Skydeck Chicago

FREE admission to The Ledge at SkyDeck Chicago with the Go Chicago Card or as a choice with the Chicago Explorer Pass

Description

No trip to Chicago is complete without experiencing what Chicago Tribune readers voted one of the "7 Wonders of Chicago"! Treat yourself to unparalleled, 360-degree views of up to four states from the top of Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), the Western Hemisphere’s Tallest Building. Skydeck Chicago’s interactive exhibits showcase the city’s rich history and bring Chicago’s spectacular skyline to life.

Dare to experience The Ledge, four enclosed glass balconies extending four feet OUTSIDE the building, offering unbelievable views – 1,353 feet straight down!  Admission to The Ledge is included in your admission.

For those looking for Sears Tower, you've found it. Skydeck Chicago is the name of the observation deck of the former Sears Tower, now renamed the Willis Tower. In 2009 a London insurance firm Willis Group Holdings, Ltd. bought naming rights to the building as well as leasing space on three floors of the building. Previously, it carried the name “Sears Tower” for the Sears retail company that has occupied the space since 1969. The name has changed but the view from the Western Hemisphere's tallest building is not only the same, it is actually even better with the addition of "The Ledge."

Kids can also enjoy the breathtaking views with the “Knee-High Chicago” with a special kid-friendly display. Cut-out windows allow kids to learn about the sports, history, and culture of Chicago in a cool way, as well as about Lake Michigan. Elevators take only a minute to ascend the entire 1,353 feet up and high-powered electronic telescopes provide detailed views of the city. The Skydeck offers interactive multilingual exhibits for all of its tourists. On a clear day with high visibility, visitors can even see views of Illinois’ bordering states, Indiana and Wisconsin.

Well, what are you waiting for? Grab your Chicago Go Card and let’s go!

Note:

Skydeck Chicago is the observation deck of Willis Tower, the building formerly known as Sears Tower.

Price:

Cost with the card: free

Cost without the card:
Adult (13+): $15.95
Child (3-12): $11.00

Hours:

April–September, 9:00 am–10:00 pm, last arrival 30 minutes prior to closing;
October–March, 10:00 am–8:00 pm, last arrival 30 minutes prior to closing. The Go Chicago Card is valid until 5:30 pm.

Closed:

Skydeck Chicago is open 365 days a year with the exception of severely inclement weather which is posted on the Skydeck Chicago website. They occasionally use the 99th floor instead of the 103 Skydeck Chicago when maintenance is required.

Public Transportation:

Take CTA: From the brown, purple, and orange lines exit at Quincy stop and you're right at Willis Tower. From the blue and red lines exit at Jackson Blvd. and walk just a few blocks west to the Jackson Blvd entrance west of Franklin St. By Bus: Buses 1, 7, Express 28, 37,126, 129, 134, 135, 136, 151, and 156 all stop within one block of Willis Tower. Take Metra: Union Station's Metra and Amtrak trains are 1 1/2 blocks from Willis Tower. Exit the station from Jackson Blvd. walk east across the river and the Skydeck entrance is on your left just east of Wacker Dr.

Please read: important instructions on how to use your card.

Redemption Instructions:

Please present your Go Chicago Card to any ticket taker. They will validate it, return your card, and let you in.

The Go City Card is accepted until 5:30pm unless otherwise noted; during all other times standard admission will apply.