Yerkes Observatory, shown in this aerial image high above Williams Bay, is now in the hands of a private foundation, but the University of Chicago still owns adjacent land along the lakefront.
WILLIAMS BAY — The University of Chicago today announced that the university is donating its historic Yerkes Observatory and 50 acres of surrounding property to a nonprofit foundation.
Photo Collection: Controlled burn at old Lake Benedict resort
Lake Benedict resort during controlled burn
A town of Randall firefighter keeps watch of a fire during a controlled burn at the old Lake Benedict resort.
Rob Ireland
Upstairs collapsing at old Lake Benedict Resort
Portions of the upstairs collapse at the old Lake Benedict resort during a controlled burn Saturday in the town of Randall.
Rob Ireland
Firefighters at Lake Benedict resort
Town of Randall Fire Firefighters monitor the scene during a controlled burn at the former Lake Benedict resort on Saturday morning.
Rob Ireland
Firefighters keeping watch
Firefighters keep watch of a controlled burn to ensure the fire does not spread to nearby buildings Dec. 7 at the former Lake Benedict Restaurant resort property in the town of Randall.
Rob Ireland
Keeping watch
Town of Randall Firefighters keep watch of a controlled burn off of Lake Benedict.
Rob Ireland
Controlled burn at Lake Benedict resort
Many fire departments are struggling to attract and retain firefighters and other employees or volunteers.
Rob Ireland
Standing watch
Firefighters in the town of Randall hoped a controlled burn would be completed on Saturday afternoon, but the property owner warned it could smolder for a couple of days.
Rob Ireland
Controlled burn on Lake Benedict
Town of Randall firefighters train during a controlled burn off of Lake Benedict on Saturday morning.
Rob Ireland
Controlled burn in the town of Randall
Firefighters monitor a controlled burn at the old Lake Benedict resort Saturday in the town of Randall.
Yerkes Observatory, shown in this aerial image high above Williams Bay, is now in the hands of a private foundation, but the University of Chicago still owns adjacent land along the lakefront.