This post reviews and compares two Chicago observation decks. Both observatories offer stunning views of the city — including each other).
With cafes, bars, audio tours, a visit to the Chicago 360 Observatory or the Skydeck is more than just a pretty view!
Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) is the third tallest building in America, rising 1,353 feet (412 m) in the air.
It is 108 stories tall, and at such a height, you can feel the building sway (safely!) on windy days.
The Skydeck at the Willis Tower is located on the 103rd floor. If that is closed, there is a back-up observatory on the 99th floor.
The Skydeck is open from 9 am – 10 pm in summer and 10 am – 8 pm in winter. The best time to visit is either early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the long lines.
About one hour before sunset you can view the city in the daytime, twilight, and nighttime, along with dramatic sunsets on clear days.
You’ll see the city, Lake Michigan, the Chicago River and Wacker Drive. On a clear day, you can even see FOUR surrounding states, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
Purchase skip-the-line tickets with 24-hour cancellation to the Skydeck at Willis Tower.
Tickets:
TIP: Save 20% off the general admission if you combine Chicago 360 with another Chicago attraction with Smart Destination’s Build-Your-Own Discount.
Entry to Chicago 360 is also included at no additional cost with the purchase of the CityPass booklet as well as the Huge Chicago Savings Pass, which combines access to 2 days on hop-on-hop-off bus service, and the Adler Planetarium.
Unique Features:
For the Kids
The Willis Tower is also a great place for kids to have fun learning.
A number of engaging activities that allow them to explore the building in an interactive way without realizing they are learning are a major plus available for every age group.
From coloring books for the very young to the quizzes and interesting fact sheets for those older ones, children will be engaged from the moment they step in the front door.
Kids young and old will enjoy the scavenger hunt activity as they stand in the glass box and overlook the city in search of a number of listed items.
The list for the scavenger hunt and other interactive activities for kids can be downloaded and printed from home before you arrive at the Tower.
Even before they reach the Skydeck itself, they can take in the sites of the knee-high exhibits created just for them.
With interactive floor displays that can place them right into the scene of many historical events that have happened in the city over the years, there will be plenty of experiences they will remember for a lifetime.
Imagine standing on the pitcher’s mound at Wrigley Field or another experience your child will find himself completely immersed in.
Hours: October through March 10 am-8 pm; April through September 9 am-10 pm (Last entry 30 minutes prior to closing)
Address: 233 S. Wacker Dr. (map)
Before You Buy
We love Skydeck for The Ledge (free!) and the great Chicago-themed gift store when you exit.
Instead of paying the outrageous price for Fastpass, we suggest you arrive at open, with a pre-purchased admission ticket.
You will still get immediate access to the elevators after walking through a museum exhibit and brief introductory (optional) movie experience.
Also, if you plan to purchase the CityPass booklet, the Go Chicago Card, or the Chicago Explorer, please note that the Skydeck is already included in these tourist attraction passes.
Hancock Building Observatory, 875 N. Michigan Ave, 94th Floor.
Now the 360* Observatory, takes you up 1000 feet (305 m) to view not only the city skyline of Chicago and Lake Michigan, but also four neighboring states (Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan).
From 9 am for the early birds until 11 pm for the night owls, you can rise 94 floors into the Hancock Building.
For the truly brave, there is TILT!, a section of windows built to tilt outwards by 30* for a unique experience as if you were leaning out of the building. (This is at an additional cost.)
TIP: Entry is included at no additional cost for holders of the CityPass booklet, Go Card, Explorer Pass, and several other options.
Read our post comparing the different Chicago tourist attraction passes.
Unique Features:
Additional Features:
Prices:
TIP: Save 20% off the general admission if you combine Chicago 360 with another Chicago attraction with Smart Destination’s Build-Your-Own Discount.
Entry to Chicago 360 is also included at no additional cost with the purchase of the CityPass booklet as well as the Triple Play, which combines access to 2 days on hop-on-hop-off bus service and a riverboat cruise.
To purchase tickets to 360 Chicago, click here.
Other ticket options:
Tip: Entry is included at no additional cost for holders of the CityPass booklet, Go Card, Explorer Pass, and several other options. Read our post comparing the different Chicago tourist attraction passes.
Before You Buy
We love 360 Chicago for its location to Magnificent Mile shopping district, the Architect’s Cafe, and the option to come a second time at night for only $4 more.
Keep in mind that the alternative to “Tilt” at Skydeck is “The Ledge”, which is both kid-friendly and free. That extra $8 can be used to buy yourself something nice at the gift store.
Alternatively, you can use the ticket money for dinner or drinks at the Signature Room and Lounge on the 95th and 96th floor.
The views are spectacular from both floors of this establishment, but your ease of movement is not.
To purchase tickets to 360 Chicago, click here.
The view looking southeast toward Lake Michigan
The view northeast from the Willis Tower Skydeck with the Hancock Building to the left.
View from the Willis Tower Ledge
The view north with Oak Street Beach at the bottom and Lincoln Park at the top of the image
The view south with the Willis Tower on the right and the Trump Building in the center.
The view east toward Lake Michigan and the Navy Pier.
West view during sunset.