290.

Located in Williams Bay, this restaurant is an upmarket American restaurant, serving delicious cocktails.

This Lake Geneva April restaurant is also unique as it has boat parking on the water so you can arrive in style.

4. Take a Lake Geneva Boat Tour

With the beautiful spring weather, why not enjoy a tour around one of the best lakes in Wisconsin .

The best perspective you can get of the transformation that happens at Lake Geneva in the spring is by getting out onto the water.

Lots of companies offer Lake Geneva boat tours, allowing you to see the wildlife that flocks to the area as the weather improves.

Alongside conventional boat tours, there are also novelty boat tours among the things to do in Lake Geneva, WI, in April.

Your kids will love the ice cream boat tour and seeing the mail workers during the mail boat tour.

Alternatively, if you are traveling with your partner, a jazz cocktail cruise is one of the most romantic things to do in Lake Geneva in April.

Book the best tours in Lake Geneva

5. Ride Slides at Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark

If you’re wondering where to stay in Lake Geneva , why not opt for something fun for the whole family!

One of the best Lake Geneva resorts is Grand Geneva Resort, known for its luxury accommodations and being partnered with Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark .

This is among the highly popular Lake Geneva attractions in April as all the slides are indoors, so it is the perfect place to keep your kids occupied on a rainy day.

The waterpark has also recently been updated with four new slides and Moose Mountain Falls has now fully reopened.

Book a stay at Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark

6. Catch a Show

With lots on, it is easy to curate a program of unmissable Lake Geneva April events. Few of these popular things to do in Lake Geneva April offers are as mind-bending as the Tristan Crist Magic Theatre.

You can enjoy an exciting mix of live magic, illusions, and comedy within a small and immersive theater.

What’s more, the show is updated each year with new tricks, so it’s always worth a visit if you regularly spend Spring Break in Wisconsin.

Meanwhile, if you prefer a more conventional theater experience, you will love the Lake Geneva events in April at Geneva Theater.

This historic building in Lake Geneva’s downtown has recently been restored and is always hosting incredible shows.

7. Enjoy a Round of Golf

Surely, none of the things to do in Lake Geneva in April are as relaxing and cathartic as spending a day on the fairway.

The Lake Geneva area is well-stocked for golf lovers, and top-quality golf courses are open during the Lake Geneva spring. There are several courses to choose from.

The most popular for short-term visitors include Geneva National, Grand Geneva, Hawk’s View, Lake Lawn, Lake Geneva Country Club, and Big Foot Country Club.

8. Lake Geneva Canopy Tours

Among the Lake Geneva things to do in April, few are as fun for adventure lovers as Lake Geneva Canopy Tours.

Their zipline tours are particularly popular in spring. Lasting two hours, you will enjoy 8 long zip line rides through the lakeside treetops.

Between the zip lines, you will traverse five sky bridges and three spiral staircases. Your adventure then ends with a giant racing zipline where you can compete with your friends.

You can also get the adrenaline pumping at Lake Geneva Canopy Tours by using the high ropes course.

During these excursions, you navigate among the treetops across a range of challenging and enthralling high ropes features.

9. Safari Lake Geneva

There are plenty of April things to do in Lake Geneva for animal and nature lovers, but Wisconsin’s original drive-through safari has to be at the top of your list.

Just five miles from downtown Lake Geneva, you can find an animal park with amazing creatures from all over the world.

This safari park was created by Jay Christie, who realized their dream of conserving the world’s most endangered animals while giving them room to roam.

There are dozens of animals to look at when you visit Safari Lake Geneva. The most exciting and unique examples include bison, giraffe, water buffalo, and Yak.

Just make sure you keep your windows closed while you drive around!

10. Visit the Yerkes Observatory

Among the Wisconsin vacation ideas for science lovers is a visit to Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay.

Founded in 1892, it once had the world’s largest refracting telescope and is known to many as the birthplace of modern astrophysics. Albert Einstein himself loved this site, visiting it in 1921.

When visiting the observatory, you can walk the stunning grounds for free. The grounds were designed by the Olmsteds, who are also known for creating Central Park and the US Capitol grounds.

Alternatively, you can pay for a guided tour, which will allow you to see inside the observatory and witness the equipment that helped scientists unlock the mysteries of our universe.

It won’t take you long to figure out what to do in Lake Geneva in April and your trip can be busy with fun activities, whether you are vacationing as a family, with your partner, or alone.

In fact, you will struggle to fit everything in so it is important to plan properly ahead so you don’t miss any great April events in Lake Geneva.

The other crucial aspect to bear in mind when visiting Lake Geneva in April is that the weather may be unpredictable.

It is important to include indoor activities in your schedule if you need to get out of the rain. Luckily, this list, and my list of places to visit in Wisconsin in April , has a mix of inside and outside activities.

