The Incredible Willis Tower
Willis Tower has graced the Chicago skyline for over 50 years. Once the tallest building in the world, today it provides the best view in the country with the highest observation deck in the U.S. Learn more about Willis Tower with Skydeck Chicago. We’re one of the top attractions in the city, combining a multi-million dollar Chicago museum that ranks among the best in town with a remarkable 50-mile view from our observation deck. On a clear day, you can see into 4 states!
1730
2nd
110
4
100+
Up To 20,000
Standing Tall
We have the highest observation deck in the U.S. WE'RE Formerly the tallest building in the world for 25 years, AND we're currently 12th tallest in the world
Willis Tower stands among giants, as a cultural landmark and iconic Chicago attraction. The tower is much more than the tallest observation deck in the western hemisphere and the tallest building for over 25 years, it is a bustling community of business, tourism, and culture. It is home to large well-known companies as well as hundreds of thriving businesses. It is a building with retail and commercial office space at heart but also inspires millions of visitors to take in the amazing view of the city and experience the breathtaking Ledge and the all new interactive multi-million-dollar museum.
Storied History
Since 1973, the Willis Tower has captivated Chicago and the world, holding the title of the tallest building for nearly 25 years. Today, it’s the 3rd largest tower in the nation with the best view in the United States.
Formerly called the Sears Tower, this architectural marvel was commissioned in 1969 by Sears Roebuck and Company, which was the largest retailer in the world at the time. They claimed the Sears Tower as their headquarters until 1989. The name of the building remained “The Sears Tower” until 2009, when it was purchased by London-based insurance broker, the Willis Group.
This remarkable skyscraper has an interesting history and compelling future, as the refined dining retail center, Catalog, and efforts to make the building more environmentally friendly continue to shape what’s next.
Learn More
Once at the top, the views are breathtaking. The Skydeck offers panoramic vistas of Chicago, spanning up to four states on a clear day. The Ledge, a glass balcony extending 4.3 feet outside the building, provides a thrilling perspective of the city below. Standing on The Ledge, 1,353 feet above the ground, is an exhilarating experience that truly makes you feel like you're floating in the air.
I appreciated the presence of food stalls, which made it convenient to grab a bite amidst the sightseeing. Given the high number of tourists, the time allocated for each group to take photos at The Ledge is limited to 90 seconds. While this may seem short, it ensures that everyone gets a chance to enjoy the experience. If you want more time, you can queue up again, which is manageable but something to be aware of.
Overall, my visit to The Ledge at Skydeck Willis Tower was memorable. The combination of stunning views, thrilling elevator ride, and convenient food options made it a worthwhile experience. Despite the brief photo time, I would highly recommend this attraction to anyone visiting Chicago.
