Dearborn Observatory

Dearborn Observatory is an astronomical facility at Northwestern University in Evanston built from limestone in the Richardsonian Romanesque style. A prominent dome crowns the structure and houses a historic refracting telescope inside.

The facility was founded in 1888 through collaboration between the Chicago Astronomical Society and Northwestern University. It represented a major commitment to astronomical research and education in the region.

The building sits on Northwestern's campus and draws students, faculty, and visitors who gather here to look through the telescope and learn about the night sky together.

The building opens on designated evenings and weather conditions along with cloud cover can affect viewing opportunities and the overall experience. Planning ahead and arriving early helps make the most of your visit.

One of the most remarkable features is the power and size of the telescope housed here, which enabled groundbreaking observations of the night sky. The connection between this instrument and significant astronomical discoveries makes it compelling for anyone interested in how we learned about the cosmos.

Location: Evanston

Location: Evanston

Inception: 1889

Architects: Cobb and Frost, William W. Boyington

Architectural style: Richardsonian Romanesque

Elevation above the sea: 195 m

Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible

Made from material: limestone

Address: 2131 Tech Drive, Evanston, Illinois 60208

Website: https://physics.northwestern.edu/about/dearborn-observatory

GPS coordinates: 42.05667,-87.67508

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:08