Best Places to Watch the Sunrise
There’s nothing quite as beautiful as the Chicago skyline at sunrise. After all, downtown is set against the backdrop of Lake Michigan, which is located east of downtown. At sunrise, the sun comes up across the lake, which reflects the light in all kinds of pink and blues hues. Meanwhile, skyscrapers of the skyline reflect the early morning light with their own dazzling gleam. It’s quite a sight, which is why we’ve put together a list of what we think are the best places to watch the sunrise in Chicago.
And of course, if you want the most spectacular view, head to the top of Willis Tower and take in a view of Lake Michigan, all of Chicagoland and four states at Skydeck Chicago from “The Ledge”!
Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary
Head to Montrose Beach in the Uptown neighborhood. Here, you’ll find a wooded nature preserve called “The Magic Hedge.” The Hedge is inhabited by woodpeckers, cardinals, sparrows, owls, purple martins, and the tens of thousands of migratory birds that use the preserve as an over-night motel on their journey south. You’ll also find flourishing butterfly populations. Best of all, the sanctuary is located on a peninsula that juts out into Lake Michigan and provides an unobstructed view of both the sunrise on the lake, as well as downtown Chicago. This is truly one of the best places to watch the sunrise in Chicago.
Adler Planetarium
The Adler Planetarium is located on Chicago’s Museum Campus. Like Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, the campus is situated on a peninsula that extends farther into the lake, providing unobstructed views. Below the planetarium, you’ll find a lawn that descends a hill to some terraces where locals often relax. This spot is a local favorite because it offers what many think is the best view of the Chicago skyline. Here, you get a full of view of the lake from the east, and to the west, a broad view of the city from shoulder to shoulder. You’ll be able to see the Chicago skyline in sunrise as the light first grazes the lakeside face of downtown.
Chicago River Walk
The Chicago River Walk cuts right through the heart of the skyline, bisecting Chicago’s Magnificent Mile and what is properly known as “The Loop.” No, you won’t get a holistic view of downtown or the lake during the sunrise. Why, then, does the Chicago River Walk rank among the best Chicago sunrise spots in the city? From this vantage point, you can see the sunlight break through a crack in the skyline, pour over the river, and spread through a canyon of some of the most beautiful skyscrapers in all of Chicago.
See the Chicago Skyline Sunrise from the 103rd Floor of Willis Tower
The best place to watch the sunrise in Chicago is from “The Ledge” at Skydeck Chicago. Our viewing lounge is on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower at 1,353 feet in the air, and provides one of the best views in the world. We guarantee this view is the best view of the sunrise in Chicago. Before you head over, however, check some of our other recommendations when it comes to things to do in Chicago, like our top picks for Chicago tourist attractions!