FAQs About Things to do in Lake Geneva in April

Is lake geneva good to visit in april.

April is a fantastic time to visit Lake Geneva. Spring has officially come to the city and you can enjoy plenty of fun outdoor activities and events, as well as some of the best weather.

How many days do you need in Lake Geneva in April?

2 days is an ideal amount of time to explore all that Lake Geneva has to offer.

What is the weather in Lake Geneva in April?

You can enjoy average temperatures of 59 °F during April in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

Before You Go: Top Tips for your Trip 

• You’ll snap tons of photos and I love to take my  GoPro  in order to shoot even in extreme situations. 
• Make sure to wear comfortable  walking shoes  and  hiking sandals   when traveling to warm countries. Consider trying some of these eco-friendly vegan hiking boots .
• Sunscreen is key! I always take with me my  eco-friendly sunscreen   by Thinksport.
• I always carry a  light rain jacket ,  just in case. Pack smart with these organic cotton clothing companies .
• Be environmentally friendly and get one of these awesome backpacks made from recycled materials .
• Get in the mindset with these amazing wilderness survival books .
• Travel insurance is essential! If you haven’t already obtained travel insurance for your trip, travel is protected against all odds with  HeyMondo .

Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀

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Event: Moon and Mocha Night (March 20, 8-9:30 p.m.)

We have made the decision to hold the event tonight, March 20, 8-9:30 p.m.  The Geneva Community is invited to view the moon at the John Paul Schaefer Memorial Observatory through our telescope. Come enjoy a cup of hot chocolate while you view the heavens.  ( Weather Permitting,  Check this page prior to the event to learn whether or not the event will take place.)

Event: Moon and Mocha Night

Stay tuned for the next event.  Geneva College is hosting a series of events at its John Paul Schaefer Memorial Observatory. The Geneva Community is invited to come enjoy a cup of hot chocolate while you view the heavens. Dates will be posted soon.

Background of Astronomy Observing at Geneva

Planned uses of the observatory, research projects, technical specifications of equipment.

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When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?” Psalm 8:3-4

The John Paul Schaefer Memorial Observatory is named in honor of the father of Mr. John Schaefer, Emeritus Professor of Physics at Geneva, who retired in 2012 after a 50 year career at Geneva. The observatory is located to the west of the campus baseball field on 33rd Street. It consists of a 10’ domed structure to house the main 16” telescope and a control building for computers and storage of other observing equipment.  The open field next to the dome can be used for viewing events with smaller portable telescopes for classes and the public.

Because of an unusually large class studying Astronomy, The Geneva Cabinet makes the case for procuring a telescope for the college in November of 1881, "The time has now come when we can no longer do without this important instrument…A telescope placed (with permission) upon the college grounds could be made the source of immense satisfaction and profit, not only to those and other students, but to amateurs and visitors outside the college" ( The Cabinet , November, 1881, p. 2.). It is clear that the subject of Astronomy has been of great interest to students of Geneva College throughout the years, and many have had the opportunity to observe and learn about the handiwork of God in the classroom.

Recently, several faculty at Geneva have discovered the Brashear 6” refracting telescope on a wooden tripod that seems to be over 90 years old in a storage room. After some investigation by Geneva's Archival Librarian Kae Kirkwood, it became known that the telescope had been donated to the college in 1915.

Cabinet articles from 1915 reveal, "A fine new telescope, valued at $700, is placed in the Science Hall as a gift of a loyal friend of Geneva who wishes his name withheld. This is a replacement for the old telescope which was lost in the fire which destroyed Science Hall several years ago, leaving the Astronomy classes seriously crippled in their work. The new instrument is a great improvement over the one that was destroyed. It was built by the John A. Brashear company of North Side, Pittsburgh, Pa. This object gives beautiful views of the moon and the comets, and its light collecting power is so perfect as to bring out the ring system of the planet Saturn in great detail, showing the inner, or crepe ring. The eye piece gives magnification from 300 down to 65 diameters, so that observations may be made of the moon, planets, double stars, clusters, and nebulas." The article further describes efforts to build a small observatory, "It is the purpose of the college authorities to build an Observatory in the near future and to mount this fine instrument in permanent form" ( The Cabinet , March, 1915, p. 4; April, 1915, p. 9.). Though much has changed since 1915, Geneva continues to build upon the astronomical legacy of former generations.

Beginning in the early 1960s when John Schaefer joined the faculty, a regular course in Astronomy was re-introduced into the college catalog, and a fenced viewing platform was included on the roof of the 1966 S&E addition. Evening viewing sessions with a 6” Newtonian telescope were a regular feature in the late 1970s, led by physics student John Hill, now a professional astronomer with the Large Binocular Telescope project in Arizona. However, to fast forward a few decades, the roof of S&E ceased to be a satisfactory viewing area as campus lighting was improved and surrounding trees grew tall enough to block the view.

