Skydeck Chicago: I Walked Out on the Ledge – Would You?

That first step out onto the Skydeck Chicago Ledge is a bit unnerving. The glass juts out over four feet from the 103 floor of the highest observation deck in the United States. At 1,353 feet up it’s surreal to look straight down.

One of the professional shots taken of my sister and me by the team at Skydeck Chicago.

Our adventure actually started out on the ground level of the Willis Tower. I was a teenager when it (then the Sears Tower) was built, and it was exciting to go up into the then tallest building in the world. For me, it defines Chicago’s skyline, and is a must see on my rare visits to the city of my birth.

Willis Tower is seen from its base

Looking up (with a zoom lens) at the four Skydeck Chicago Ledge boxes sticking off the Willis Tower, each has visitors standing in them.

The ground flour is filled with interesting exhibits reminding us that Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, of people, and of community. It highlights the city’s sports, culture, and architectural heritage with fun interactive displays allowing us to get a different perspective on the tower. One of my favorites was the ability to measure the tower using Micheal Jordan, Oprah Winfry, or other unusual measurement standards.  In case you are wondering, the Willis Tower is 262 Micheal Jordan’s tall.

It took only 60 seconds to get from the ground to the 103 floor. From that height the views are up to 50 miles and can include up to four states (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin). Skydeck Chicago attracts more than 1 million visitors annually.

Following the success of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, there were hundreds of forehead prints left on the windows every week. This, plus a Vegas walkout inspired the new Skydeck Chicago General Manager to create the Ledge.  It took a year of engineering and six months of construction to create the four boxes. Each is designed with a 1.5 inch glass floor fully tempered to hold a five ton load.

It not only draws locals and tourists but also a bit of romance. There have been over 800 marriage proposals and 50 weddings.

Skydeck Chicago’s the Ledge on 103 floor

Standing on one of the Ledge boxes and viewing the other Ledges.

The Ledge retracts as the tower’s window washing system runs down from the top, and the “boxes” were in the way.

Having a bit of fun out on the Ledge.
Photo by Jeff Albom

This is how the photos available for purchase appear.

Practical Information:

• Skydeck Chicago is the observation deck of the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower). The Ledge refers to the glass boxes that cantilever from the building.
• Willis Tower is located at 233 South Wacker Drive in Chicago, Illinois.
• The Skydeck Chicago is open every day with seasonal hours: April through September from 9am-10pm and October through March from 10am-8pm.
• General admission tickets will get you to the top and out on the Ledge, purchase Fast Pass tickets to avoid the queue, or have a meal out on the Ledge.
• Now the second tallest building in the USA, the Willis Tower was the tallest building in the world for over 25 years.
• You can purchase “Save Ferris” t-shirts amongst the Skydeck souvenirs available at the gift shop.
• While I don’t always get the professional photos, the ones taken on the Ledge are really fun. Shot from an angle high up, they really capture the atmosphere.
• If you still want more information check out their official website here.

Have you been to the Skydeck Chicago? Have you walked out on the Ledge? Would you?

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Disclaimer: I was provided with a complementary entry and a private tour, however the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.