A popular stop on Argonne tours is the Advanced Photon Source (APS), which produces the most brilliant X-ray beams in the Western Hemisphere. More than 3,500 scientists and engineers from all over the world conduct research at the APS.

Download map of Argonne campus

Visit Argonne, Tour the Lab

Argonne welcomes all members of the public age 16 or older to take guided tours of our scientific and engineering facilities and grounds. Tours last about two and a half hours. For children under 16, Argonne offers a range of hands-on learning activities suitable for K-12 field trips and scout outings.

Because tours are by reservation only, please call (630) 252-5562 or e-mail tours@anl.gov for more information about Argonne tours or to schedule yours.

Commitment to Safety

Argonne is dedicated to protecting visitors to our campus. Every visitor watches a two-minute training video about how to protect oneself and others while on campus.

Directions to Argonne

Argonne National Laboratory occupies 1,500 wooded acres about 25 miles southwest of Chicago. The laboratory hosts thousands of visitors each year. Argonne is easily accessible by car or public transportation from downtown Chicago, as well as from Chicago's two airports. (Google Maps)

To reach Argonne from O'Hare International Airport, take I-294 south to I-55. Exit west on I-55 (toward St. Louis) and continue for about four miles to Cass Avenue. Exit south on Cass and turn right at the Argonne sign on Northgate Road, immediately south of I-55. Follow Northgate Road to the Argonne Information Center.

To reach Argonne from Midway Airport, take Cicero Avenue north to I-55. Enter I-55 south and continue for about 14 miles to Cass Avenue. Exit south on Cass and turn right at the Argonne sign on Northgate Road, immediately south of I-55. Follow Northgate Road to the Argonne Information Center.

To reach Argonne by public transportation, take the Metra train to the Westmont Metra station. PACE bus #715 provides morning and evening connections between Westmont and Argonne. For details, please consult the PACE schedule.

Shuttle Bus

A free shuttle bus makes round trips between Argonne National Laboratory and The University of Chicago.

Accommodations

Visiting scientists and guests of the laboratory who need overnight accommodations can stay at the Argonne Guest House, located on the Argonne site within a two-minute drive from any of the campus buildings.

Foreign Visits and Assignments

Argonne is firmly committed to fulfilling U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) directives and requirements regarding foreign visits and assignments. Unclassified foreign visits and assignments are to be used to advance laboratory program objectives consistent with U.S. foreign and nonproliferation policy, international energy policy and agreements, and national security policy and objectives. Protection of counterintelligence interests, security interests, and sensitive subject information and technologies in a manner consistent with program requirements, including compliance with export laws and regulations, is the responsibility of all employees. Under no circumstances should foreign nationals be allowed on any Argonne site without the appropriate reviews and approvals. Sponsorship of laboratory operations/functions by DOE does not mitigate, supersede, or remove the laboratory's responsibility to adhere to the policy. Contact the Office of Foreign Visits and Assignments at 630-252-1142 for more information.

• Foreign National Access Request Form