There’s something inspiring about standing on top of the Willis Tower, one of the country’s tallest buildings. It’s even more exhilarating to stand outside of that building on a glass floor only 1.5 inches thick, looking down to the street 1,353 feet below you. Hope you’re not afraid of heights!

Chicago offers this experience atop the Willis Tower. Here’s what you need to know as you plan your visit to The Skydeck and step out onto The Ledge.

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Tickets and Times for Willis Tower’s Skydeck

You can buy tickets when you arrive at the Willis Tower, but purchasing them online in advance can save you time. There are also ticket options like Chicago CityPASS, or the Go Chicago Card.

Once you have your tickets, the entrance to the Skydeck at Willis Tower is located on Franklin Street (the east side of the Willis Tower building). Enter the building and follow the signs that will lead you to the start of your experience.

The Skydeck is open 365 days a year, including all major holidays. The hours may vary a little on holidays, but the general hours are:

• March-September: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• October-February: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The last entry is 30 minutes prior to closing time, so be sure you arrive in time. You can plan on anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour for your visit.

Experience the Skydeck Observation Deck

As you make your way toward the elevator, you can learn a few things about the construction of the Willis Tower. There are a lot of interactive exhibits. Don’t miss the 9-minute video that explains how Chicago became known for its architecture on a global scale. After all, the Willis Tower is the second tallest building in the United States. It’s in the top 25 on a global scale.

When it’s your time to ride the elevator to the top, you’ll be surprised to learn it’s only a 60-second ride (90 seconds if it’s windy). During the ride, you’ll learn about other tall things that indicate how far up you are. For example, near the beginning, you’re as tall as a giraffe. Near the end, you’re as high as the Eiffel Tower, or Empire State Building. Once you reach the 103rd floor, you’ve reached the observation deck.

NOTE: You’ll likely hear “Skydeck” and “The Ledge” as you learn about visiting Willis Tower. The Skydeck is the 103rd floor observation deck of the tower. The Ledge is a side of the observation deck with glass outcroppings you can stand on.

The 103rd floor offers amazing views of Chicago. On a clear day, you can see four different states. You can also see how small the other skyscrapers in Chicago look compared to the Willis Tower. There are telescopes you can use to see the city below. Visiting the Skydeck during the day, at sunset or at night offer three different experiences. If you arrive 1 hour before sunset, you get to experience all three. You’ll also find a gift shop at the top, and lots of photo opportunities.

Step Onto The Ledge

After observing the city below, take your turn stepping cautiously onto The Ledge. When it’s your group’s turn to step into the glass box, you only have 60 seconds to experience the floor. If you’ve got a larger group, your time goes to 90 seconds. So enjoy the views below, grab your photos and maybe even do a push up or two as you look at the ground 1,353 feet below you.

The employees of The Ledge are very accommodating when it comes to taking group photos. Don’t hesitate to hand them your camera for a group shot. Or stretch your own arm out and grab a selfie. In reviewing my photos, I recommend holding the camera high so you can see the ground below, or the fact you’re standing on a glass floor.

According to the Skydeck’s website:

Remember, when shooting towards the windows; use the “backlight” function on your camera (if available). Turn off your flash and use a polarizer filter, if you want to see what’s out the window behind your subject.

The Details

Address: 233 S. Wacker Dr. (Enter Skydeck on Franklin Street (east side of the building)), Chicago, IL 60606

Cost: $24 for ages 12+; $16 for ages 3-11. Kids under 3 are free.

Hours: Open 365 days a year. March through September: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. October through February: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Last group enters 30 minutes prior to close.

How Long: Plan on about an hour. Take your time when you get to the Skydeck. Enjoy seeing the city below. Time on The Ledge is limited to a minute or two, depending on your group size.

Website: https://theskydeck.com

Phone: (212) 312-8800

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