Sears Tower Skydeck

Sears Tower Skydeck

The 4 glasses boxes of the Skydeck at the Willis Tower in Chicago, Illinois

Address

233 S. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606 

Phone

312.875.9696

Area

Neighborhood

Price

$12.95

Web Page

http://www.theskydeck.com/

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Description

The Sears Tower Skydeck observation deck opened on June 22, 1974 and is located on the 103rd floor of the tower. It is 1,353 feet (412 m) above ground and is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Chicago. Tourists can experience how the building sways on a windy day. They can see far over the plains of Illinois and across Lake Michigan to Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin on a clear day. It takes about 60 seconds to soar to the top in either of two special elevators. The Sears Tower Skydeck competes with the John Hancock Center's observation floor a mile and a half away, which is 323 feet (98 m) lower. 1.3 million tourists visit the Skydeck annually.

In January 2009, the Skydeck began a major renovation which includes the installation of window space which will extend approximately four feet out over Wacker Drive. The new installations will be boxes made entirely of glass, allowing visitors to look through the glass floor to the street 1,353 feet (412 m) below. The idea is based on similar glass bottom attractions at the Grand Canyon and in Australia. The renovation is expected to be complete in April 2009.

A second Skydeck on the 99th floor is used when the 103rd floor is closed. [1]

Tips

• Enter Skydeck on Jackson Blvd. (south side of building)
• Expect long lines frequently - perhaps up to an hour wait.
• Additional phone number: 312.875.9447

Hours Subject to change. Always verify.

• April - September 10am-10pm
• October - March 10am-8pm

• Must arrive 30 minutes prior to closing