Yes. Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, welcomes visitors on advance-ticketed tours and events. Its grounds and outdoor trails are generally free to explore from sunrise to sunset, but the historic building is not open for drop-in visits. A look through its Great Refractor may be possible during a night-sky program, depending on the weather and equipment.
Can you visit Yerkes Observatory now?
Yerkes is open to the public through scheduled tours and events, not as a walk-in museum. Tickets are required for interior access. The grounds and outdoor trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset without a ticket, except when a private event or another access restriction closes them. Check the official tours and events page before setting out, since programs and access can change.
Yerkes posts tickets on a rolling basis, usually about two months ahead, and its schedule varies by season. As of October 7, 2026, the official ticket page listed the 2026 Exploring the Night Sky experience as sold out; consult the official calendar for current dates and availability.
How was the observatory saved?
About six miles east of Lake Geneva, Yerkes opened in 1897. Its Beaux-Arts building became a major center for astrophysics, but mounting maintenance costs put the property’s future in doubt. A community campaign helped preserve it, and the University of Chicago donated the facility to the community-led Yerkes Future Foundation in 2020, according to Midwest Living’s August 24, 2023 feature.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
The story connects Yerkes with astronomers including Edwin Hubble, Nancy Grace Roman, Gerard Kuiper and Carl Sagan. The feature also reported that roughly $14 million had been raised for renovation by 2022; that is a historical figure, not a current fundraising total. The observatory’s official history page says long-term restoration remains underway, including work on historic masonry and interior spaces.
What makes the Great Refractor and building special?
Yerkes is known for its Great Refractor, a historic telescope housed in the observatory’s landmark structure. Seeing it is part of the appeal of a visit, but looking through it is not assured. Yerkes says clear skies and working equipment may make observing possible during a night-sky program; if conditions do not cooperate, the program shifts to an indoor historical astronomy experience.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
The night program also offers a glimpse of the observatory’s astronomical archive: Yerkes’s summer 2026 page describes a vault containing 180,000 glass astronomical images. That mix of working scientific history, architecture and archival material makes the visit more than a chance to peer through a telescope.
Which Yerkes tour should you choose?
| Experience | What it offers | Practical considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Space & Spaces | An introductory look inside the observatory and its historic spaces. | Requires an advance ticket; check the current listing for duration and dates. |
| Director’s Hidden Spaces | Access to behind-the-scenes areas beyond a standard introductory visit. | Requires an advance ticket; historic spaces may involve tight areas and stairs. |
| Exploring the Night Sky | An evening astronomy program with possible viewing through the Great Refractor. | Viewing depends on sky conditions and equipment. The 2026 experience was listed as sold out on October 7, 2026. The summer 2026 night experience includes stairs and is not wheelchair accessible. |
| Seasonal events | Programs that vary with the season and calendar. | Dates and details change; check the official calendar before planning. |
These descriptions reflect the experiences listed by Yerkes; confirm the current tour details and access information on its ticket page before booking.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What should visitors know before booking?
- Reserve interior access: the building is open only during scheduled tours and events, and tickets are required.
- Plan for walking and stairs: tours involve standing, walking and stairs; some experiences enter tight historic spaces.
- Check accessibility for the specific program: Yerkes says its summer 2026 night experience is not wheelchair accessible.
- Keep telescope expectations flexible: clear skies and functioning historic equipment determine whether observing is possible.
- Confirm grounds access: private events or other restrictions can affect the otherwise sunrise-to-sunset outdoor access.
What is the observatory becoming?
Yerkes’s restoration is ongoing, not complete. The observatory is also developing public programs beyond traditional tours. In Midwest Living’s 2023 feature, director of programs and external affairs Walt Chadick said, “We don’t want to be a dusty relic,” and described an ambition to make Yerkes “a forward-thinking modern maker of things.” That outlook frames the site as both a preserved scientific landmark and a place still shaping its future.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
