Chicago Towers

Jacob

Chicago is home to uniquely different observation decks on opposite sides of the downtown area. One is located in the Willis (Sears) Tower and 875 North Michigan Avenue (John Hancock Tower). One deck is at northeast downtown as well as the southwest corner.

360 Chicago is located in the John Hancock Tower on the east side of Michigan Avenue north of the river. Tickets for $35 include one ride on the tilt and 360 views. For $30 you get access to the observation deck. The observation deck is located on the 94th floor of the building very close to the top of the building. Looking to the east is Lake Michigan. On a clear day, one may be able to see Michigan and Indiana Dunes National Park. Looking to the north you can see Lincoln Park and the Zoo. To the west are the vast suburbs of the Chicagoland Area. The southern view may be the grandest, the high towers of the city with Chicago’s unique architecture on full display. The main attraction of the Observation Deck is the Tilt ride. Standing on the south edge of the tower in a separate room and holding onto handles adjacent to the windows. The edge of the walls tilts forward, leaning you forward outside the walls of the building. Not for the faint of heart for sure.

The other observation deck is at the Willis Tower, located at Wacker and Adams. The Willis Tower, originally the Sears Tower, was the tallest building in the world for nearly a quarter of a decade. Skydeck Chicago is the observation deck located on the 103rd floor of the building. Tickets for ages 12+ range from $28-$35 for 3-11 is $22-$26, 2 and under are free. Prices are yielded, hence the range of prices. On the elevator ride to the top, a video screen shows all the tall buildings/structures of the world that you are passing on the way up. Looking to the south you can see Chinatown and the home of the White Socs. To the east are Soldier Field and the Field Museum on the shores of Lake Michigan. To the north is the view overlooking all of downtown Chicago. On the west side of the building are glass boxes that stick out the side of the building. Standing in the box you can look down and see 103 floors down to the road. This is at no extra cost.

Be sure to visit at least of the two observation decks on your trip to Chicago.