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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.

Skydeck Chicago view from the ledge on 103 Floor
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 in Chicago Illinois USA
Willis Tower is seen from its base
Looking up at the four ledge boxes sticking off the Willis Tower in Chicago, USA
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.

View of Chicago from the 103 floor on the Skydeck Chicago in the Willis Tower

View of Chicago from the 103 floor on the Skydeck Chicago in the Willis Tower

View of Chicago from the 103 floor on the Skydeck Chicago in the Willis Tower

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 ledge on 103 Floor in the Willis Tower, Chicago
Skydeck Chicago’s the Ledge on 103 floor
Skydeck Chicago ledges on 103 Floor in the Willis Tower, Chicago Illinois, USA
Standing on one of the Ledge boxes and viewing the other Ledges.
The Ledge on Skydeck Chicago retacts
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 of Skydeck Chicago, USA
Having a bit of fun out on the Ledge.
Photo by Jeff Albom
Skydeck Chicago Ledge, professional shot
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 Skydeck Chicago? Have you walked out on the Ledge? Would you?

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Skydeck Chicago view from the Ledge on 103 Floor. I went out in the glass box, would you

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

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Comments

  1. Great read. I certainly would love to do this. Not sure if I can convince my wife to join me. Our two boys would probably have a go.
    Thanks for writing about it. Never would have know otherwise.
    Cheers
    James

    Reply

  2. Not only could i not do that, I wouldn’t even be able to stand and watch other people do it. If my family wanted to, i would have to walk away. good for you for being brave.

    Reply

  4. That looks like an incredible view, luckily neither Corinne nor I are scared of heights so I don’t think we’d have a problem. Our daughter, Erika, however, would never even go near that box!

    Reply

  5. That is quite the view! I am not quite scared of heights but it would take a little convincing for me to get onto the platform.

    Reply

  6. NEVER! I couldn’t possibly! It’s strange how happy I look to be there in your pictures though…

    Reply

  13. Love the pics! I went up to the top floor in the 70s with my high school French club. We went at night and the view with all the city lights was gorgeous. Long before the boxes were built, though. Would I go in one now? Umm…probably not. 😉

    Reply

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