Categories: Entertainment and Attractions John Hancock Observatory
John Hancock Observatory: Overview
Author: Dan Velarde
The John Hancock Building, located at the heart of Chicago's Magnificent Mile, features gorgeous views of the city and multiple tourist attractions.
The John Hancock Center is the city's third-tallest building and features Chicago's only open-air skywalk. Supported by a distinctive X-bracing instead of beams, the Hancock Center is a world-famous architectural icon. The Hancock Observatory, located on the 94th floor of the building and 1,000 feet above Chicago's Magnificent Mile, is among the city's most popular tourist sites. Attractions include walking audio tours, talking telescopes, interactive and historical exhibits, daring photo opportunities and more.
Hancock Information
The Hancock Observatory is open daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Ticket prices range from $6 to $9.95. Adults from ages 12 – 64 are $15, seniors 65 and older $13, kids from ages 4 – 11 $13 and all children under 5 enjoy free admissions.
Parking
The John Hancock Center provides a 750-car garage that has entrances on Chestnut St. and Delaware St.
Check out places of interest near John Hancock Observatory: Overview:
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
700 E. Grand Avenue,
Chicago, IL 60611
Down home southern cooking themed after the movie “Forrest Gump” is available, offering, you guessed it, shrimp, shrimp and more shrimp. Other options include baby back ribs and other seafood. Kids meals are also available.
ESPN Zone
43 E. Ohio St.,
Chicago, IL 60611
ESPN Zone, a top Chicago sports bar, mixes the fun of an arcade with the excitement of a sporting event, serving deliciously fun food.
Gino's East
162 E Superior,
Chicago, IL 60611
This is the original location of Gino's East, the now-famous Chicago-style pizza restaurant chain.
Horseshoe Hammond Casino
777 Casino Center Dr,
Hammond, IN 46320
Already the premier gambling facility in the Midwest, the Horseshoe Hammond Casino has stepped it up a notch with a serious expansion happening summer of 2008. Check out the new 3,300-seat entertainment facility, The Venue. Choose from a wide range of tables and slots, plus entertainment and dining options here.
Jack Binion's Steakhouse
777 Casino Dr,
Hammond, IN 46320
Jack Binion's Steakhouse, located inside the Horseshoe Hammond Casino, offers gamblers and non-gamblers alike a fine dining experience feature choice cuts of prime rib, steak and veal, as well as an opulent variety of fresh seafood.
P.J. Clarke's
1204 N. State Pkwy.,
Chicago, IL 60610
This neighborhood spot features two facets, a long wooden bar filled with revelers and a more secluded rear dining area with tables decked with checkerboard tablecloths.
Rainforest Cafe
605 N. Clark St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
Kids love this restaurant. The menu contains a mish-mash of fusion fare, but the real attraction to this scene is the tropical fauna and animals feigning life through mechanistic motions.
Reagle Beagle
160 E. Grand Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60611
A lounge that's as comfortable as an old shirt, but with the look of a new one, the Reagle Beagle is quickly becoming a top after-work spot in the Streeterville neighborhood.
Saloon Steakhouse
200 E. Chestnut St.,
Chicago, IL 60611
A top Chicago steakhouse right off Michigan Avenue, expect a classic steakhouse when you stop in here. It's not all about the steaks, though; expect lighter choices, as well.
Signature Room at the 95th Floor
875 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60611
Sitting high above street-level, the Signature Room in the John Hancock building offers a breathtaking view of the city and a warm ambiance to match. Serving a high-class dining experience, from Sunday brunch to evening cocktails, the Signature Room puts the Magnificent in the Mile!
Zest
525 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60611
American Girl Place
111 East Chicago Ave,
Chicago, IL 60611
For the little doll in your life, American Girl Place has a whole day catered specifically for her. At American Girl Place, guests can shop the boutique for outfits and accessories for girl and doll, have a spot of tea in the café, and see a live theater performance—all in one extraordinary day.
Garrett Popcorn Shop
4 East Madison Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60602
Since 1949, Chicagoans have been enjoying Garrett Popcorn, Carmel Corn, and Cheese Corn. The popcorn is hot-air popped using no oils or fats.
Hanig's Footwear
660 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60611
Men's and women's shoes in a variety of styles and brands make the multiple locations of this store a must when it comes to looking for shoes in Chicago.
Ralph Lauren
750 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60611
This four-story flagship carries nearly the entire collection from Ralph Lauren, the iconic designer who calls Telluride, Colo., home.
Teuscher
900 N. Michigan Ave., #5,
Chicago, IL 60611
Teuscher Chocolate of Switzerland is at the top of the heap when it comes to fine chocolates in Chicago; and has been a top chocolate in the world for more than 70 years.
The 900 Shops
900 North Michigan Avenue,
Chicago, IL 60611
A Chicago shopping haven for the most fashion-savvy among us, this 900 Michigan Avenue location houses some of the most elite names in designer goods. With names like Bloomingdale’s, Coach, and Gucci, these stores require serious shoppers. Complete with a fitness center, salon and spa, movie theatre, and a variety of dining options, it is worthy of a visit.
