Skip to main content
Shedd Aquarium

The Dearborn Observatory

2131 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208

Museums

The Dearborn Observatory is an astronomical observatory located on the Evanston campus of Northwestern University. The observatory was originally constructed in 1888, though an agreement between the university and the Chicago Astronomical Society.

The Dearborn Observatory is open for limited public viewing via the historic 18.5" refracting telescope every Friday night from 9-11pm. Advance reservations required.

How to find us?

Back to Listings

What's happening nearby...

Evanston Plein Air Festival

Various Locations in Evanston •  Jul 13 – Jul 21

Art meets nature and architecture during Evanston Made's Plein Air Festival. Experience this citywide art festival with painting demonstrations, parties and an art market.

Read more about Evanston Plein Air Festival

Evanston Folk Festival

Dawes Park •  Sep 07 – Sep 08

Enjoy a celebration of the rich folk music tradition at Evanston Folk Festival, held at the picturesque Dawes Park along Lake Michigan.

Read more about Evanston Folk Festival

You might also be interested...

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity & Foundation

Evanston

Established in 1927 as the Levere Memorial Foundation, the non-profit corporation of Sigma Alpha Epsilon was created to generate funds for the construction and maintenance of…

Read more about Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity & Foundation

Halim Time and Glass Museum

Evanston

If you could collect anything in the world, what would it be? Bottle caps? Coins? Handbags? How about clocks? One suburban man and his family are…

Read more about Halim Time and Glass Museum

Mitchell Museum of the American Indian

Evanston

The Mitchell Museum of the American Indian is one of only a handful of museums across the country that focuses exclusively on the art, history, and…

Read more about Mitchell Museum of the American Indian

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois.