Categories: Tours
Sears Tower: Skydeck Tour
Author: Emily Capdevielle
The Sears Tower is currently the tallest building in North America and third tallest in the world with 110 stories. The Skydeck is the highest observatory in Chicago climbing up to the 103rd floor. See Chicago and all that the windy city has to offer with this 360-degree tour.
Whether you choose the Skylights Audio Tour with the interactive media player or choose to peruse the spectacular views of Chicago yourself, the Skydeck tour is not one to be missed.
Before you race to the Skydeck, an episode of History Channel’s “Modern Marvel’s is shown that explains the rise of the Sears Tower finished in 1974. The brief screening gives you enough background to appreciate all that went into a building of this magnitude.
Once you exit the elevator, it’s difficult to know where to start! The Sears Tower Skydeck tour includes views of Chicago in all directions as far as 40-50 miles on a clear day. Imagine seeing across to another state while you’re in another! By making your way around the Skydeck you can see Michigan, Indiana and Wisconsin. If you’re making your way through the Skydeck without the interactive media player, the interactive computer screens near the windows display landmarks and where they can be found. If you want a more detailed look at the sites, there are high-powered telescopes as well. From the South side you can see sites like Soldier Field, Chinatown, the Field Museum, the Chicago Fire Academy, U.S. Cellular Field and McCormick Place. When you move along to the East side you can view the Aon Center, Navy Pier, Millennium Park, Grant Park Buckingham Fountain, the Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium. Once you’ve enjoyed the sites at this location you can go onto the North side to see Wrigley Field, Lincoln Park Zoo, Water Tower Place, John Hancock Center, Merchandise Mart, and the Chicago Tribune Freedom Center. If you’re going in this order the West side will be your last stop. Here you can see Little Italy, Greektown, the Historic Randolph Market and the United Center.
If you’re one who chose to do the Skylights Audio Tour, you can see all these sites while listening to your multimedia player. Through your headset you can listen to Chicago's history, landmarks and celebrities connected to several of the locations. From the view on the West side you can see sites like Harpo Studios where Oprah Winfrey hosts her show and the United Center where Michael Jordan left his legacy. However with the audio tour, it is more regimented with your starting and ending point.
Wrapped around the walls of the Skydeck from top to bottom are displays of Chicago’s history. You can read about the music, film, artists, and sports legends that came from Chicago along with Chicago’s major events in history. “Knee-High Chicago” starts at the “Chicago 101” wall and stretches all around the Skydeck. “Knee-High Chicago” guides kids around each corner with cut-out windows for kids to look into while learning all there is to know about Chicago’s history. Another fun activity for kids is the scavenger hunt sheet you can print out on the Sears Tower website. The objective is to find as many of Chicago’s landmarks as you can go through the tour. After you’ve found all or as many as you could, tally up your total and see where you rank.
When you’ve had your fill of the best views and history of Chicago it’s time to hit up the souvenir shops! One is located right in the middle of the Skydeck with items including magnets of the Sears Tower to books, clothing, and puzzles of Chicago’s skyline. If nothing catches your eye up there, there is no need to worry. Souvenir shops are all lined up for you to visit once you leave the Skydeck. You’re bound to find something here whether you’re looking for mini figurines of the Sears Tower, Chicago sports team paraphernalia, books on Chicago’s architecture, shirts, or things sporting the history of Chicago’s gangsters.
After your tour you’re bound to have learned something new about Chicago’s history or landmarks that you didn’t know before. So go on up and explore Chicago from 1,353 feet above the ground!
Hours:
April - September 10am - 10p.m.
October - March until 8p.m.
Admission:
Adult - $12.95
Youth (3-11) - $9.50
Children under 3 - FREE
Adult Admission & Skylights Audio Tour - $18.95
Youth Admission & Skylights Audio Tour - $15.00
Fast Pass Admission (ages 3+) - $25.00
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: Skydeck Tour:
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.
