Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower is the highest observation deck in the United States — 1,353 feet above the city on the 103rd floor of the iconic skyscraper formerly known as the Sears Tower. The views stretch 50+ miles across four states. But the reason everyone comes is The Ledge.
The Ledge is a series of glass balconies that extend 4.3 feet outside the building's facade from the 103rd floor. Step onto it and the transparent floor puts 1,353 feet of open air between your feet and the street below. It's the most thrilling 90 seconds in Chicago. Book your Skydeck + Ledge tickets on Thrillark and reach the top of America.
The Ledge is a series of glass balconies that extend 4.3 feet outside the building's facade from the 103rd floor. Step onto it and the transparent floor puts 1,353 feet of open air between your feet and the street below. It's the most thrilling 90 seconds in Chicago. Book your Skydeck + Ledge tickets on Thrillark and reach the top of America.
Key Highlights
- America's highest observation deck — 1,353 feet above Chicago on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower
- The Ledge — glass balconies extending 4.3 feet outside the building, 103 stories up
- 360° views spanning up to 50 miles on a clear day — Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan
- High-speed elevator to the 103rd floor in under 60 seconds at 1,600 feet per minute
- Immersive multi-level museum exhibits on Chicago's history, architecture, and neighborhoods
- Views of Navy Pier, Wrigley Field, Millennium Park, and Lake Michigan
- Located in the heart of Chicago's Loop — easy access from anywhere downtown
- 1.7 million+ visitors annually — one of Chicago's most iconic experiences
About Skydeck Chicago and The Ledge Ticket
Willis Tower is Chicago's answer to the world's great skyscrapers — and for nearly 25 years it held the title of the tallest building on earth. Even now, stripped of that record, it remains the most dramatic building in the Chicago skyline and the only observation deck in America that reaches 1,353 feet.
The experience begins at ground level with a recently redesigned museum-style exhibit space that traces the history of Chicago through the city's neighbourhoods, food, music, architecture, and the building itself. Interactive displays keep it engaging for all ages, and the multi-room journey builds anticipation for the high-speed elevator ride to follow.
At 1,600 feet per minute, the elevator reaches the 103rd floor in under 60 seconds. Then the sky opens up. On a clear day, the view stretches 50 miles in every direction — four states visible simultaneously, Lake Michigan glittering to the east, the city grid spreading endlessly west. And then there's The Ledge. The glass balconies extend 4.3 feet outside the building, with a transparent floor. Each group gets approximately 90 seconds in The Ledge — but you can re-queue as many times as you like. Book your tickets on Thrillark and reach the top.
The experience begins at ground level with a recently redesigned museum-style exhibit space that traces the history of Chicago through the city's neighbourhoods, food, music, architecture, and the building itself. Interactive displays keep it engaging for all ages, and the multi-room journey builds anticipation for the high-speed elevator ride to follow.
At 1,600 feet per minute, the elevator reaches the 103rd floor in under 60 seconds. Then the sky opens up. On a clear day, the view stretches 50 miles in every direction — four states visible simultaneously, Lake Michigan glittering to the east, the city grid spreading endlessly west. And then there's The Ledge. The glass balconies extend 4.3 feet outside the building, with a transparent floor. Each group gets approximately 90 seconds in The Ledge — but you can re-queue as many times as you like. Book your tickets on Thrillark and reach the top.
Inclusions
- Admission to Skydeck Chicago
- Admission to The Ledge
Exclusions
- Food and beverages (available in the Willis Tower food court in the lobby)
- Hotel transfers and transportation
- Parking
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Insiders' Tips
Visit just after opening (11:00 AM) or after 5:00 PM for the shortest queues and best availability on The Ledge. Sunset visits offer the most spectacular combination of day and night views. Arrive 15–20 minutes before your booked time — security screening is similar to an airport. You get 90 seconds on The Ledge per turn, but you can rejoin the queue as many times as you like — most people go 2–3 times.
Additional Information
Child Policy
- Children under the age of 3 enjoy free entry
- All visitors go through security screening similar to airport procedures.
- Arrive 15 minutes before your timed entry slot.
- Fully ADA compliant
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
Cancellation Policy
Non-refundable: All bookings are final once confirmed. Please review your travel dates carefully before completing your purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Ledge and how thick is the glass?
The Ledge is a series of glass balconies that extend 4.3 feet outside the Willis Tower facade from the 103rd floor. The glass floor and walls are 1.5 inches thick and rated to hold 10,000 pounds. Each group spends approximately 90 seconds on The Ledge per turn, but you can re-queue and return as many times as you like during your visit.
How high is Skydeck Chicago?
Skydeck Chicago is located at 1,353 feet (412 meters) above street level on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower. It is the highest observation deck in the United States — higher than One World Observatory in New York.
How many states can you see?
On a clear day, you can see across four states: Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Visibility is typically best in the morning before any haze develops.
How long should I plan for my visit?
Allow 1.5–2 hours for a full visit, including the museum exhibits, the elevator, the observation deck, and multiple turns on The Ledge. If you visit during peak times, queue times for The Ledge can add to this.
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