About Fermilab
Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory is the largest National Physics Lab in the United States, and the flag ship of the US High Energy Physics program. It is located about 40 miles west of Chicago, IL, bordered by 5 cities; Aurora, Batavia, Geneva, Warrenville, and West Chicago.
The lab consists of 6,800 acres (27.519 km² or 10.625 miles²) of woodlands, grasslands, and award-winning wetlands and prairie restoration. A standing herd of American bison symbolizes Fermilab’s presence at the frontiers of particle physics–and the connection to our prairie frontier heritage. Visitors to the lab can also spot deer darting from the woods, flocks of Canada geese nestling on ponds or filling the skies, and all manner of birds and wildlife.
Of the 16 fundamental subatomic particles that are known so far, three have been discovered at Fermilab: the bottom quark (1977), the top quark (1995) and the tau neutrino (2000).
More about Visiting Fermilab.
No Smoking
Illinois state law prohibits smoking inside all buildings, or within 15 feet of any entrance-way.
Lederman Science Center & Gift Shop
Fermilab logo items, mugs, t-shirts, sweatshirts and posters, etc. are for sale online or at the Lederman Science Center, open Mon. – Fri. 8:30 am – 4:30 pm; and on Sat. from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Fermilab Friends for Science Education is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing science to students, teachers and families. Your purchases help support science education.
Meals
Students will be “on their own” for meals, except for the Opening Reception, and Closing Dinner. The Fermilab Cafeteria is open for breakfast and lunch, Monday through Saturday, and accepts cash (USD), and Visa and MasterCard credit cards.
Transportation
Transportation to and from the hotel, and around the Fermilab site will be provided for the students, Monday – Friday. Students should provide their own transportation to and from the airport and on the Weekend. Students are welcome to use their own transportation as well.
Airports
O’Hare International Airport handles more passengers than any other airport in the world. For visitors needing information or directions, airport information booths are located on the lower levels of the domestic terminals and on the upper and lower levels of the International Terminal. A foreign currency exchange is located on the lower level of the International Terminal. O’Hare is located about 36 miles (55 minutes) from Fermilab.
Midway Airport is located at 5700 Cicero Avenue, 43 miles (about 1 hour) from Fermilab. The one-building airport is divided into three terminals, A, B and C. The main lobby at the airport’s center entrance is where the information booth and all vehicle pick-up services are available.
Transportation from both airports to Fermilab is available by taxi/limo, (see items below for more details) 43 O’Hare, 51 Midway
