Perfect place for a date night if you love science and space. On Wednesdays in the summer you can go for free and look through their telescope. the location is great, on top of a hill with a view of Lake Mendota, lots of walking paths nearby and a bike lane.

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 youre in Madison.

Love this place! But its closed rn due to COVID so sad! My 6 yr old daughter loves going here!

A great resource. Definitely stop by on one of the open-house evenings. Much fun gazing through the refurbished telescope and observatory. Support science!

Another great UW Madison gem!

Loved it.. Sign up for tweets to know if its open. We saw Jupiter the night we went. Its can be a long walk depending where you are starting from...

Neat building, they have a cool library.

Super cool study room

It was fantastic! They had 2 staff people talk about the telescope and astronomy. We were able to see Jupiter and Saturn through the telescope. It was amazing!!

Well if you happen to look up and notice a nice clear early evening sky on a Wednesday consider stopping by the Washburn Observatory. I have had the pleasure of visiting the observatory as a child and now as an adult with my child. A great way to expose young minds to the greater universe ... plus, the history of the location is interesting too.

Great scenary.

Inexpensive way to get some science knowledge in.

An amazing piece of science history!

Theyve hosted great events with lectures from all different fields of study which is always a nice way to spend an hour or two.

Too cool

Great views,

One of my favorite nerdy places in Madison!

Public viewing is on the first and third Wednesday of the month, this constantly changes though so be sure to check their website.

Public observing nights suspended for dome work until early December 2016.

Try it out at least once