fermi national accelerator laboratory

Yes, amazing things are happening here. Of course, you can't (and don't want to) get too close. Visitor center is decent, explaining what is going on, but several displays were not working due to age, maintenance, broken sensors, etc. Friendly staff, beautiful campus. Just don't expect to get close to the action.

If your interested at all in science you should take a look. It's interesting when you get the story on what's being studied here. They are looking for answers to big questions here , too bad they only look for explanations from science. A huge undertaking just to study the smallest parts of matter. Makes you understanding just how complicated even the smallest parts of matter are. That all came about from a Big Bang??

Last summer we managed to catch one of the Wednesday morning public guided tours through Fermi Lab -- http://ed.fnal.gov/programs/tours/guided-tours.shtmlGranted, there's no razzle dazzle and you'll probably be disappointed if you're expecting some kind of Star Wars experience, but it's still worthwhile seeing the public areas of the facility as if you actually worked there (see photos). Maybe we were just lucky, but we also managed to get fairly close to the buffalo herds a couple times.Because of the fixed 10:30 time slot, it leaves your whole afternoon free to do whatever. Since it was close by, we spent the afternoon at Cantigny Park.

We stopped here because my husband is a psychics and science guy. I was expecting a bit more info/things for guests to do in the building. There is not much offered for visitors to do. they have ponds for fishing and a herd of buffalo but the farm is off the road and you cant really see them. This would be a nice place for biking- it's out in nature. It's free. Just not what I expected. I won't be returning.

If you have a scientific bent and don't know much about particle physics, head over to Fermi Lab. Tour the facility and learn about the world renowned work that is done there. In addition, check out the pendulum on the main floor. It is amazing! In good weather, there is fishing, nature walks through the prairie restoration, and buffalo to check out. Fermi Lab also promotes scientific lectures as well as cultural performances in its auditorium. Ticket prices are very reasonable. There is something for everyone here.

Make sure you take a drive to see the buffalo on the Fermi Lab property. Visit the Wilson Hall for the history.

Visitors center to learn about the physics research being conducted here; bison farm - get up close to these amazing beasts; lots of hiking and biking trails and backroads to explore; you can fish here too -- they do have a cafeteria with limited hours but otherwise bring a picnic or go off site for food

This is a wold class laboratory and one of a kind in many ways. The open to the public and welcome to all is something you don't see much anymore. It is not only educational - its trully an enjoyable experience. A visit to Fermi laboratory can change a child - start them done the rode to a love of science. Lots going on at the laboratory - so make sure to check out the laboratory schedule of shows and talks.

Great for biking and hiking. The research facilities look like something out of a 60's sci-fi movie. Make sue to visit Wilson Hall for a good overview of the history of the Fermi Lab and current research projects.

Amazing place to take kids and adults interested in learning about cutting edge science. Visit their website for special programs/ events/lectures/ films. Or, just drive around on the grounds -- believe it or not, there's a heard of buffalo on the property! Architecture of buildings feels like you are in a time warp. So cool!

Unspoiled prairie. Herds of bison. Amazing science museum. No lines or crowds. Beautiful architecture. Real physicists. Science up-close. Great cafeteria food!

The facility offers special educational programs for younger children that are really GREAT. Please visit their site and sign up to be on their mailing list. The education center is not as extensive as the one at Oak Ridge TN. but it is full of info. The special lectures and ask a scientist dates are fantastic. GO FIND OUT.

hidden gem with lots of great outdoor recreation offerings. tours are available if you want to learn about the research they do. great place to to run, hike, bike, etc. don't miss the bison herd ask the gate guard for directions and if they have any calfs to view!

I was planning a spring break trip for my 17 year old son and I to take and I was looking for something to further spark his interest in Physics. I found something called a "Saturday Morning Physics" class delivered by scientists working at Fermilab and targeted for high school students. I wrote to the coordinator there, Suzanne Weber, and could not have had a better experience. She replied with an invitation to join them for a session when we would be in the Chicago area, provided an excellent recommendation on where to stay nearby (that had a special rate for people "working" with Fermilab) and even arranged a chance for us to meet privately with one of the scientists after the class. When we arrived on March 9th and checked in for the 9:00 AM start time we found out that Ms. Weber had prepared a special packet full of Fermilab information in it for my son to take with him and look at later on our trip. I actually read through it later on during our trip and it was fascinating to learn all of the knowledge that had been discovered during the time that the Tevatron was operational. The actual class that we happened to be attending was titled "Introduction to Science at Fermilab" led by Roger Dixon. Dr. Dixon is very down to earth and very easy to understand. He went through a lot of material but it looked like everyone in the class (mostly teenagers but a few parents as well) was able to follow along as he went through his slides. There was a short break at 10:00 and then everyone got to take a tour at the end of class at 11:00 AM.As much as my son and I enjoyed the class we enjoyed the time that we spent after class talking to Dr. Dixon and Ms. Weber. Most of the people in the class were split into groups and other scientists from Fermilab gave them a tour which I am sure was very entertaining. However, Dr. Dixon and Ms. Weber took time out of their Saturday to talk to us personally, answering our questions, and gave us a personal tour that was very exciting. They made us feel like royalty and I know that they inspired my son which was what I was really hoping for. I wish that I could give them a raise but since I don't have that power I will have to settle for saying "thank you" on tripadvisor instead. It was obvious to me that these two individuals have a passion for their jobs and still enjoy the opportunity to inspire young people.Lastly, if anyone else reading this is thinking of attending Saturday Morning Physics class I cannot recommend it highly enough. I graduated from college 25 years ago but I actually learned a lot about physics from attending this two hour introductory class and that was all thanks to Dr. Dixon's polished presentation.

My son participated in the Saturday Morning Physics program offered at the Fermi Lab, which was probably a bit above his head, but a valuable educational experience nonetheless. When the program was over, the parents were invited to attend an informational session at Fermi. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the speaker, and would recommend this program to any high school student interested in science and physics.