Categories: Chicago Architecture
Sears Tower: Overview
Author: Dan Velarde
Standing at a towering 1,730 feet above ground (110 stories), the Sears Tower Skydeck is the highest observatory in Chicago. Since its creation in 1973, the Sears Tower averages about 1.5 million visitors on a yearly basis. On a cloud-free day, you can view 40-50 miles away and see Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin simply by walking around the Skydeck.
Sears Tower Attractions
Knee-High Chicago is a children's-level display that prolongs all the way around the Skydeck and has cut-out windows that places kids eye-to-eye with scenes from some of Chicago's most captivating moments in its history.
The Skydeck is also equipped with top of the line, high-tech telescopes to provide a closer view of the city and its features. See if you and your children can spot some of Chicago's famous landmarks. Elevators on the way up to the Skydeck are provided with 50-inch flat screen monitors that give you the feeling that you are lifting off your feet and right through the top of the Sears Tower.
Sears Tower: Dining
Mrs. Levy's Delicatessen: Mrs. Levy's Delicatessen offers a menu with a mixture of delicious deli standards. Along with four different types of Reubens, choose from one of eleven different sandwiches named after local business regulars who have visited the Sears Tower location throughout the past twenty years. Hours are from 6 a.m.to 3 p.m. and is closed on the weekends.
Dos Hermanos: If you're looking to spice up your taste buds visit Dos Hermanos. From burritos to tortillas, this restaurant specializes in serving a variety of Mexican dishes and famous margaritas. Enjoy lunch or dinner on the outdoor patio that provides seating for up to 60 customers. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and it is open Monday thru Friday.
Mia Torre: Enjoy lunch or dinner at “My Tower” for authentic 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. Hours run from 11:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. and it is also closed on the weekends.
Eadies Kitchen & Market: If you are in a hurry and your kids can't sit through a sit-down restaurant, mosey on down to Eadie's Kitchen and Market for a quick casual meal. Options include breakfast fare, grilled and deli sandwiches, made-to-order pastas and salads. Eadie's is open from 6 a.m. until 3 p.m. and is closed on the weekends.
Sears Tower Skydeck Information
Hours:
* April - September !0am - 10pm.
* October - March until 8pm.
Admission:
* Adult - $12.95
* Youth (3-11) - $9.50
* Children under 3 - FREE
Parking:
The Sears Tower parking garage is the easiest place to park when visiting. The entrance is located on Franklin St. directly across the street from the Sears Tower. Find the large blue “P” on a sign and you're right there.
Check out places of interest near Sears Tower: Overview:
Alhambra Palace Restaurant
1240 W. Randolph St.,
Chicago, IL 60607
Everything from belly dancers to American cuisine tinged with Middle Eastern and Far Eastern accents, the scale of this restaurant reminds one of the actual Alhambra in Morcocco.
Custom House
500 S. Dearborn St.,
Chicago, IL 60605
Custom House, led by Shawn McClain, named Best Chef Midwest by the James Beard Foundation in 2006, focuses on offering the finest artisanal meats and fresh, seasonal ingredients. Unlike most classic steak houses, Custom House allows carnivores to savor their meat raw, cured, marinated, braised, roasted and slow-cooked.
Elephant & Castle
111 W. Adams St.,
Chicago, IL 60603
At this English pub in Chicago, expect a mix of traditional English pub fare and American menu items are served here; English-style breakfast is also a draw
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.
Italian Village
71 W. Monroe St.,
Chicago, IL 60603
One of Chicago's oldest and most venerated restaurants, Italian Village has been doing it right for more than 80 years.
The Gage
24. S. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60603
The Gage offers high-end Irish fare with a touch of elegance and class. Located near Millenium Park, this restaurant offers traditional Irish foods along with all-American favorites.
Buddy Guy's Legends
754 S. Wabash Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60605
World-renowned and local Chicago blues artists are the draw at this club owned by blues legend, Buddy Guy, as is the soul-ful Cajun food and major music paraphenalia also on display here.
Italian Village
71 W. Monroe St.,
Chicago, IL 60603
One of Chicago's oldest and most venerated restaurants, Italian Village has been doing it right for more than 80 years.
The Gage
24. S. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60603
The Gage offers high-end Irish fare with a touch of elegance and class. Located near Millenium Park, this restaurant offers traditional Irish foods along with all-American favorites.
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 Line Cruises
455 E. Illinois St.,
Chicago, IL 60611
Premier boat-based tour service offering cruises focused on architecture, history, or private charters, serving complimentary coffee and muffins. Group rates available, and tickets available online.
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".
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.
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.
Sears Tower Skydeck
233 S. Wacker Dr,
Chicago, IL 60606
Stunning 360-degree views of Chicago. Open daily, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. May-Sept., 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Oct.-April. Must arrive 30 minutes prior to closing. Tickets $8.50-11.95; free for children under 3 free.
Shoreline Sightseeing
474 N.Lake Shore Dr.,
Chicago, IL 60611
Chidago's largest boat touring company offers "Architecture Cruises" from Navy Pier, plus Skyline Boat Tours and Water Taxis. Special fireworks cruises are scheduled seasonally!
Weekend service April and November-daily service from 10:00 am May - October. On Chicago's waterways since 1939. Group rates; buy tickets online or by phone at no additional fee.
Chicago Line Cruises
455 E. Illinois St.,
Chicago, IL 60611
Premier boat-based tour service offering cruises focused on architecture, history, or private charters, serving complimentary coffee and muffins. Group rates available, and tickets available online.
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".
Shoreline Sightseeing
474 N.Lake Shore Dr.,
Chicago, IL 60611
Chidago's largest boat touring company offers "Architecture Cruises" from Navy Pier, plus Skyline Boat Tours and Water Taxis. Special fireworks cruises are scheduled seasonally!
Weekend service April and November-daily service from 10:00 am May - October. On Chicago's waterways since 1939. Group rates; buy tickets online or by phone at no additional fee.
