Skydeck Chicago and The Ledge

Skydeck Chicago is the observation deck on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower, 233 S Wacker Dr in the Loop, Chicago, Illinois, United States, standing 1,353 feet above the street. The activity is a thrill-oriented sightseeing visit rather than a physical adventure, so no fitness level or skill is required and the experience suits all ages. The main attraction is The Ledge, a set of glass boxes extending about four feet from the building, which lets visitors stand over the street with a clear floor beneath their feet. The Ledge is included with general admission, which is about $32 USD for adults and $24 USD for children aged 3-11, with expedited entry available from about $55 USD. On clear days the view reaches up to four states: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin. The entrance is on Jackson Boulevard, where visitors pass through security and ride high-speed elevators to the deck. No equipment is needed, though a camera without flash helps because the glass reflects, and visitors are asked to wear shoe covers or follow staff instructions on the glass boxes. The operator is Skydeck Chicago, which manages the deck inside Willis Tower, a major downtown building with full-time security and building staff. Safety is handled by the building's evacuation systems, trained staff and limits on how many people may enter The Ledge at once. The deck is open year-round, with hours roughly 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. in warmer months and shorter hours in winter. The best season is any time with clear visibility, and early morning, midweek and the hour before sunset give the best light. Conditions to avoid are fog, low cloud and heavy rain, which reduce visibility and make the trip less worthwhile, and peak summer weekends bring long queues. Visitors typically spend 45 to 90 minutes. Booking online ahead of time reduces wait time at the ticket desk.