Washburn Observatory — Attraction in Madison

A Natural Recouces Foundation trip to Washburn Observatory. Great and informative tour learning the history of the observatory one of originals in the country with the largest for many years refracting telescope on a university campus and the only one still with the original wooden dome.  It is open for public observing on the first and third Wednesday of each month, and every Wednesday June through August, weather permitting. Graduate students host the public on these open days if you have the opportunity...

Great antique U of Madison observatory, but only open Tuesday through Thursday. You can walk around the building for free and take in the great picturesque view of lake Mendota from this spot that is one of the highest on the Madison campus (excluding multi-story buildings). Be sure to check out the Indian burial mounds, shaped like animals, that are just West of the...

Washburn Observatory is the original research observatory for the University of Wisconsin (Madison) astronomy department. Completed in 1881, it is of significant historical value though its active research days are far behind it. From the historic Clark refracted located inside to the picturesque dome-on-the-hill, Washburn is a great place for a visit when...