Skip to main content

Search the middle of everything...

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...

Northwestern University Men's and Women's Big Ten Basketball

Welsh-Ryan Arena •  Oct 29 – Mar 04

Watch as the Northwestern Wildcats Men's and Women's Basketball teams take on this season's opponents in the Welsh-Ryan Arena on Northwestern's campus.

Read more about Northwestern University Men's and Women's Big Ten Basketball

Northwestern University Danceworks 2026: Semiquincentennial

Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts - Josephine Louis Theater •  Mar 13 – Mar 15

Danceworks 2026 gathers choreographers, dancers, and audiences to ask: What does it mean to move together in a time of unraveling?

Read more about Northwestern University Danceworks 2026: Semiquincentennial

You might also be interested...

Noyes Cultural Arts Center

Evanston

The Noyes Cultural Arts Center, owned by the City of Evanston, is a lively home to over 20 artists and arts organizations offering music, theater, and…

Read more about Noyes Cultural Arts Center

Charles Gates Dawes House Museum

Evanston

The Charles Gates Dawes House is a historic house museum at 225 Greenwood Street in Evanston, Illinois. Built in 1894, this Chateauesque lakefront mansion was, from…

Read more about Charles Gates Dawes House Museum

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

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

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