The Shops at North Bridge
520 N. Michigan Ave,
Chicago, IL 60611
Anchored by Nordstrom, The Shops at North Bridge shopping center—conveniently located along the Magnificent Mile—offers a variety of specialty shops. From A/X Armani Exchange and Kenneth Cole to The LEGO® Store and Sephora
ESPN Zone
43 E. Ohio St.,
Chicago, IL 60611
ESPN Zone, a top Chicago sports bar, mixes the fun of an arcade with the excitement of a sporting event, serving deliciously fun food.
P.J. Clarke's
1204 N. State Pkwy.,
Chicago, IL 60610
This neighborhood spot features two facets, a long wooden bar filled with revelers and a more secluded rear dining area with tables decked with checkerboard tablecloths.
Reagle Beagle
160 E. Grand Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60611
A lounge that's as comfortable as an old shirt, but with the look of a new one, the Reagle Beagle is quickly becoming a top after-work spot in the Streeterville neighborhood.
312 Chicago
875 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60611
Spectacular 360-degree views of Navy Pier, Wrigley Field and more. Open daily 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Tickets $6-$9.75; free for children age 4 and under.>
Chicago Architecture Foundation
224 South Michigan Avenue,
Chicago, IL 60602
The Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) offers a 88 different tours in total. You can explore the city by bus, boat, bike on foot or even via a segway.
Get a glimpse of what's going on at the CAF in this great video!
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
220 S. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60604
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is the heartbeat of Chicago. The CSO has numerous concerts and special events throughout the year. See the full list at their website. Tickets range from $10 to $200.
Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Bus Co.
401 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60609
Daily tours of Chicago in San Fransisco-style trolleys and London-style buses, narrated by expert guides, are offered here. Take Chicago trolley tours as a worry-free way to get around the city of Chicago; it's "Hop On Hop Off".
ESPN Zone
43 E. Ohio St.,
Chicago, IL 60611
ESPN Zone, a top Chicago sports bar, mixes the fun of an arcade with the excitement of a sporting event, serving deliciously fun food.
Horseshoe Hammond Casino
777 Casino Center Dr,
Hammond, IN 46320
Already the premier gambling facility in the Midwest, the Horseshoe Hammond Casino has stepped it up a notch with a serious expansion happening summer of 2008. Check out the new 3,300-seat entertainment facility, The Venue. Choose from a wide range of tables and slots, plus entertainment and dining options here.
Jack Binion's Steakhouse
777 Casino Dr,
Hammond, IN 46320
Jack Binion's Steakhouse, located inside the Horseshoe Hammond Casino, offers gamblers and non-gamblers alike a fine dining experience feature choice cuts of prime rib, steak and veal, as well as an opulent variety of fresh seafood.
John Hancock Center Observatory
875 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60661
See Chicago from the top of the Hancock Building in the heart of downtown. The John Hancock Center Observatory offers Chicago views at their finest.
Millennium Park
201 E Randolph St,
Chicago, IL 60610
Millennium Park has become Chicago’s newest main stage attraction. Aligned with the city’s emphasis on architectural innovation, this 24.5-acre phenomenon integrates historical significance with contemporary style from a number of international players. It is bordered by Michigan Avenue to the west, Columbus Drive to the east, Randolph Street to the north and Monroe Street to the south.
Museum of Science and Industry
5700 S Lake Shore Dr,
Chicago, IL 60637
The Museum of Science and Industry, one of the most beloved and visited museums in the world, has origins that are tied to two great World's Fairs and to civic spirit and imagination of Chicago businessman Julius Rosenwald.
Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave. ,
Chicago, IL 60605
Navy Pier, one of the top tourist attractions in Chicago and the country, is visited by almost nine million visitors per years. From dining to shopping, boat tours to countless entertainment options, Navy Pier in Chicago is a must-stop for a wide range of visitors--Chicago residents already know and love it!
Watch our latest video offering and take a quick, two-minute narrated tour through the highlights at Navy Pier, stern to bow.
Wendella Sightseeing Boats
400 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60611
Located on the Magnificent Mile, Wendella Boats are guided by expert staff.
Comfort Inn
15 E. Ohio St.,
Chicago, IL 60611
Right in the middle of the bustling Mag Mile, this affordable hotel takes care of the basics and leaves you free to roam one of the busiest streets in the country.
Park Hyatt Chicago
800 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60611
One of the city's top hotels and with a commanding view of the Mag Mile, the Historic Chicago Water Tower, The Hershey's Store and much more. The restaurant here, NoMI, is consistently ranked as one of the best in town, especially for their coveted window seats.
Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Bus Co.
401 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60609
Daily tours of Chicago in San Fransisco-style trolleys and London-style buses, narrated by expert guides, are offered here. Take Chicago trolley tours as a worry-free way to get around the city of Chicago; it's "Hop On Hop Off".


