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All the United States Illinois Oakland Prairie Observatory
Prairie Observatory is permanently closed.

This entry remains in the Atlas as a record of its history, but it is no longer accessible to visitors.

Prairie Observatory

An abandoned observatory in the middle of the Illinois prairie.

Oakland, Illinois

Added By
Ann Hart
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Prairie Observatory May 2021.   annmaryhart / Atlas Obscura User
Prairie Observatory May 2021.   annmaryhart / Atlas Obscura User
Opened entrance to Prairie Observatory May 2021.   annmaryhart / Atlas Obscura User
  elizmaka / Atlas Obscura User
What remains of the observatory as of April 27, 2024.   elizmaka / Atlas Obscura User
The observatory when it was being dismantled April 1st, 1981.   ndm315 / Atlas Obscura User
Observatory view from the side   45rpm / Atlas Obscura User
Observatory stairs from below   45rpm / Atlas Obscura User
Path leading to the observatory   45rpm / Atlas Obscura User
6-10-23   Darrell Powers / Atlas Obscura User
6-10-23   Darrell Powers / Atlas Obscura User
6-10-23   Darrell Powers / Atlas Obscura User
Unfortunately this is what it looks like as of early summer 2024.   eferguson527 / Atlas Obscura User
Prairie Observatory May 2021.   annmaryhart / Atlas Obscura User
Trail to Prairie Observatory May 2021.   annmaryhart / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Now a pile of rebar and concrete, the Prairie Observatory first opened in the 1960s and closed in the early 1980s. Forty years later, the structure was ultimately dismantled.

The observatory was once a place for astronomers from The University of Illinois to view the night sky far from bright city lights. Today, the building is covered with graffiti and overgrown vines. It looks more like something from a Hollywood postapocalyptic thriller than a place of science and research. 

The site can be accessed from a nearby parking lot or by following the scenic hiking trails from Walnut Point State Park.

Related Tags

Observatories Abandoned Science Space Exploration

Know Before You Go

The path from the state park may be flooded and is a moderately difficult hike. Entering the building is forbidden and can be dangerous. Although the floors are solid throughout, there are fall hazards and ledges without railings that can present a danger in the dark environment. Best viewed from a safe distance. 

Community Contributors

Added By

annmaryhart

Edited By

tteper, GINGERTRAVELS, elizmaka, Darrell Powers...

  • tteper
  • GINGERTRAVELS
  • elizmaka
  • Darrell Powers
  • 45rpm
  • ndm315
  • eferguson527

Published

June 4, 2021

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Sources
  • http://uias.astro.illinois.edu/HistoryUI12Refractor.html
Prairie Observatory
Oakland, Illinois, 61943
United States
39.701755, -88.05351

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