Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory

Where high-tech touches the earth, Fermilab advances the understanding of the fundamental nature of matter and energy, while offering visitors 6,800 acres with biking, interpretive nature trails, arts and cultural activities.

Fermilab is one of the leading international laboratories for particle physics, the study of the basic building blocks of matter. 

*The entire Batavia campus is currently closed to the general public. The lab continues to fulfill its mission as America’s premier national laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research as their scientists, engineers, and computer professionals help in the fight against COVID-19.  

Founded in 1967, Fermilab quickly gained international acclaim with discoveries of three particles of nature: bottom quark, top quark and tau neutrino. And, Fermilab in DuPage County is known around the world as the destination where proton therapy for cancer treatment became a reality. 

Since the dawn of time, mankind has been on a journey to understand how the world works, and Fermilab continues this quest with the use of particle accelerators, detectors and some of the brightest minds in physics. 

Fermilab and international partners broke ground on a new state-of-the-art particle accelerator in 2019. The new 700-foot-long linear accelerator, part of the labs Proton Improvement Plan II (PIP-II), we be the first accelerator project built in the United States with significant contributions from international partners. When complete, the new machine will become the hear of the laboratory’s accelerator complex.

Currently, Fermilab houses their seven existing particle accelerators on 6,800 acres of pristine land, complete with hiking trails, picnic areas, an off-leash dog park and ample opportunities for nature lovers. The grounds are open from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year.

Fermilab offers arts, education and visitor programs for the public. Consider a tour of the laboratory, see the exhibits, take in a show, view the art gallery and enjoy the view from the 15th floor of Wilson Hall. Fermilab also offers fee-based private and college tours.

For more information on self-guided tours, exhibits at the Leon Lederman Science Education center, or on their numerous events open to the public, visit www.fnal.gov