Ok, here's the deal: I am the appointed "astronomy liason" for my school's Physics and Astronomy Club and every year we go on a trip somewhere semi-near the campus that's a major research facility for a tour and such. The past two years have hosted visits to Physics labs near Chicago (Argonne and Fermi, respectively) so I'm looking for an astro-related place to go this year. Only problem is my uni's in Cleveland, Ohio and we're talking about a driving range maximum 9 hours away (though probably less). The trip usually is an overnighter so something like that isn't a problem.
So does anyone know of any interesting places nearby that I could look into? So far here's my list...
Green Bank Observatory
Allegheney Observatory (in Pittsburgh, likely won't happen but it's my hometown )
Yerkes Observatory (prolly not gonna happen as who'd want to go to Wisconsin?)

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Yes, I have a life. It's quite different from yours.

It might not be astronomy-enough, but what about Wright-Paterson Air Force base, down near Dayton? I know they do research there. You could say hi to Charlie and the other BAUTers from that part of the state.

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At night the stars put on a show for free (Carole King)

One Earth, One Sky - IYA 2009

I want to argue your lack of interest in the Yerks in Cheeseland. It is worth the trip just for the astronomical history you'll get. That is not to mention the oportunity to see/play with the mighty 42" refractor. IMHO it's worth the trip just to see that.

Also, Yerks is on the banks of beautiful Lake Geneva, if you go now, there are fairly significant recreational facilities available. What used to be the old Playboy Club, The Abbey, et. Al. have swiming, boating, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, etc.

On the other hand, if you come down to Wright-Patterson AFB, it'd be a good oportunity to get an informal BAUTle crowd together at a Fridays or wherever. I'm Sure Charlie-in-Dayton and I could scrounge up some other BAUTlers to do some face time.

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It's just one of those damn things of which there are many few. -- Dan Blocker

Hehe, I was all for Yerks but no one else was. Ah well.
I think right now it's looking like we're going to go to Green Bank in West Virginia. Yay for radio astronomy!

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Yes, I have a life. It's quite different from yours.