In the mid-1990s, faculty members John Schaefer and John Stein obtained a small grant from the National Science Foundation to build a small block structure next to Alumni Hall to house a 10” reflector telescope. This was intended as a proof-of-concept structure, and was successfully used for student projects and also to develop an Observational Astronomy course. In 2005, this structure was dismantled to make way for campus improvements, and the lessons learned were incorporated into the current observatory design. During this time, a major memorial gift was given in memory of John Paul Schaefer, the father of Professor John Schaefer. Also, John Stein successfully obtained grant funds from the Extrasolar Planetary Foundation to purchase a larger telescope. These funds, together with other alumni contributions, have made the present observatory possible.

The main 16” telescope will be used for a variety of student projects and for faculty research. Within the general Astronomy class, students will take accurate measurements of shadow lengths on the moon and do calculations to find the height of mountains and crater rims. Observations of galaxies, binary stars, and moons within our solar system will also be possible. In the advanced Observational Astronomy class, higher level projects will be possible, including stellar photometry of variable stars, exoplanet transits and asteroid rotation curves.  In the field next to the observatory, which also has reasonably good viewing conditions, we will hold general viewing sessions with our portable telescopes (8” and 10” reflectors and maybe even the classic Brashear refractor) as well as binoculars and naked eye viewing of constellations and (as opportunity permits) comets. It is anticipated that open viewing nights will be held for the campus community, for alumni events and for the general public. Because the main 16” telescope will be computer interfaced, remote operation will be possible for advanced student projects and faculty research.

Two major types of research are planned at this time.  We are interested in using the telescope to monitor stars for variations in intensity over time which can provide evidence of the transit of a planet. “Exoplanets,” as they are called are generally too dim to be viewed directly, but detection will be possible using this “transit” technique.

The other research activity a telescope of this size can do relates to monitoring orbital changes in Near-Earth Objects (mostly asteroids whose orbits cross that of Earth). There is considerable interest in learning more about such objects in the wake of recent episodes of near-Earth approaches of asteroids.

We anticipate submitting a proposal to NASA to become a member station of NASA’s All Sky Fireball Network (a meteor tracking network), which would involve installing wide-angle cameras to monitor the whole sky.  For more information, see http://fireballs.ndc.nasa.gov/ .

Main Telescope Meade LX600 ACF

Computer Processor: Intel Core i7-4770 3.4Ghz w/8M cache Memory:   16GB DDR3 1600MHz (2-8GB) Hard Drives:   1.0 TB, Serial (2ea, fixed) and 10.0 TB (2ea, portable)

Software Starry Night MaxIm DL ASCOM Platform 61

Portable Telescopes 10” Meade LX200 (Classic) 8”  Meade LX90 ACF 6”  Brashear Refractor

Dome manufacturer ExploraDome

Fundraising needs

The observatory is nearly operational for ordinary viewing, having been built with existing funds and the help of Geneva’s physical plant staff. Eyepiece viewing is possible now. However, for the full project to be completed, the telescope will need cameras and additional scientific instrumentation.  The specific items needed and their costs appear in the table below. Specific contributions to help acquire any of these items would benefit a new generation of physics, computer science, and engineering students who are fascinated with the heavens.

* SBIG: The Santa Barbara Instrument Group ** JMI Telescopes *** Diffraction Limited **** CCDWare

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Yerkes Observatory

Tours available Thursdays-Mondays from May till October and two to three days a week during the shoulder seasons. Tickets available ONLINE ONLY . Click HERE for more information and to reserve your tour or event. 

Hello, 2024! WE ARE OPEN! Yerkes Observatory, the birthplace of modern astrophysics, is an architectural masterpiece on fifty acres of Olmsted-designed ecological splendor. Since 1897, Yerkes has been the home and school to famous astronomers, Nobel prize winners, and renowned scientists but we're now open for public tours, observing nights, star parties, weddings, exhibits, trail walks, and more. The world-famous Observatory's beautiful location in Williams Bay, Wisconsin is only twelve minutes from downtown Lake Geneva. We are on a new voyage under the stewardship of Yerkes Future Foundation, a nonprofit 501c3. All proceeds go to the restoration, preservation, and programs of this international landmark of astronomy, architecture, and landscape design. Don't miss these behind-the-scenes, out of this world, restoration tours! For further information,  please visit our website.

• Number of Meeting Rooms: 4
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Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics (CIERA) logo

Tassos fragkos.

Fragkos , Tassos

Assistant Professor at the Geneva Observatory

Dr. Tassos Fragkos was a CIERA Postdoc 2014 – 2018.

Following his time at CIERA, Dr. Fragkos became an SNSF Ambizione Fellow at the Geneva Observatory.

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