Categories: Entertainment and Attractions

John Hancock Observatory

Author: Dan Velarde

Hancock Attractions 

Skywalk

Watch your step as you walk through Chicago's only open-air viewing area of the Hancock Observatory. Feel the wind blow through your hair and experience firsthand why Chicago is known as the Windy City. Hear and see the sights and sounds of Chicago 1,000 feet up from the ground as you stroll around the Skywalk.
Sound scope

Not only can you see the sights of Chicago, but now you can hear them as well. Don't call yourself crazy if you think you can hear the roars of the Chicago Bears fans cheering on their team at Soldier Field with the new sound scope talking telescopes. Choose from narration in English, Spanish, French or Japanese as you listen through the all new sound scopes.
History Wall

If you feel like you don't know enough about Chicago's history, you can simply visit the Hancock's History Wall. From Al Capone to the Great Chicago Fire, this wall displays over 100 photos on 80-foot displays. Here, you can increase your knowledge of Chicago and then you can really call yourself a “history buff”.
Sky Tours

Surprise your friends and family members on how much you really know about Chicago by experiencing the Sky Tours. In doing so, the tour provides you with in-depth information about Chicago in a 1-3 minute speech. Choose from 16 different stops, in three different languages, and you can really get the 411 on what Chicago is all about.
Daring Photo Ops

See which one of your friends or family members really have the most guts. Experience what it really feels like to be one of those construction workers high atop the Hancock building and take a picture that will be sure to surprise everyone. Lie across the beams of the building and experience what it feels like to be looking down to the streets of Chicago while at the top of the Hancock Observatory.
Chicago Windows

Easy to use technology allows you to tour over 80 different Chicago attractions. Using simple touch-screen monitors you can explore the Shedd Aquarium, The Sears Tower, The Field Museum and many more of Chicago's famous sites

Hancock Dining

Lucky for you the Hancock Observatory is located in the heart of the city's Magnificent Mile and dining is a must after you visit.

Check out the famous Signature Room located on the 95th and 96th floors of the Hancock or The Cheesecake Factory, which is also located in the Hancock. If you're not up for that, nearby restaurants include ESPN Zone, Rainforest Café, and many more.

Signature Room
Enjoy brunch, lunch, or dinner high above the streets of Chicago at the Signature Room. Take a dive into plates such as duck, steak, seafood, chops and much more as you gaze a view of the city 95 floors high. With great dining comes great pricing so be sure to bring your checkbook and dress nice. Hours are as follow: Lunch: 11a-2:30p M-Sa, Brunch: 10a-2p Su, Dinner: 5p-10p Su-Th, 5p-11p F-Sa

The Cheesecake Factory
If you don't feel like spending all your money at the Signature Room you can take a small step down and visit one of the nation's favorite restaurants. The menu offers dishes from pizza and pasta to steaks and seafood and you can choose from lunch or dinner. The Cheesecake Factory is open from 11 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. - 12:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. on Sundays.

ESPN Zone
Whether there's a big game going on or you just want to enjoy arcades and eat, the ESPN Zone offers a variety of attractions to enjoy. With a full floor of arcades and games to a bar and dining area loaded with televisions you can find yourself spending an entire day here. Menu includes such dishes as steaks, burgers, salads, ribs and more. ESPN Zone is open Sun – Thurs from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Fridays 11 a.m. – 12 a.m., and Saturdays 10:30 a.m. – 12 a.m.

Rainforest Café
Experience a meal on the wild side and take a walk down the street to visit the Rainforest Café. Enjoy pasta, shrimp, pizza, quesadillas and wings while in the presence of fake elephants, gators, monkeys, and a variety of birds. This restaurant really puts you in a rainforest with sounds of rain, thunder and animal calls as you dine. Rainforest Café is open 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m. - midnight Friday-Saturday.

Hancock Information

The Hancock Observatory is open daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. but they stop selling tickets at 10:45 p.m. Ticket prices go anywhere from $6 to $9.95. Adults from ages 13 – 61 are $9.95, seniors 62 and older $7.50, kids from ages 5 – 12 $6.00 and all kids under 5 enjoy free admissions.

Parking
The John Hancock Center provides a 750-car garage that has entrances on Chestnut St. and Delaware St.

Getting There: For driving directions click here.

Check out places of interest near John Hancock Observatory:

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 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 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. 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

Experience a meal on the wild side and take a walk down the street to visit the Rainforest Café.

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.

 

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!

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.

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 Shops at North Bridge
520 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Anchored by Nordstrom, Westfield 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

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.

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 mixes the fun of an arcade with the excitement of a sporting event, serving deliciously fun food.

Horseshoe Hammond Casino
777 Casino 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. 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.

 

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!

Wendella Sightseeing Boats
400 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

Located on the Magnificent Mile, Wendella Boats are guided by expert staff.

 

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".