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Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower

Author: Kelly Holcomb

Categories: Chicago Architecture



Towering at 1,450 feet above ground (110 stories), Willis Tower's Skydeck Chicago is the highest observatory in Chicago. Since its creation in 1973, Skydeck Chicago averages about 1.5 million visitors each year. On a clear day, you can view 40-50 miles straight out and see the edge of our neighbors Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

Willis Tower is currently the tallest building in the Western hemisphere and the third tallest in the world.


Skydeck Chicago - Attractions

The Skydeck Chicago not only has some of the most breathtaking views of the city, but it can be an interactive experience for the visitor as well. Check out these exciting attractions at the Skydeck.

At the Top - Skydeck

The Skydeck elevators are an exhilarating ride up to the top with 50-inch flat screen monitors that give the visitor the feeling of being in a rocket lifting off.

New! The Ledge Experience

The most popular addition to the Willis Tower is The Ledge at Skydeck on the 103rd floor. It's an exhilarating new experience that puts the visitor in a glass box which protrudes 4.3 feet from the side of Willis Tower. The Ledge gives the visitor a clear view of Wacker Drive and the Chicago River right under their feet.

Design

Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM), the original architects of Sears Tower (now Willis Tower), designed The Ledge so that the enclosed glass boxes retract into the building for easy maintenance.

How it Works

MTH Industries, the Chicago-based 120-year-old glass and architectural metal contractor installed The Ledge’s 1,500 pound glass panels.

Each box of The Ledge is made up of three half-inch-thick glass layers. The clear glass is fully tempered which stands for strong durability providing optimum safety for its guests.

Views at the Skydeck

Visitors can see 50 miles on a clear day. To enhance visibility of famous Chicago landmarks, Skydeck is equipped with top-of-the-line telescopes to provide closer views of the city. 

Views Just For Kids 
Knee-High Chicago  

The world looks different when you are viewing it from the eyes of a child. So, Skydeck Chicago has made this Observatory kid-friendly with Knee-High Chicago. Kids have displays available at their eye level where they can learn about some of Chicago's most colorful moments in history.

Scavenger Hunt

Have your kids print out this interactive sheet online to bring with them when they visit Skydeck. This will keep them busy hunting for landmark places they can see at more than 1,300 feet high.

Click here to print out the scavenger hunt.

Willis Tower - Dining

Mrs. Levy's Delicatessen

Mrs. Levy's Delicatessen offers a menu with delicious homemade deli creations. This casual dining establishment is great for lunch, the price ranges from about $5-10 per person and it's open from 7a.m. -3 p.m. weekdays. It also offers delivery services to local businesses. 

Salseria Grill & Cantina

Located on the second floor of the Willis Tower, Salseria Grill & Cantina is a great place to stop and mingle over a bowl of salsa and chips or a margarita during happy hour. The taste here is top-notch for casual dining from the salsa to the suiza, all the flavors are worth trying here. 

Click here for restaurant hours. 

Mia Torre

Enjoy lunch or dinner at “My Tower” for authentic and classic Italian food. Mia Torre provides signature dishes such as fresh oven-baked pizzas; ravioli con pomodoro and spiendino di gambesi, marinated grilled shrimp with saffron-tomato-thyme sauce with orzo pasta.

Eadies Kitchen & Market

If you need a quick fix, look no further, this upscale food court is perfect for the just passing through visitor and will satisfy any cuisine craving you may have. Eadies Kitchen & Market is open from 7a.m. -3p.m. weekdays and offers breakfast favorites, grilled and deli sandwiches, and fresh pastas and salads. 

Skydeck Chicago - General Information

Chicago Trolley Stops Here!

Hours

Click here to view Skydeck Chicago hours.

Admission

Click here to view admission prices.

Parking

The Willis Tower parking garage is most convenient place to park while visiting Skydeck. The entrance is located on Franklin St. directly across from the Willis Tower.

Tags

family friendlyclassic ChicagoConcierge Favorites

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