Skydeck at Willis Tower

About

Skydeck Chicago sits on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the Western Hemisphere. From this height, you can see up to four states on a clear day - Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan - spread out in every direction. It's a view that puts Chicago's famous skyline, lakefront, and grid of neighborhoods into breathtaking perspective.

The experience begins on the ground floor, where interactive exhibits walk you through Chicago's history, architecture, and culture as you make your way toward the elevators. These high-speed elevators whisk you to the top in about 60 seconds. Once there, floor-to-ceiling windows wrap around the observation deck, giving you panoramic views of the city and Lake Michigan.

The signature attraction is The Ledge - a set of glass boxes that extend 4.3 feet out from the building's facade. Standing on The Ledge, you're looking straight down through clear glass at the streets far below. It's exhilarating, and it makes for unforgettable photos. If stepping onto glass over a 100-story drop sounds intense, you can take your time or simply enjoy the views from the main deck instead.

Skydeck offers interactive touchscreens and multimedia displays that help you identify landmarks across the cityscape. There's also a gift shop and a cafe-style area where you can grab a snack and take in the scenery at a more relaxed pace.

For practical planning, Skydeck is open year-round, though hours vary by season. Purchasing tickets online in advance is recommended, especially during summer weekends and holidays, when wait times can stretch. Morning visits on weekdays tend to be the least crowded. Willis Tower is located at 233 South Wacker Drive in downtown Chicago, easily reached by CTA trains, buses, or car. Parking garages are nearby, and rideshare drop-off is straightforward.

Whether you're a first-time visitor to Chicago or a longtime resident who's never made the trip up, Skydeck delivers one of the most memorable views in the Midwest.

Accessibility

Skydeck Chicago is completely accessible and ADA compliant. All areas of the observation deck, including The Ledge glass boxes, are accessible to visitors using wheelchairs, scooters, and strollers. Ramps and elevators throughout the facility ensure barrier-free access from the ground floor to the 103rd-floor deck.

The elevators are large enough to accommodate wheelchairs comfortably. A limited number of complimentary wheelchairs are available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis, so visitors who need one but don't have their own can still enjoy the full experience.

Skydeck is certified Sensory Compliant by KultureCity, meaning it has taken steps to accommodate visitors with sensory sensitivities, including autism and PTSD. This certification typically involves staff training in sensory awareness and the availability of sensory bags with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, and other calming items. Check with guest services upon arrival for current sensory resources.

A wheelchair-accessible parking garage is located within one block of Willis Tower, making arrival convenient for visitors who drive. The building's downtown location also means accessible CTA train stations and bus stops are nearby.

For the most current details on specific accommodations, assistive devices, or to arrange any special assistance for your visit, contact Skydeck Chicago directly before your trip.

More accessible places in Illinois

• Adler Planetarium (Chicago)
• National Museum of Mexican Art (Chicago)
• Museum of Science and Industry (Chicago)
• DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center (Chicago)
• Garfield Park Conservatory (Chicago)
• Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (Chicago)