Willis Tower Skydeck is the observation deck on the 103rd floor of Chicago's iconic Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), rising 1,353 feet (412 m) above street level — the highest public observation deck in the United States. Its signature attraction, The Ledge, consists of glass balconies that extend about 4.3 feet beyond the building's edge, letting visitors feel suspended in mid-air above the Loop. As of July 2026 the Skydeck remains one of Chicago's most visited attractions, drawing roughly 1.5-1.7 million guests a year, with visitor areas upgraded in a 2022 renovation. On a clear day the view stretches across Lake Michigan to four states — Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin — so it's worth timing your visit for good weather.
The Ledge: glass balconies cantilevered roughly 4.3 ft (1.3 m) beyond the building, with a clear floor 1,353 ft above the street
Panoramic views that can reach four states (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin) across Lake Michigan on a clear day
Exhibits explaining Fazlur Khan's bundled-tube structural design that made the tower possible
Sightlines that take in the Loop, the Chicago River, and the Lake Michigan shoreline together
The roughly 60-second high-speed elevator ride up to the 103rd floor
Good to know
SafetyThe tower can be felt swaying in high winds, and The Ledge's transparent glass floor can be unsettling if you have a fear of heights or glass floors — decide in advance whether you want to step out onto it
SafetyExpect airport-style security screening at entry; there are no lockers on site, so keep bags and belongings to a minimum
SeasonSummer (May-Sept) and weekends bring the longest lines; in winter the queue itself is indoors, but pre-entry waits outside can still expose you to Chicago's sharp wind chill, so dress warmly
RulesEntry requires a timed ticket in 30-minute windows booked in advance; walk-up tickets often sell out, so reserve through the official site before you go
MannersLines for photos form quickly on The Ledge, so be considerate of other visitors waiting their turn
CautionIgnore unofficial street vendors near the tower offering 'skip-the-line' tickets or guided tours; buy only through theskydeck.com or a verified authorized reseller
CautionNo tip is expected for standard Skydeck admission; only guided tours customarily receive a 15-20% tip
Practical info
From O'Hare (ORD) or Midway (MDW) airports, take the CTA Blue or Orange Line into downtown, then walk or transfer to reach 233 S. Wacker Dr.; paid parking garages are available a short walk from the entrance. Ticket prices, hours, and entry policies change seasonally, so check the official Skydeck website for the latest details before your visit.
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