Willis Tower SkyDeck Chicago Tickets - Prices and Visitor Information
What Is Willis Tower SkyDeck Chicago and the Ledge?
- Willis Tower Skydeck in Chicago is one of the most famous observation decks in the world, offering panoramic views from the 103rd floor of one of the tallest buildings in the Western Hemisphere.
- Step onto The Ledge, a series of glass-floor balconies extending out from the tower, and look straight down at Chicago from over 1,300 feet in the air.
- The experience offers some of the best skyline views in Chicago and is one of the city’s most popular photo spots.
Is Willis Tower SkyDeck Chicago Worth Visiting?
It is one of the most popular attractions in Chicago and visitors can enjoy:
- Step onto The Ledge glass boxes
- 360° views of Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan & up to 4 states
- Ride one of the fastest elevators in the world
- Interactive museum-style exhibits before the deck
- Iconic photo location from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Best Time to Visit Willis Tower Skydeck
Different times of day offer different views:
- Early mornings usually have the shortest queues
- Sunset offers the most dramatic skyline views
- Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends
- Winter often provides the clearest visibility
This is the most popular ticket and includes:
- Includes access to Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower
- Elevator ride to the observation deck
- Access to The Ledge
- Access to the exhibitions and theatre presentation
This combination ticket option includes:
- Willis Tower Chicago Skydeck: Entry Ticket
- 2 other attractions with options including: Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck, Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour, Centennial Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier, Field Museum and the Adler Planetarium
- Saving up to 30% on combined admission costs
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About Willis Tower SkyDeck Chicago
The SkyDeck observation platform at the Willis Tower is in the heart of downtown Chicago. It stands at a height of around 1353 feet (412 meters) on the 103rd floor.
Formerly known as the Sears Tower, the Willis Tower is one of the tallest buildings in the country and the SkyDeck is one of the highest observation decks.
High speed elevators moving at 1600 feet (488 metres) per minute transport you to the observation deck to enjoy the views.
SkyDeck Highlights:
- The Ledge: A series of glass boxes that extend over 4 feet outward from the building and provide visitors with thrilling views straight down to the streets below. Each glass box is made of three layers of half-inch thick glass laminated into one seamless unit, ensuring safety while giving you an unobstructed view. Standing inside the glass boxes with nothing beneath your feet creates one of Chicago’s most thrilling experiences.
- Panoramic Views: On a clear day, visitors can see up to 50 miles away (around 80km) and up to four states including: Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Visitors can also enjoy incredible views of the city and the coastline including the harbour below and watch as the ships and boats come and go.
- Interactive Exhibits: The observation deck has interactive exhibits showing the history of Chicago and the construction of the Willis Tower.
SkyDeck History
- Willis Tower Construction: The Willis Tower was completed in 1973 and proudly held the title of the ‘world's tallest building’ until 1998.
- SkyDeck Opening: The building has been a tourist attraction since it opened, but "The Ledge" was added in 2009 to enhance the experience.
- Re-naming of the building: The building was originally known as the Sears Tower. In 2009, it was renamed Willis Tower after a London-based insurance company acquired naming rights.
SkyDeck Chicago is popular year-round thanks to its incredible panoramic views.